Lugar to announce his future plans

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - This week, Senator Richard Lugar will answer the question: “What’s next?”

Those who watch Indiana politics have wondered about his future since May. That’s when he lost the Republican primary to State Treasurer Richard Mourdock. 

The loss denied Lugar a chance to seek a seventh term in Washington, D.C. In his concession speech, he said he had no plans to retire from public service.

Friday afternoon’s appearance at the University of Indianapolis will be the setting for “an announcement about his future plans,” according to a release from Lugar’s office Wednesday afternoon. 

Lugar will have a busy weekend.

The office said on Saturday, the Senator will attend the 36th annual Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders, also at UIndy. He has been the host of the event throughout his Senate career. 

More than 400 high school students will listen to Lugar’s views on a variety of topics. The address is described as “the most comprehensive of the year.”

On Sunday evening, the Senator will appear at Marian University to analyze international relations and offer his thoughts about the future.

It’s his own future that will be of special interest to reporters on Friday – especially if they remember his concession speech back in May. Then, he said he “will look forward to new opportunities to serve Indiana and to serve our nation.”

Lugar’s service earned special praise from the White House, recently. 

President Obama honored Lugar and former Senator Sam Nunn for their program that has deactivated thousands of nuclear warheads.  The President called both men “visionaries.” 

To Lugar, President Obama said:

“At times, we’ve disagreed on matters of policy.  But one thing we’ve always shared is a notion of what public service should be. That it ought to be more than just doing what’s popular in the moment.  That it ought to be about what’s right for our nation, over the long term. And that’s the bipartisan tradition that we need more of here in Washington. So, Dick, as you prepare to leave the Senate that you love, I think I speak on behalf of everybody here and millions of people across the country to say that your legacy will endure in a safer and more secure world, and a safer and more secure America.  And we pray that this nation produces more leaders with your sense of decency and civility and integrity. We are grateful to you.”