Yep, it’s enough.

I know there have been rumors swirling around out there about whether or not I would seek a FOURTH term in the State Senate this year.

So, in the last couple of weeks, I’ve been bombarded with people wanting to know and I do have to say I appreciate all the kind words and encouragement.

But, 14 is enough.

At the end of this term, I will have served 14 years in the Legislature, including three terms in the State Senate from Kanawha County (the first Republican to do so in 100 years).

So, I’m proud of the work I have done, but there is a time to step aside and it is at the end of this term.

I am sure that disappoints my supporters and brings near orgasmic joy to my opponents, but I’m not going anywhere (more on that below), so don’t get too excited.

I have always gotten a kick out of the people who say they aren’t running to “spend more time with their family.” That’s normally bs, but it’s only partially the case here.

Let me lay out the reasons.

First, and mostly, is financial.

I have some serious financial obligations and every day I’m in the Senate, every day I’m campaigning (which, those of you who know me, I’m a fanatical campaigner) is a day away from my businesses and a day away from opportunities to earn more income.

Another is I am 38. So, I have to focus in the next 10-20 years (at least) especially on earning income and getting financially secure. Most people don’t enter politics until their 40s and 50s anyway mostly after they are already financially secure, and I suspect I’ll be running for something again at some point in the future.

My Dad was always hugely proud of my elections. But, his advice never wavered. He would always say to not allow it to sacrifice my financial future. He’s right.

Another (I guess I’ll just keep going) reason is my personal life. No, not because I couldn’t win, that’s silly. Against in-and-out-and-in Richie Robb? Please. In fact, hearing more and more people saying I couldn’t do it, makes me want to prove it even more that I could win reelection. But, that’s just the prideful part of me talking… and, that’s certainly not a reason to run to represent the people of West Virginia.

Heck, Guiliani is probably going to be our next President after knocking down his second divorce due to an affair with his current wife (who’s also been married two other times).

Don’t get me wrong, there are some Vic-haters out there, but these little pockets of people who still haven’t gotten over the last divorce crack me up. There are just a few crazies out there, but they are more lonely souls than battle-hardened campaigners I would actually worry about…

No, to win in Kanawha County, as a Republican, requires an 18 month commitment. Every day. Every available hour. Fundraising and grassroots building. This campaign would probably take $350-400,000 (last time I raised and spent $300,000 – more than any other Republican candidate in the history of the state).

Anyone who knows me, knows I can’t campaign any other way. Full bore, full time, never stop, little sleep.

That type of campaign wouldn’t be fair to Lesleigh and our future.

No, my personal life reasons for not running aren’t about my past, they are about my future. Obviously, serving in the Legislature hasn’t done wonders for my personal or married life. (a slight understatement)

I’m very, very pleased with where I am personally right now. So, why mess that up and put a huge stress on it with what will amount to a bloody battle for reelection? Lesleigh wants me to do what I want to do, and is the type of person who would support me unquestionably if I decided to run. But, to me, it’s not worth it while we are trying to build our lives together.

I made the decision some time ago and have already told many of my Senate Republican counterparts weeks ago. All the furor in the last couple weeks has made me laugh.

Of course, there are other reasons as well. One, is I feel great about my service and I loved it this year not being Minority Leader.

That may sound like an ODD reason not to run, but I always wanted to go out feeling good and positive about my service. I do.

Also, let’s be honest. If I want to serve longer term, well… I’m out after this term even if I win in 2008. Why? As I explained last week in a commentary. Redistricting.

In 2010, Redistricting happens. Kanawha County almost assuredly goes to three Senators. In 2012, most likely Dan Foster and myself will be up, with only one seat available.

So, let’s take a guess (unless Republicans take over the Senate by then) WHO gets stuck in a district with some other Democratic county. So, I would either be forced to run in a nearly impossible district, or take a shot somewhere else.

So, where can I help the Republicans the most?

Well, there is no question what I’m good at in the political spectrum.

Campaigns. Message. Communication. Direct Mail. TV.

And, especially, what is most critical to every candidate (unless your Jim Humphreys)…

Fundraising.

No consultant I know has been personally involved in four difficult rough-and-tumble high-profile campaigns. And, if you’ve never actually run for office, it’s hard to empathize with what a candidate goes through.

Also, no one has won both House and Senate campaigns. No one has actually raised or helped raise $300,000 for a campaign.

So, I feel my experience actually being in four, TOUGH, hard fought, high spending campaigns has prepared me for the next stage of my political life.

Business marketing, fundraising, and campaign consulting. (and, of course, the blog will continue)

I have started a new company, Sprouse Consulting LLC. SCLLC.

Businesses and candidates need all the areas where I excel… most of them need that help in a BIG way.

And, I’ve been giving business, fundraising, and campaign advice for a decade. So, I’ll continue to do it, but now actually get paid for it.

From the campaign standpoint, my company will be full-service. Top-to-bottom campaigns. Certainly, my specialty is what’s most important to candidates, the ability to raise money. But, we’ll also provide help in every other aspect.

And, I won’t just take on any campaign. If I’m in a campaign, it’s because it can be won.

Plus, I’ve matched up against the Democrat’s best consultants and won each time. Hopefully, I can bring that success to other campaigns.

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE campaigns. I LOVE everything about them. Strategy, fundraising, intensity, and pressure.

So, I’m looking forward to bettering my personal life and family. I’m very, very pleased, happy, and at peace with my life and my decision.

I’m also very appreciative of all the kind words and encouragement to run again. But, it’s time. And, I’m sure at some point in the next 10-20 years, I’ll be back.

But, for now at least, 14 is enough.