BOISE -- Rep. Elmer Martinez, D-Pocatello, one of just 13 Democrats in the state House of Representatives, is calling it quits after five years so he can spend more time with his family.
Retired firefighter Martinez, 53, says he wants to care for his aging mother and spend more time with his 8-year-old son, and won't run again this year.
"I've struggled with it for a couple years, but this year it kind of hit home," Martinez said after mulling the conflict at a southeastern Idaho ski resort last weekend. "More than any homesickness, it's about being around 12 months a year instead of eight or nine."
Martinez, minority caucus chairman in the House, announced his decision at a caucus meeting Monday.
