Robinson will not seek re-election
Published 11:36 pm Wednesday, January 10, 2007
State Rep. Eric Robinson of District 84 announced Wednesday that he will not be a candidate for re-election.
Robinson said the decision was difficult to make, but he felt it was time.
“As I get older I realize more each day how short life is. This body I serve in is nothing like it was when I first came over here,” Robinson said from Jackson during a telephone interview.
“I just feel like it’s my time to step down and pursue other things for a little while. I’ll officially be retired, I suppose, for a while. I don’t have many plans as far as going to work anywhere. I’ll just be a Mr. Mom.”
Robinson, a Republican, is 58. He has served in the Legislature since 1993. He said he looks forward to spending time with his two grandchildren, but he also shared some advice with voters.
“Voters need to prayerfully consider my replacement. You need someone with good common horse sense. This person doesn’t have to be a lawyer, or have any experience. You just need good common sense. We need a good Christian that does not just talk the talk, but walks the walk,” Robinson said.
Lauderdale County District 1 Supervisor Eddie Harper said Wednesday that he will announce his plans to run for the seat vacated by Robinson during a press conference today.
“Since mid-December we’ve been contemplating if we should run,” said Harper, a first-term supervisor.
“I talked to my family, supporters, and I was in Jackson this week for a supervisors’ convention and talked to several people,” he said. “Everything finally came together for me and I feel now is the time.”
With Robinson not seeking re-election, Harper said it is important to maintain aggressive leadership in the house district.
“We want Rep. Robinson to know how much we appreciate what he has done for this area,” he said. “And I plan to put my heart and soul into this to make sure that we continue to progress.”
Harper, a Republican, said he will qualify for the position on Friday.
Robinson said he is honored to have served the state. He issued this statement from his office in Jackson Wednesday:
“For the past 14 years it has been my great privilege to serve the citizens of House District 84 as your representative. I have made many friends and realize that I owe a great debt of gratitude to the fine people I have been allowed to serve.
“So it is with mixed emotions that today I announce that I will not be a candidate for re-election to the Mississippi House of Representatives, District 84. I assure you that this decision has been a very difficult one, and has been made only after much prayer.
“To my fellow colleagues at the Capitol, it has been an honor to serve and work with you for the betterment of the state of Mississippi. I want to thank my family, especially my wonderful wife, without whose undying love, loyalty and support I surely would not be where I am today.
“I thank God for allowing me to play a small part in the history of this great institution and this great state. I will forever cherish the friendships and memories that he has allowed me to establish while serving here in Jackson.
“As the four seasons change each year, so do seasons change in our lives. I feel it is time for me to devote my energies in a new direction. I look forward to more time with my family and the new challenges ahead.
“Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of so many lives in our great state.”