Retiring NM lawmakers a growing trend?

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - They've all served at least two terms, and they all say they're done with the Roundhouse.

Four state senators--Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque, Mark Boitano, R-Albuquerque, Vernon Asbill, R-Carlsbad, and Clinton Harden, R-Clovis--have all announced within the last week and a half they won't be seeking reelection.

The three KRQE News 13 interviewed Tuesday all have different reasons for getting out.

For Asbill, a combination of family and the state's new redistricting plan were two major factors.

"I was sitting on the Senate floor on a Tuesday afternoon, and my daughter texted me that my grandson was playing in his first high school baseball game," Asbill said.  "I think that kind of got the idea rolling that it's time.

Asbill has's served two full terms as a state senator.

"The redistricting took Artesia out of my district, which had been in there previously," Asbill added.  "Kate and I had lived there 18 years, and we planned to move back to Artesia

"That's where our grandchildren are growing up."

UNM political science professor Gabriel Sanchez says it's not a surprise redistricting is playing a role in many lawmakers' decisions.

"We're just getting through the redistricting process, and a lot of these folks are assessing how tough it might be to hold onto their seat," Sanchez said in a phone interview. "Given redistricting it might be a good time to ride off into the sunset."

Feldman and Boitano, who have each served four terms as state senators, said redistricting wasn't a factor for them.

For Boitano, the need to take care of his business, the desire to term-limit himself out of office and the frustrations that come with being in a Republican minority were all part of his decision.

"When you get elected your eyes are closed, you're not really aware what's in store for you," said Boitano. "That can work in your favor. You don't know what you can't do, and so you're idealistic and full of energy.

"It's terribly frustrating to be in the minority.  I don't have as much energy now as when I got elected."

Feldman acknowledged that pushing just about any agenda forward for a long period of time can be frustrating. She adds New Mexico's system of unpaid, part-time lawmakers takes its toll on those who are elected.

"We have a citizen's legislature that does put a great burden on families and individuals who serve there," said  Feldman. "No one who serves in the New Mexico Legislature does it without subsidizing or paying for his or her own service."

Feldman said she really just wants to give others an opportunity to step up and bring new ideas to the process.

"There are a lot of young people out there, a lot of new people out there that have ideas that could break through some of the gridlock we have," said Feldman. "It's time to give them a chance."

Two state representatives are also retiring. Longtime House Speaker Rep. Ben Luján, D-Nambé, is stepping aside for health reasons. Rep. Danice Picraux, D-Albuquerque, is also not seeking reelection but did not respond to a call asking for comment.

There is still room for more lawmakers to retire. The deadline for submitting petitions to get on the 2012 ballot is March 20.