Veteran southern Indiana lawmaker Steele not running again

BEDFORD, Ind. (AP) – A veteran southern Indiana lawmaker says he won’t seek re-election next year.

Republican state Sen. Brent Steele of Bedford told The Times-Mail on Tuesday that he wants to devote more time to his family and grandchildren and to his law practice. Steele will turn 68 next month.

Steele served in the Indiana House from 1994 to 2002 before being appointed to the state Senate to fill the seat vacated when Becky Skillman was tabbed to be the running mate for former Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Steele says he’s looking forward to his final legislative session in 2016. He says he’s going to miss serving in the Legislature.

Steele chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and is assistant majority floor leader.