In a message to supporters on Thursday, U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis, R-Ky., announced he will forgo re-election in 2012 because he wants to devote more time to his family.The retirement will leave Kentucky's 4th congressional district vacant for next year's election.From Davis: I have been blessed with an exceptionally competent staff who have helped thousands of Kentuckians over the years. Moreover, together we have passed critical pieces of legislation and enacted laws to reform our government, strengthen our national security, protect our veterans and service members, create economic revival and energy independence, and improve transparency and accountability of the government.For most of the year, the conservative Republican has championed the REINS Act, a bill he sponsored to cut red tape that recently passed the House. Earlier this year, Davis got into an ideological joust with the Heritage Foundation over his conservative credentials.Davis says despite the bitter partisan that has defined Washington over the past year, there is still room for pragmatic reforms and cooperation."That attitude and focus have produced real results and proactive bi-partisan legislation, despite the negative partisan climate in Washington. Indeed, we have proven that people of diverse world views can find common ground and produce meaningful results," he says.He was first elected to Congress in 2004.UPDATE:National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, R-Tx., released the following statement regarding the retirement announcement of Congressman Davis.From the NRCC: "Geoff Davis has brought to Congress a wealth of experience and leadership abilities that quickly made him an influential member of the Republican Conference and an exemplary representative of Kentucky families and job creators. Thanks to his accomplished service in the U.S. Army, Geoff has been a key leader on national security issues. His experience as a small business owner and job creator has empowered his ability to champion regulatory reform and tax relief on the powerful Ways and Means Committee. As an NRCC Regional Chair for the 2010 and 2012 cycles, Geoff played an important role in helping us win back the Republican Majority to retire Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. Geoff is a dear friend, and I greatly appreciate his hard work and will to win for Republican solutions for America. I wish Geoff, his wife Pat and their children all the best in the years to come."
