While Sen. John McCain may have called himself the original maverick, Ohio’s own version announced Monday that he won’t be seeking re-election.

U.S. Sen. George Voinovich has said he will call it quits, capping a storied career in Ohio politics.

Ohioans should be proud of the man who built a reputation on voting his conscience and not just toeing the Republican line. Voinovich has left a positive mark on Ohio and his legacy should reflect that.

After serving as mayor of Cleveland, Voinovich was a two-term Ohio governor before serving two terms in the U.S. Senate.

Voinovich was considered the favorite if he was going to seek a third term, and his decision to retire might even put the GOP in a bind as it tries to keep the Dems from taking another Senate seat.

This is yet another example of how Voinovich followed his own moral compass and did what he thought was best, in this case making the decision to spend more time with his family.

With a track record of opposing President Bush on a number of issues, Voinovich was a strong supporter of the recent auto industry bailouts even though he was among the minority in his own party.

We expect that the fact Voinovich won’t be angling for re-election will only further encourage him to follow his heart and do what he thinks is right, regardless of where his fellow Republicans fall.

Of course he isn’t perfect but Voinovich has embodied what our nation needs from a public servant.

Ohio — and the entire nation — will miss his leadership and willingness to do what he feels is right.