Outgoing Ga. Senate leader Chip Rogers resigns

ATLANTA (AP) -- The outgoing majority leader of the Georgia Senate is resigning from the chamber to take a public television post.
 
Sen. Chip Rogers, a Republican from Woodstock, will step down Dec. 5. He recently won re-election as a senator, but dropped out of the race to continue as majority leader when the new legislature convenes in January.
 
A statement from the Senate press office says that Rogers' duties at Georgia Public Broadcasting will include leading a statewide weekly radio program on economic development. The show will debut in the spring.
 
Rogers, 44, has been in the Senate in 2002.
 
He got considerable attention during the last term after leading a majority that stripped Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle of control in the chamber. Cagle is expected to regain much of his authority.

Rogers told FOX 5's Paul Yates that his departure is driven by the chance for a new professional challenge and more time with his family.

"My wife and kids are the first thing that is most important on what I do every single day . I owe a lot more to them than I have been giving them in 10 years. So it's time, I guess, to invest a little more in that area than I have," Rogers said.

Rogers said that he expects a special election to fill his seat and can be held before the legislature goes into session in mid-January.

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