Wolens says he won't seek re-election

Dallas Morning News ^ | 4 December, 2003 | Terrence Stutz and Robert T. Garrett

[SWake]

Wolens says he won't seek re-election

Longtime lawmaker makes announcement on first day of filing

09:13 PM CST on Wednesday, December 3, 2003

By TERRENCE STUTZ and ROBERT T. GARRETT / The Dallas Morning News

AUSTIN – Longtime Democratic Rep. Steve Wolens of Dallas announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election next year as the filing period opened for legislative candidates.

The decision from Mr. Wolens came as several incumbents and other candidates filed for the 15 Senate and 150 House seats on the ballot next year. All must first secure their party's nomination in the March 9 primary.

Republicans are expected to preserve their comfortable majorities in both chambers.

Mr. Wolens, a lawyer and the husband of Dallas Mayor Laura Miller, was considered one of the most skilled lawmakers in the House, where he served since 1981.

Citing a long list of major legislation he had sponsored, the veteran Democrat said, "This is a good time for me to focus on my family, the private sector and the policy agenda I can continue to advance as a citizen of our great state."

**excerpted**

[SWake]

One of the Chicken D's decides to hang up his spurs! I was kinda looking forward to showing up at his campaign appearances.

[dwd1]

He may be in trouble because of his wife's involvement with a child custody case where she may have stepped out of bounds in contacting a judge. She also has trouble with the police scandals and other issues. In other words, she may the subject more than usual and a distraction to his campaign.... He might be well advised to step out of the way, get his bearings once the redistricting is decided, and then come back and run for his seat or challenge Hutchison for her seat...

And I am sure she could use his support with all that she is going through as mayor...

[DrewsDad]

Wasn't Wolens the State Affairs Chairman that killed so many pro-family bills in committee even when some of them had a majority of legislators as co-sponsors?

[dwd1]

Can't say that I know. I have been working in Dallas for the last four weeks on a contract and his wife's name made the front page over the alleged police corruption and the child custody case. I am not familiar with his legislative record?