Pocono News Section

Rep. Keith McCall Calling it Quits

Rep. Keith McCall Calling it Quits - Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 4:40PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2010 @ 04:40pm EST
LANSFORD, CARBON COUNTY -- The Speaker of the State House of Representatives, who is from Carbon County, is not seeking another term. Keith McCall made the announcement Tuesday morning.

He says he will retire from the legislature at the end of this year. That's the end of his 14th term.

McCall, who is 50 years old, only became speaker a year ago, so the news has shocked many in the political world.

In a year filled with budget battles and the Bonusgate investigation, some think it’s taken its toll on McCall.

Keystone College Political Professor Jeffrey Brauer said, “I think he senses it’s gonna be a tough year for incumbents, a tough year for Democrats and especially after everything going on – it’s gonna be a big year for reformers."

McCall said his decision to retire was about his family. He has a wife and two children.

McCall's office released the following statement:

"First off I want to say ‘thank you’ to the people of Carbon County for allowing me the honor and the privilege of serving you in Harrisburg," McCall said. "I’m proud to have lived my entire life here, and I hope and pray that my family and I will be here for as long as the Good Lord allows.

"This decision is about my family. I first came to Harrisburg as a single 22-year-old man following in his father’s footsteps. Now I have a wonderful wife and two amazing children – all of whom I owe not only my thanks, but also a lot of missed dinners, football and baseball games, volleyball games and help with homework.

"As much as I care for the institution of the House, I love my family, and it’s long overdue that I put them first. After 2010 is over I know I will miss the House and the wonderful members and staff with whom I’ve been blessed to serve, but, I know in my heart that I am doing the right thing for myself and my family.

"When I was given the honor of serving as House Speaker by the 203 members of the House I had one goal that stood apart from all others – to do everything in my power to help restore the public’s trust in the finest institution of government anywhere in the world. That work is far from finished. The state House traces its roots back 328 years to William Penn’s ‘Holy Experiment’ and I plan to spend the next year – my final year – as House Speaker improving the performance of the People’s House as we continue to fight to create jobs, improve our schools and make our state a better place to live.

"This decision was neither quick nor easy. The House of Representatives has been my life’s work, but – after one more year of very hard work yet to come – it will be time to take another step forward in that life for myself, my family, and my loved ones.

"The whole reason I went to Harrisburg was to make sure ‘regular folks’ had a voice in the Legislature, and I’m very proud of my record – a record that isn’t complete yet. From fighting to invest in our transportation infrastructure – roads, rail and mass transit – to helping protect homeowners from contractor fraud, we were able to make a difference. Plus, the work is far from complete. Besides the 2010-2011 budget, I want to keep working hard to help promote clean, state-produced energy sources, create good-paying jobs and make sure people can afford to see their doctor when they get sick."