European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - August 28, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Friday August 2b, 1967page 4 the stars and stripes  Proxmire won t seek re election in 1988 Madison. Wis. A sen. William Proxmire. Who earned a reputation As a critic of excessive govern ment spending with his Golden fleece award announced thursday thai he will nol seek re election in 1988."it s been a great Job because you can Advance tic interests of inc  said the Veteran Democrat,71. At a packed news conference. He made the announcement on the 30th anniversary of his election 10 the so talc to succeed the late sen. Joseph Mccarthy. Proxmire said he is retiring because i am 71 years old. I d be 73 when i took office for a new term in1989. I d be almost 80 years old when i retired in 1994 or whenever it  he said he is in Good health now. Proxmire is noted for his monthly attacks on government spending his Devotion to physical fitness and his Low spending re election campaigns. He is third in seniority among . Senators and is chairman of the Senate banking housing and Urban affairs commit republicans and democrats alike expressed Surprise at Proxmire s announcement he said he had not consulted his family or told any friends of his decision. This is a very very difficult decision believe me pro Mirc said. The decision is expected to set off a free for All in both panics for the nomination. Proxmire said wis Consin has a wealth of qualified people to run for the . Senate. Potential democratic candidates Are excellent he said. They have Energy and they have  made a dramatic Entrance on the National scene when he upset former Republican gov. Walter j. Kohler or. In a 1957 special election for the scat left vacant by Mccarthy s death. The Odds against me were 15-1" in that election Proxmire recalled in an interview wednesday. I car ried nine of the 10 congressional  the Long Odds stemmed in pan from a reputation he was earning As a loser following three defeats for Gover nor. Proxmire won re election in 1958. 1964, 1970,1976 and 1982, capturing 60 to 70 percent of the votes ill the last three elections. He held the banking committee chairmanship from 1975 until 1981 when republicans gained control of the scale then was renamed chairman when democrats regained control in january.  3j7\.iiu1ii�. 1hj a a. Of a Nunn decides against seeking presidency in 88 ,. R i a. I 4 m