Rubley won't seek reelection in 2008

Another veteran Pennsylvania legislator is calling it quits.

Rep. Carole A. Rubley (R-Chester/Montgomery) announced late Tuesday she does not intend to seek reelection to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives when her term expires in 2008.

Rubley has represented the 157th House District since 1992.

She currently is the minority chair of the House Children and Youth Committee and also serves on the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, the House Republican Policy Committee and the PENNVEST Board.

"I have been very honored to serve in the House of Representatives for the past 15 years and I thank all of the voters for giving me this opportunity," Rubley said in a written statement. "I have enjoyed working on many important legislative initiatives that have been signed into law."

Rubley said serving on Gov. Tom Ridge's 21st Century Environment Commission, and more recently, on the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform, have been especially meaningful to her.

"Now I would like to spend more time with my family and pursue other areas of interest," she said.

Rubley is serving her eighth two-year term in the state House. The 157th District includes the townships of Schuylkill and Tredyffrin and the borough of Phoenixville in Chester County and parts of Lower Providence and West Norriton townships in Montgomery County.

Rubley's departure is the latest among veteran lawmakers who are leaving the General Assembly, including Sen. Gib Armstrong in Lancaster County and Rep. David Steil in Bucks County. Another longtime Chester County legislator, Rep. Art Hershey, is also planning to leave the House after 2008.