Retiring Sen. Paul Sarbanes reflects on his career

In Suite 309 of the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, boxes are being packed up, photos and pictures are coming off the walls and being covered with bubble wrap, and the career of Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Maryland?s longest-serving senator, is coming to a close. On Jan. 4, for the first time in 40 years, Sarbanes will not hold elected office ? but he will get to see his son John sworn in to the congressional seat he once held.

“It was the right decision” to retire, Sarbanes told The Examiner Thursday.