Texas GOP lawmaker wont seek reelection

Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) said Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2018, becoming the third Texas Republican in the last week to announce their retirement.

Poe said he wanted to spend more time with his family, including his 12 grandchildren who were all born since he was first elected to the House in 2004.

“I am grateful for the honor and privilege to represent the best people in America, Texas’s Second Congressional District,” Poe said in statement.

Poe is known on Capitol Hill for ending every House floor speech with the same words: “And that’s just the way it is.” The Texas Republican didn’t miss the opportunity to insert his signature catchphrase in his retirement announcement.

“I will continue this work every day until I retire at the end of this term. And that’s just the way it is,” Poe said.

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/359239-texas-gop-lawmaker-wont-seek-reelection