HARRISBURG -- One longtime Democratic legislator from southwestern Pennsylvania, Sen. Barry Stout, has decided to retire, while another one, Rep. Bill DeWeese, will seek another term.

Mr. Stout, of Washington County, said Thursday he will wrap up nearly 40 years in the Legislature at the end of this year and not seek another four-year term.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have been a part of a dynamic period in our state's history, but it is time to conclude my public service and retire," he said in a statement.

Mr. Stout voted for two of the most controversial measures in recent legislative history, the July 2004 legalization of slots casinos and the July 2005 legislative pay raise, which was later rescinded due to a public uproar. He has also fought for funds for the Mon Valley Expressway and the Southern Beltway.

Mr. Stout supported slots as a way to help The Meadows racetrack in Washington County.

Mr. Stout served three, two-year terms in the House before joining the Senate in 1977. He has had health problems due to an accident that fractured his pelvis. His district includes parts of five counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, Mr. DeWeese, who has represented Greene and Fayette counties in the House for 34 years, said Thursday he will seek re-election to another two-year term.

There had been some thought at the Capitol that he might not run again after he was recently charged with six counts of public corruption by state Attorney General Tom Corbett.

But he said in a statement that there is "so much at stake for families in the 50th District that I am prepared to continue fighting to represent their interests in Harrisburg." Mr. DeWeese was one of the leaders in the recently successful effort to legalize table games in state casinos.

Greene County Commissioner Pam Snyder, a Democrat from Waynesburg who is rumored to be interested in Mr. DeWeese's seat, declined to comment except to say she would make a major campaign announcement on Monday.

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