By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX –
"I will not seek re-election to my House seat," said Rep. Terry Keel (R-Austin) today as he announced he will instead be a candidate for an appellate judge position.
Which position he plans to seek, however, is unknown as the Austin lawmaker said he would not offer that information until he visits with other sitting appellate judges who might be affected by his candidacy. Keel said he will make a more detailed announcement of his intentions later this summer.
The five-term member of the House said he made his announcement today so as not to "discourage good candidates" who might be more inclined to seek his House seat if they knew it was going to be vacant. He said his early announcement also will give the Republican Party time to seek "the very best possible nominee."
Saying the 79th session was "particularly rewarding" for him, Keel noted the was assigned to more committees than any other member, authored the House rules for the session, and chaired the Select Committee on Election Contests and the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence.
House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) said he is "saddened" to see Keel leave the Texas House, but said he will support Keel in his bid for an appellate judgeship. "I am confident he will bring to the bench the same personal integrity and sound judgment that has characterized his service in the Legislature," said the Speaker. Craddick said Keel has a "solid record of accomplishment and service" in the House.
Keel said he is "enthusiastic" about serving out his current term and will continue to pay close attention to legislative matters that include a possible special session, constituent services and interim committee work.