Plum Won't Pursue Second Term as House Democratic Caucus Chair

Del. Ken Plum, re-elected last week to his 16th consecutive term representing Virginia's 36th District, says he will not seek another term as Chair of the Virginia House Democratic Caucus.

Plum has been in that position for three years.

"It is an incredibly time consuming and thankless job," said Plum. "So we ought to pass around the opportunity to do it. When the house Democratic Caucus reorganizes, I will not be seeking re-election as chairman."

 Plum serves on the agriculture, conservation and natural resources committee, as well as the science and technology committee and the rules committee. He says he would prefer to work on issues rather than partisan leadership.

"My passion is really policy," said Plum. "Issues like the economic recovery are not Democratic or Republican. They need tough decision making and thinking outside the box. I am going to get out of the partisan leadership business and concentrate on policy."

When the General Assembly reconvenes in January, Plum will be the second-most senior member of the Virginia House of Delegates, behind Bedford's  Lacey E. Putney, who has served for 50 years. Plum has served from 1978-80, and then from 1982 to today.