By Representative Dan Gattis
As you may have heard I am no longer seeking election to State Senate District 5 ahead of an expected announcement from State Senator Steve Ogden that he will file for re-election.
These past few months and indeed all my public service have been a great blessing to me. While public service has been rewarding too often fulfilling my public obligations meant time away from Shana our children and my business.
This became crystal clear to me as I was called to travel greater distances and be away from my young growing family more frequently during the Senate campaign. Concurrently with this realization Sen. Ogden and I began discussing the very real financial and budget challenges facing our great State and his interest in returning to the Senate to address these problems should I make the decision to step aside in order to focus on family commitments. It is Senator Ogdens willingness to return to the Senate that gives me the peace of mind to withdraw from the race at this time.
So after prayerful consideration I have decided to devote my full-time attention to my young growing family particularly during these challenging economic times. I am grateful to individuals such as you who supported us throughout the years and provided overwhelming support more recently in our campaign for the Texas Senate. I am honored to have had the privilege to serve the citizens of Texas as an elected official for the past seven years. Although I will not seek re-election to the House my dedicated staff and I will continue to faithfully serve the constituents of House District 20 until January 2011.
I am truly blessed to have the support of so many outstanding individuals and organizations throughout the state. Thank you for your support and prayers both in the past and future.
May God bless you and your family and may God continue to bless Texas.
