>> analysis & opinion Senate Strength Carl Levin's dignity, stature rooted in family values. A member of one of Michigan's more prominent and iconic political families, Carl Levin, 78, has served America with skill, smarts and sensitivity in his six terms as a U.S. sena- tor representing the Great Lakes State. He's a Senate force with the ability to command respect on both sides of the Senate aisle, a sign of his family's time-tested appre- ciation for achiev- ing balance over bluster. Robert Sklar Says President Contributing Obama: "If you've Editor ever worn the uniform, worked a shift on an assem- bly line or sacrificed to make ends meet, then you've had a voice and a vote in Sen. Carl Levin. No one has worked harder to bring manufacturing jobs back to our shores, close unfair tax loopholes and ensure that everyone plays by the same set of rules:' No matter how turbulent Capitol Hill is, the Democratic senator has a knack for turning on the charm and humor with his close-knit family. Levin, a native Detroiter, is best known for leadership in helping bail out General Motors and Chrysler from economic dis- tress and in chairing the Senate Armed Services Committee. He opposed giving congressional authorization to the 2003 invasion of Iraq (preferring to give U.N. inspectors more time to find evidence of weapons of mass destruction). He has been a staunch supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship and was integral in the emi- gration battle waged by Soviet Jews. It's crucial that he, as a trusted adviser, presses the president to keep pressure on Iran and its nuclear arms ambition. High Principles Levin's virtue represents the best from an era when many of America's most talented aspired for careers in public service. Only a politician with the wisdom of Solomon would know when to call it quits as Michigan's senior senator did in announc- ing on March 7 he wouldn't vie for a sev- enth six-year term in 2014. His departure will weaken Michigan's congressional clout, but the National Republican Senatorial Committee sees a bright light. In a statement, it declared: "Politically, Sen. Levin's decision knocks 26 March 28 • 2013 In the U.S. Senate, Carl Levin has embraced a resourceful dignity over a roughshod style. a Democratic Senate already on defense far back on their heels and offers us a real pickup opportunity." Levin is still zestful, but understands it's time to welcome a new generation into the political cauldron of the U.S. Senate. His wife of more than 50 years, Barbara, their three married daughters and their six grandchildren certainly deserve more time with the man with the sometimes rumpled look who may well be the modern-day conscience of the U.S. Senate, in deference to his mentor, Philip Hart, the Michigan senator who served from 1959 until his death in 1976. "I am very proud of Philip Hart Carl and his long period of service in the Senate Barbara told the JN. "He has always brought great integrity, energy and intelligence to his work. The longer he has served, the prouder I've become. Barbara Levin "Given Carl's energy and many interests" she added, "I don't expect him to be home that much more after he leaves the Senate. But I am hopeful we'll have more time to pur- sue some of those interests together" Driven To Serve Carl cut his political spurs serving as unofficial campaign manager for his older brother Sander's successful 1964 run for a Senate seat in the Michigan Legislature. Four years later, Carl successfully ran for the Detroit City Council. It was a time when Americans were still energized by President John F. Kennedy's "Don't ask what your country do for you; ask what you can do for your country" plea in his 1960 inaugural address. It was a time when parents would sit around the dinner table, discuss current events with their children and encourage them to try to improve their communities, country and world. It was a time when the Peace Corps took root. Growing up, Carl and Sander enjoyed interacting with their parents, Bess and Saul, but always looked forward to Sundays with relatives in the family's Detroit home — on LaSalle Boulevard and later on Boston Boulevard. The din- ner hour typically featured lively political discussions inspired by the national radio program Drew Pearson Comments. Bess and Saul were Zionists who believed strongly in giving their children a Jewish education; both of their boys became bar mitzvah at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. Sander has been a life- long Shaarey Zedek member. In 1977, Carl helped found the Reconstructionist Congregation T'Chiyah in Detroit; the con- gregation moved to Oak Park in 2004. Public service is inbred in the Levin family legacy. Saul served on the Michigan Corrections Commission; an uncle, Theodore, was chief judge for the U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan; a cousin, Charles, was a Michigan Supreme Court justice. Sander's son Andrew served Michigan as the state's first workforce offi- cer under Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Another cousin, Avern Cohn, is a current U.S. District Court judge for Eastern Michigan. "Carl Levin's role in the public life of Michigan and of the nation has set a stan- dard that few have ever in the past, or indeed in Judge Cohn the future, will come close to" Cohn told the JN. "The Jewish people should be particu- larly proud of having contributed Carl to the public weal — the public wellbeing" Upward Bound Borrowing from Jewish tradition, family ties and values have been at the center of the universe for the Levin brothers, who today remain the best of friends. The Harvard Law School graduates joined Congress within four years of one another. Carl joined the Senate in 1978.