Senator Gary "Doc" Dillon says he won't seek re-election in '10
Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano
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State Senator Gary Dillon (R-Columbia City) announced today he will not run for re-election in 2010.
"It's an honor and a privilege to serve the people in Senate District 17 and I'm thankful for their support and encouragement over the years," Dillon said. "I look forward to spending more time with my wife, four children and our five grandchildren." 
Since 2002, Dillon has represented Senate District 17, which includes Allen, Grant, Huntington, Kosciusko, Wabash and Whitley counties.
Dillon, 66, said he plans to fulfill his current term, which ends in November 2010.
Dillon serves as a ranking member on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, which helps craft the multi-billion dollar budget for Indiana state government. He also serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, as a member of the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Tax and Fiscal Policy committees.
Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) said, "Sen. Dillon is among the finest people with whom I've served here at the Indiana Statehouse. Doc, as we affectionately call him, is both a trusted leader and a valued friend. He is a dedicated public servant in the truest sense of the word and he will be sorely missed. I speak for the entire Senate in saying that we are all thankful for his service, respectful of his decision and hopeful for a long and prosperous life."
"Doc's legislative career has spanned more than a decade, during which he helped tackle some of our state's largest concerns - healthcare, education and taxes," said Senate Appropriations Chair Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville). "He was by my side during many key discussions, meetings and votes. Sen. Dillon's constituents did all Hoosiers a favor by sending him to the Statehouse, first as their representative and then as their senator. "
Dillon was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002. Previously, he served eight years on the Whitely County Consolidated School Board and five as its president.
Dillon and his wife Ann have three sons and one daughter: David Dillon, Muncie, Ind.; Matthew Dillon, Missoula, Mont.; Travis Dillon, Oakland, Calif.; and Meg Zublin, Basal, Switzerland. The Dillons have five grandchildren and are expecting the birth of their sixth grandchild in January.
He is currently a part-time Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Indiana University's Medical Center. Dillon said he plans to continue part-time work in the medical field.
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Editor's Note: Though there has been early speculation about area Republicans who may choose to run for the vacant spot, there have been no official announcements. A reliable source, however, has confirmed that at least one Whitley County resident has an interest in the seat.