Veteran Indiana state Sen. Rogers considering retirement

GARY, Ind. (AP) - One of the longest-serving members of the Indiana Legislature says she's considering not seeking re-election next year.

Democratic Sen. Earline Rogers of Gary says she's leaning toward retirement after 33 years in the Indiana Senate and House.

Rogers tells the Post-Tribune (http://trib.in/1lJY0Ln ) she expects to make a final decision around the time the new General Assembly session starts in early January to be fair to possible candidates for the Senate seat.

The 80-year-old Rogers was first elected to the state Senate in 1990 following eight years in the House.

One possible candidate for the seat is Eddie Melton of Merrillville, who was appointed this year to the State Board of Education by Republican Gov. Mike Pence. Melton says he's forming an exploratory campaign committee.

___

Information from: Post-Tribune, http://posttrib.chicagotribune.com/