Looking back at Carl Levin's years in politics

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich, takes a photo as President Barack Obama speaks at Detroit Diesel in Redford on Dec. 10, 2012. The Detroit Democrat, who chose not to seek re-election, said he plans to return to the state when he wraps up a political career that has focused on the military, manufacturing and other issues.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin and ranking member Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., talk during a hearing about worldwide threats to the security of the United States on Capitol Hill Feb. 16, 2012. He has “made a major contribution to the nation’s security,” said McCain, who disagreed with Levin on many issues but still forged an amiable working relationship.

Sen. Carl Levin's departure, along with the retirements of U.S. Reps. John Dingell of Dearborn, Mike Rogers of Howell and Dave Camp of Midland, means the state is losing influence in the nation’s capital.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, left, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin Dempsey and Carl Levin after a hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill Sept 16, 2014. Senators questioned the top military and civilian leaders about the threat posed by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL.

Carl Levin celebrates with wife Barbara after defeating GOP U.S. Sen. Robert Griffin 52-48% to win his first six-year term in the Senate in 1978.

Sen. Carl Levin with Cambodian refugees in Thailand in January 1980.

Carl Levin with his wife, Barbara, and daughters in November 1984.

Sen. Carl Levin debates GOP challenger U.S. Rep. Bill Schuette in 1990, the last year he faced a significant election challenge.

Sen. Cart Levin, center left, is among the dignitaries, including Detroit Mayor Coleman Young, Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and Gov. James Blanchard at an event honoring civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, seated, in Detroit in January 1986.

Sen. Carl Levin greets Helen Forest while campaigning in November 1990.

Sen. Carl Levin campaigns at a Vietnam veterans picnic in July 1990.

Sen. Carl Levin presents a plaque to Aretha Franklin honoring her for contributions to American music and her efforts to combat drunk driving in 1989.

Sen. Carl Levin marches with UAW President Ron Gettelfinger in the annual Labor Day parade down Woodward Avenue in Detroit on Sept. 7, 2009.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama speaks to a crowd at Kettering University in Flint June 16, 2008, with, from left, Rep. Dale Kildee, Rep. John Dingell and his wife Debbie Dingell, Sen. Carl Levin, Lt. Gov John Cherry and Gov Jennifer Granholm

Jennifer Granholm

Sen. Carl Levin speaks at a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama at Hart Plaza on Sept. 1, 2008

Sen. Carl Levin gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, to discuss the auto industry bailout.

General Motors CEO Richard Wagoner takes his seat on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, as Sen. Carl Levin, center, and Rep. Sander Levin, right, talk with an attendee before a hearing on the automotive industry bailout. Levin was a key figure in the financial rescue of General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group in 2008 and 2009.

President Obama's auto czar Ed Montgomery, left, looks on with GM's Gary Cowger, Michigan Rep. Candice Miller, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, GM's Tom Stephens and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as GM Vice President Global Design Ed Welburn gives a tour of the Chevrolet Volt Studio at General Motors Design Friday, May 8, 2009 in Warren.

Sen. Carl Levin arrives at the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Nov. 15, 2012 to attend closed-door meetings before the Senate Select Intelligence Committee regarding ongoing intelligence activities related to the attack on the US diplomatic mission in Benghazi.

From left, Rep. Sander Levin, Col. Bob Schumitz and Sen. Carl Levin inside a Stryker Troop carrier at the U.S. Army TACOM groundbreaking ceremony in Warren, May 18, 2009.

Sen. Carl Levin questions a witness during a hearing of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Nov. 20, 2014.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, is joined by U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, and U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, at the Charity Preview for the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center Friday, Jan. 18, 2013.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin flanked by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., left, and the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., arrive on Capitol Hill Tuesday, June 4, 2013, for the start of a hearing as Congress investigates the growing epidemic of sexual assaults within the military.

Sen. Carl Levin speaks outside the West Wing of the White House after a meeting with President Barack Obama Sept .3, 2013.

U.S Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, left and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing laugh while U.S Sen. Carl Levin speaks during the naming of the ship USS Detroit during a press conference in Detroit, Monday, Oct. 10, 2011.

Sen. Carl Levin, left, accompanied by committee member Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., second from left, greets Marine Gen. James Mattis, commander, U.S. Central Command, center, and Navy Adm. William McRaven, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, right, on Capitol Hill March 5, 2013, prior to the start of the committee's hearing to review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2014 and the Future Years Defense Program.

Sen. Carl Levin talks with Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., on Capitol Hill Feb. 12, 2013, at the start of a hearing on the looming cuts to the defense budget.