Harkin plans low-key celebration of 70th birthday

By James Q. Lynch

The Gazette

Sen. Tom Harkin is planning no big celebration of his 70

^th

birthday.

“I'm working,” he said Thursday when asked what his plans were the day.

He also dodged speculation about whether entering his eighth decade would affect his political future. Harkin, who recently moved from chairman of the Senate Ag Committee to chairman of the Health Committee, said he won't “get into running again for a few more years.”

Harkin will be 74 when his term ends in 2014. He is the only Iowa Democrat to be elected to five terms in the U.S. Senate.

“I'm going to continue working,” he said, adding that he is grateful for his health and the support of his family and friends.

“As the Irish say,” Harkin added, “any day on this side of the grass is a good day.”