2 veteran Indiana House members not seeking reelection

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - One of the longest-serving members of the Indiana House is among two more Republican lawmakers who've decided to not seek reelection this year.

Rep. David Wolkins of Warsaw says he's decided to step down from the seat he's held since first winning election 32 years ago in 1988. The 76-year-old Wolkins says he's faced some health issues and that it's time to retire after this year's legislative session.

Wolkins has been chairman of the House Environmental Affairs Committee for several years, often frustrating activists who want tougher state anti-pollution laws.

His retirement announcement follows the same decisions by GOP House Speaker Brian Bosma, who's will leave the Legislature after 34 years, and Republican Rep. Woody Burton of Whiteland, who was first elected with Wolkins 32 years ago.

Republican Rep. Ron Bacon of Chandler also won't seek election again and will complete a decade representing an Evansville-area district. Bacon was previously a member of the Warrick County Council and was the county coroner.