This area received some abrupt news Thursday when Indiana Senator Bob Jackman (R-Milroy) announced he will not seek re-election in 2008.

He was elected to the Senate in 1996. Jackman was viewed as a strong advocate of District 42, which includes Decatur, Fayette, Rush and Shelby counties, as well as portions of Franklin County, and was a friend to first responders. That was evidenced by his selection as Legislator of the Year recently by the Indiana Fire Chief’s Association.

"After much thought with my family and consideration for the citizens of Senate District 42, I have chosen not to be a candidate for State Senator in 2008. I will continue to serve the constituents in Senate District 42 until the election in November 2008,” Jackman said. “Karen and I have thoroughly enjoyed our eleven years in the public venue as an elected official representing 121,600 people. It has been a very humbling and gratifying experience, but I have chosen to step down because of my health and my commitment to my family. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in the last eleven years. God bless."

Jackman graduated nearby Milroy High School in 1961 and Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, D.V.M. in 1967. In addition to his legislative work, he ran the Jackman Animal Clinic, P.C., Milroy and was an operator, contract of a finish hog unit for Prema Lean Pork. He has two children and 4 grandchildren.

During this session, Jackman chaired the Natural Resources committee and sat on the Appropriations, Agriculture and Small Business, Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation committees.

Jackman was focused on reducing America’s, and by association Indiana’s, dependence on foreign oil and sponsored bills promoting railways and mass transit. Jackman also stood up for local landowners on property taxed and lobbied on behalf of those facing the upcoming REX Pipeline.

“Above all, I want to make sure anyone impacted by this proposed endeavor is treated fairly and compensated accordingly. It is in light of the questionable track record, I authored Senate Enrolled Act 529 to require the Pipeline Safety Division of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to adopt rules and standards regarding pipelines planned on being located in the state,” he said earlier this year. “While we can't change the route and we are at the mercy of the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the construction, this legislation does set up guidelines to give Hoosier homeowners the same protection enjoyed by our neighboring states and hopefully will help them as they go through this process.”

Jackman is also involved in: American Veterinary Medical Association, Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, 10th District Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Swine Practitioners, Milroy United Methodist Church, Milroy Community Club (Citizen of the Year 1983 and 1991), Milroy Coyote Club (Man of the Year 1981), Milroy Masonic Lodge #139 (Past Master)

Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, Milroy Economic Development Committee (past president), Anderson Township Regional Sewer District (president)

Rushville County School Building Cooperation, Associate Member Fraternal Order of Police.