DENVER—The top Republican in the state House of Representatives said Friday that he’ll leave office next month to spend more time focusing on his business.
House Minority Leader Mike May, who operates hotels in Colorado and Utah, said it has become harder to balance his business with serving in the legislature since the economy has soured.
In a written statement, May said serving in the legislature has been an honor but that he has an obligation to the families who work for him.
“This decision was one of the hardest I have ever had to make, but I wouldn’t have made it if I didn’t think it was the right decision,” May said.
May, who didn’t return a phone call seeking additional comment, will step down before the new legislative session begins on Jan. 7.
He didn’t say how long he had been thinking about stepping down. Fellow Republicans re-elected him to lead them just last month. On Friday morning he issued his district newsletter discussing issues state lawmakers will face in 2009, including the economy. He said his family had made budget adjustments themselves because of the downturn, and dinnertime conversations always seemed to circle back to the economy.
House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Gov. Bill Ritter, both Democrats, issued statements thanking May for his service.
“Mike May has been a good friend and an honorable colleague, as well as an occasional sparring partner. We’ve found common ground on a number of issues important to Colorado,” said Romanoff, who is leaving office because of term limits.
May was first elected minority leader in 2006 when state Rep. Joe Stengel stepped down after a complaint that he drew state pay while on vacation. As minority leader, May was quick with the quips as he balanced promoting the Republican agenda and poking holes in Democratic proposals. He also co-sponsored the bill to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and most hotel rooms.
House Republicans will have to elect a new leader but the rest of the GOP leadership team—Assistant Minority Leader David Balmer of Centennial, caucus chair Amy Stephens of Monument and Whip Cory Gardner of Yuma—issued a joint statement saying it wasn’t yet time to discuss who that should be.
