Berry announces retirement in 2011, cites health concerns

[ccharles000]

U.S. Rep. Marion Berry announced his retirement Monday morning, saying he is at "perfect peace" with his decision to leave office and return to his farm in Arkansas.

Berry, 67, won the seat in 1996 and has held it since. He ran unopposed in 2008.

Berry had told staff members and friends on Sunday that he planned to announce his retirement, and had offered hints over the past week that he was reconsidering his bid for an eighth term.

Berry made his official announcement Monday in an e-mail statement:

“Since 1997, the people of the First Congressional District of Arkansas have entrusted me to serve them in Washington. It has been an honor I have never taken for granted and for their support I will be eternally grateful. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided it is time for me to return home to Arkansas. The people deserve a representative who has the ability to rise to the numerous challenges that face our state and our nation. As a lifelong farmer, time has taken its toll on my health and I am no longer able to serve the district with the vitality I once possessed. Therefore, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2010. I am at perfect peace with this decision and look forward to returning to the farm and my home state of Arkansas.”

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jan/25/berry-announces-retirement/