TORONTO - Liberal backbencher Tony Ruprecht is the latest member of Premier Dalton McGuinty's team to announce he will not seek re-election this fall.
After 33 years in office, Ruprecht said, he decided it was time to use his experience "in a different capacity."
But the decision was also influenced by last month's sudden death of his caucus seatmate, Bruce Crozier, which "shocked him to reconsider another run."
"I have always placed constituents' priorities before my personal needs," Ruprecht said.
"It is now time to re-evaluate that commitment."
Ruprecht, who represents the Toronto riding of Davenport, was first elected to the legislature in 1981 in the city's Parkdale riding and has in the past served as minister of citizenship and minister for disabled persons.
In a statement announcing his plan, Ruprecht also noted that he was an early supporter of the premier, adding he was "the only MPP outside of Ottawa to have helped his fledgling leadership drive."
Other Liberals who have decided not to run this fall include veteran cabinet minister Sandra Pupatello, as well as Speaker Steve Peters, government house leader Monique Smith, former cabinet ministers Gerry Phillips and David Ramsay and backbenchers Pat Hoy, Jim Brownell, Wayne Arthurs and Marc Lalonde.
Four Progressive Conservatives and New Democrat Peter Kormos have also announced they are not seeking re-election Oct. 6.
In May's federal election, NDP candidate Andrew Cash beat out Liberal incumbent Mario Silva in that same riding, which had been held by the Liberals for 49 years.
