SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) – A long-time state legislator from Springfield is calling it quits – but there’s a chance his seat could remain in the family.
Democratic Rep. Benjamin Swan said Tuesday that he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives in the November election. WWLP-TV (http://bit.ly/1OLexa4 ) reports that Swan was surrounded by supporters as he made the announcement at his district office.
The 83-year-old former civil rights leader was first elected to the legislature in 1994.
Swan’s son, Benjamin Swan Jr., took out nomination papers to run for the seat, apparently in advance of a likely decision by his father to retire.
Three other Democrats, including City Councilor Bud Williams, and one Republican have also taken out papers.
