FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jim Merrill
(843) 364-7524

Rep. Annette Young Opts to be Full-time Grandmother
Republican stalwart chooses to not seek re-election to SC House

Columbia, S.C. – “It is with some sadness; but overriding satisfaction with what we have accomplished, that I today announce that I will not seek re-election to the S.C. House of Representatives.

I have arrived at this decision after much thought, conversation, deliberation, and of course, prayer.  Simply put, I have decided to go from being a part-time legislator to a full-time grandmother.  

Serving in the S.C. House of Representatives and alongside the men and women in the General Assembly has been a part of my life for 20 years.  It has been a privilege to work with the most dedicated and honorable people one could hope to know.

More than that, it has been humbling to represent my home community.  

To know that one’s friends and neighbors support you - trust you - and will allow you to represent their hopes and dreams is satisfying beyond what words can express.

It is the residents of District 98 that allowed me to become the first Republican Majority Leader since Reconstruction; and the first and only female Majority Leader.  

I am also privileged to be the current 1st Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, 1st Vice Chairman of the Joint Bond Review Committee and the 1st Vice Chairman of the House Ethics Committee.

So I am sure there will be much speculation about why I choose to step aside at this time.  

It really boils down to two simple reasons: I have accomplished what I wanted to achieve in public office and I desperately want to spend time with my new grandchild.

Recently my son, Robert, and his wife, Summer, gave me a beautiful new granddaughter. To be honest, I could spend every waking moment with her.  

For the past few months I have struggled with the idea that my service in the S.C. House is important enough to miss time with this beautiful child.  But the truth is that while I am proud of the work we do, that work will never come to an end and it is time for someone else to pick up the mantle.  

I thank my family, especially Robert and Kristina, who have been supportive and patient for many years.  

I look forward to serving the remainder of my current term, through November 2010, and I stand ready to assist my constituents in any way.  

The S.C. House of Representatives has changed my life for the better and I will be eternally grateful. Thank you.”