By WBFO News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-899319.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Republican State Senator Dale Volker announced Friday that he will not run for re-election. The 69-year-old lawmaker has served in the Legislature for 38 years. Volker appeared with is wife Carol outside his local senate office.
Click the audio player above to hear Dale Volker's announcement now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
Volker traditionally faced little opposition for his seat, but this year he was looking at a primary battle against former East Aurora Mayor David DiPietro. Erie County GOP Chairman James Domagalski is also expected to enter the race for Volker's Senate Seat.
Volker was first elected to the Assembly in 1972, taking a seat once held by his father. He won a special election for a vacant Senate seat three years later and has served in the 59th District ever since.
"It's really been a pleasure, for the most part, to serve in office," Volker said as he fought off tears.
Volker says he is not retiring, but is just not running again. Before he leaves, he said he will continue to fight for fiscal intergrity in state government.