By AP
Frankfort, KY – Lieutenant Gover Steve Pence has officially announced his plans to not run for re-election with Governor Fletcher next year.
Pence says it wasn't easy to decide against joining Fletcher again on the Republican ticket.
But at a Wednesday morning news conference, Pence said it's time for him to move on and seek new challenges. He says he came to the decision after consulting with family and friends.
Pence, a former federal prosecutor, says he looks forward to his remaining 18 months as lieutenant governor. Pence will step down from the justice cabinet effective August first.
His resignation from the justice cabinet marks the latest in a number of cabinet secretaries and other top-ranking officials who have left their posts since Fletcher took office.
Governor Fletcher says he appreciates Pence's work, especially with regard to narcotics enforcement and sex offender laws.
Fletcher says the work environment has been tough and he understands Pence's decision.
Fletcher also says Pence made a decision he belives is in his best interest and "whether or not one agrees with it is not the issue".
Pence says he told the governor Tuesday night he doesn't have any plans at this point to run for governor or any other office but added,"those circumstances may chane".