Kentucky’s second district state Sen. Bob Leeper says he will not run for re-election in 2014.
The Paducah independent says the decision to step away from office was difficult.
"It's a complete change of course, so it's not easy to do," Leeper said "But it comes a time when you realize it's time and you should give someone else a chance. There's a lot of good people out here I think that may step up and run, and I look forward to seeing who makes that decision."
Leeper has represented Ballard, McCracken and Marshall counties in the state legislature for more than two decades. Leeper chaired the powerful Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee.
Before the state Senate, he served as Paducah City Commissioner and practiced as a chiropractor. Leeper said he will return to medicine when his term is up next December.
