Randy Horiuchi. Photo from Sltrib.com
What does Horiuchi think of the rumors?
“There comes a time when everyone needs to hang up the spikes. It’s crossed my mind more than once, which means you have to take those thoughts seriously.”
Horiuchi, who suffered a stroke in January of 2012, puts the odds of whether he will opt to not run for re-election in 2014 at about 60%.
“I’ve been through six elections and had 21 years in office. It’s been a long time and I’ve enjoyed it, but there comes a time to let someone else have an opportunity.”
Horiuchi says he hasn’t set a timeframe for his ultimate decision, but he would like to make up his mind sooner rather than later.
“I want to make an announcement very soon to give anyone else who wants to run time to get ready. A countywide race is very daunting. You have to campaign in every crevice and under every cobblestone.”
If Horiuchi does decide to step away, he will be the second high-profile Democrat to announce their retirement. Previously Sen. Pat Jones confirmed she is not running for re-election in 2014.
