Rep. Cheatham Won’t Run For Re-Election

Rep. Dave Cheatham

(North Vernon, Ind.) – After 16 years of going to work for the people of Indiana House District 69 at the Statehouse, Rep. Dave Cheatham will not seek re-election in 2012.

A press release from Cheatham’s office sent Tuesday morning stated the Democrat from North Vernon had been earlier considering another run for office, but changed his mind citing the contentious political atmosphere as influencing his decision not to run.

“I am thankful to God and grateful for being allowed to serve as your State Representative,” Cheatham said in a news release. “I also want to thank my family and the many friends and supporters who have helped me along the way. I especially want to thank my wife, Gayla, whose good counsel and love were ever-present throughout my journey of public service.”

According to the announcement, Cheatham authored over two dozen bills that became law, but he devoted most of his time as a representative to helping constituents who contacted him for assistance in dealing with state government.

“I have always wanted people in the district to know that there was someone in government who cared about them.  This was the source of greatest satisfaction knowing that I could help make peoples’ lives better,” he said.

With more free time, Cheatham "plans to move on by spending time with his family,  by continuing to be involved in his community, and by looking for God’s direction in finding new ways to serve others."

Cheatham was elected in District 69 in two stretches. First from 1984 until 1992 before reentering state politics from 2006 through his current seventh term.

District 69 is comprised of areas in Jefferson, Jennings, and Ripley counties.