Eric Bradner, writing for the Evansville Courier Press, is reporting that long time Representative Dennis Avery (D-Evansville) will not be seeking re-election in 2010. He was first elected in 1974 and was a strong advocate for children’s rights.
“It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve Southwestern Indiana,” Avery said in a statement Tuesday announcing his retirement.
“I’m deeply proud of the many ways I have been able to work with leaders and constituents to strengthen and build our communities. As I leave the Legislature, I look forward to continuing to be a voice for the state’s most vulnerable children and for the needs of Southwestern Indiana.”
I had the opportunity to work with him briefly (I think it had to do with fireworks enforcement issues) during my time at LSA. He was courteous, smart, and willing to listen – great qualities in a legislator. I hope his retirement is enjoyable.
That’s two announcements of “non-candidacy” by a very popular Democrat incumbent during the week before the filing deadline. While both of these events present a much higher likelihood that the Republican Party will gain these seats (and I am a Republican), I aslso find them distasteful, as the assumed presence of the non-candidates (due to their late announcemnt) led viable Democratic candidates not to run.