BISMARCK -- The chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party said Tuesday he wants to get back to farming and spending time with his family.
Stan Stein, 62, announced Monday in an email to party officials that he will not seek another term as chairman.
"The party is in good shape, we have the right message and the right people to continue the success that North Dakota has had," he said in an interview Tuesday. "We just got through a very successful election cycle, kept the majority in the Legislature, and have a deep bench with some young talent ready to serve."
Stein was first elected chairman in December 2010, filling the remainder of the term of former Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark, who was elected president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in 2010.
Stein was re-elected in June 2011 and will have served 2½ years as chairman when he steps down in June.
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"I ran as a labor of love, I've been involved in politics for a long time," he said. "I enjoyed being able to travel the state and talk to a lot of great North Dakotans concerned about the country and North Dakota."
Stein's last job with the party will be to preside over its June meeting, when a new chairman will be elected.
The chairman is elected by the legislative district chairmen and other party officers.
Stein said he has spoken to a couple of people who have expressed interest in the position. He expects an announcement by someone soon.
