GOP Rep. Henry Brown to Retire
"It is time for me to leave and spend more time with my wife of 54 years, Billye, my children and my grandchildren," Brown said in a statement posted to his Web site.
A former executive at Piggly Wiggly grocery stores who grew up on a South Carolina farm, Brown recently turned 74 years old.
In his statement, he thanked his staff and supporters, saying he knows they understand that "one cannot continue working forever at the expense of their personal life."
"Despite my many disagreements with the political and legislative direction of our country under the present administration, I leave office with the highest faith in the people of this great nation," he said.
Brown was first elected to national office ten years ago. In his statement, he said he considered retiring in 2008 but elected not to because he felt his "best contribution to our country at that time would be to continue serving in Congress" no matter who became president.
Prior to coming to Congress, Brown was a state representative in South Carolina. His congressional seat had previously been held South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.
Brown said he is announcing his retirement at this time in order to give others sufficient time to organize a campaign for his seat. He plans to continue serving until his term ends.