U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis, a Republican who represents Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, announced Tuesday that he is resigning from his seat immediately.
In December Davis had announced that he would not be seeking re-election for a fifth term in Congress.
At the time he had cited needing to spend more time with his family as his reason for not seeking re-election.
In a statement Tuesday, Davis wrote, “family health issue has developed that will demand significantly more of my time to assist.
“ As a result, I cannot continue to effectively fulfill my obligations to both my office and my family. Family must and will come first.
Davis’ full statement: “I thank the people of Kentucky’s Fourth District for the honor of serving as their Congressman over the last eight years.
“When I was a Cadet at West Point, I internalized the words of the U.S. Military Academy’s motto, ‘Duty, Honor, Country.’ Next, I learned that success was based on honoring God, Family, and Work, in that order. In December 2011, I decided that in order to honor those values, I needed to retire from Congressional service so I could more effectively serve my family as a husband and father.
“Those priorities continue to guide my decisions. Recently, a family health issue has developed that will demand significantly more of my time to assist. As a result, I cannot continue to effectively fulfill my obligations to both my office and my family. Family must and will come first.
“Therefore, I am resigning from the U.S. House of Representatives effective at close of business on July 31, 2012.
“I have served with great men and women in the Congress in both parties, and leave knowing that the House is filled with people who love this country and are working to make our future better. I am grateful to have been blessed by being a part of this great institution.”
Congressman Davis submitted his resignation today to Governor Steve Beshear and Speaker of the House John Boehner.
