WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. John Hoeven issued the following statement in response to Sen. Kent Conrad’s announcement today that he will retire from the U.S. Senate at the end of his current term:

“Like many North Dakotans, I was surprised to learn today that Senator Kent Conrad will not seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2012. Sen. Conrad called me this morning and we spoke about his plans for the remainder of his term. I thanked him for his service, and told him I look forward to working with him over the next two years on the issues important to our state and our nation.

“Senator Conrad has served the state of North Dakota for many years, and over that time, he and I have had a good working relationship. Mikey and I wish him and his family the best in any new endeavor he chooses to undertake.”