Sen. Finney chairs the chamber’s Democratic Caucus, which has just seven members. Sen. Doug Henry of Nashville is also leaving the legislature, though he has served much of his professional life.
The Tennessee senate’s number two Democrat says he won’t run for re-election. Lowe Finney of Jackson says, “change is good.”
Finney is serving his second term in the state legislature, and he says that will be it. The 37-year-old attorney praises those who end up staying in office for decades.
“I think we’re just sort of accustomed to seeing that at times, but for some of us, there are other things in life to consider at this point.”
Finney says he’d like to see his family more.
The Tennessee Republican Party pounced on the announcement, suggesting Finney is bowing out ahead of what could be a real contest to stay a third term.
The district – which includes Jackson – was significantly changed in the most recent redistricting led by Republicans. But Finney says he is “sure” another Democrat could win and that he’s giving them plenty of time to prepare for 2014.
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