Lake Co. coroner says this term his last

Seven months into his second term, Lake County Coroner Richard Keller on Monday announced he won't seek re-election in 2012.

Politics has been interfering with his responsibilities and outreach efforts, the Waukegan Democrat said. For example, Keller said he recently was excluded from a corporate discussion about underage drinking because the organizers didn't want it to be a political event.

"I really want to continue to have some effect," said Keller, 54, a medical doctor and activist who first was elected coroner in 2004.

Keller insisted he will serve out the remainder of his current term. He expects to return to private medical practice and resume his volunteer medical work after leaving office.

He's relieved he won't have to raise money for another campaign.

"By making this decision now, I don't have to spend my time doing those political things," he said.