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US Rep. Brown won't seek re-election

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The South Carolina representative who calls himself the "Republican Workhorse" will not seek a sixth term in Congress, according to an official with Henry Brown's campaign.

"While this has been a difficult decision to make, I am convinced that it is the right time for me to step down from public service in the Congress of the United States," Brown said in a statement Monday morning.

Click here to read Brown's complete statement.

According to Brown's spokeswoman, the five-term Representative made the decision after careful consideration and discussion with family and closest friends.

"It is time for me to leave and spend more time with my wife of 54 years, Billye, my children and my grandchildren," Brown, 74, said. "I chose to make the announcement at this time so that Republicans who have not considered running for Congress out of friendship or respect for my incumbency can consider their options to file and have adequate time to campaign."

In disclosing his intentions to his employees in Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Washington, Brown said, "To my staff, I want you to know how grateful I am for your loyal and competent service. The hardest part of all will be ending my professional relationship with each of you."

Acknowledging his long-time backers, Brown said, "I am grateful to all who have been supporters throughout my years of public service. Knowing that some of you were expecting my assistance for years to come has made my decision all the more difficult. But I know you understand that one cannot continue working forever at the expense of their personal life. My offices and the constituent services they provide will be fully operational throughout this year and the end of the 111th Congress."

State Rep. Alan Clemmons (R-Myrtle Beach) said Monday that Brown has been an active proponent for tourism promotion and getting an interstate to Myrtle Beach, and he will be missed.

Brad Dean, president/CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce echoed Clemmons' sentiments: "Congressman Brown has been a tireless advocate for the needs of the 1st Congressional District and, in particular the Grand Strand. His leadership has impacted funding for Interstate 73, Myrtle Beach International Airport, beach renourishment, veterans affairs and many other important priorities. He has also been proactive in helping us develop productive relationships with our counterparts in Canada. His accomplishments are many, and his leadership in Congress will be missed."

There has been speculation in recent months that Brown might retire after five terms in his reliably Republican coastal district, which stretches from near Charleston to the North Carolina state line.

Brown was raised on a farm in Cordesville, SC, and later became an executive of the Piggly Wiggly grocery store chain, a job he left at 49 to become a full-time lawmaker.

He won the 1st District seat in 2000 when now-Gov. Mark Sanford left to honor a self-imposed three-term limit.

According to his biography at brown.house.gov, Brown sits on three committees and six subcommittees, including:

• The Committee on Natural Resources
• Subcommittee on Fisheries
• Subcommittee on Wildlife and Oceans (Ranking Republican Member)
• Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
• The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
• Subcommittee on Water Resources, and Railroads
• The Committee on Veterans' Affairs
• Subcommittee on Health

Before that, he served 14 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where from 1995 through 1999 he was chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

Copyright 2010 WMBF News. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.