COLUMBIA — Columbia School Board President Karla DeSpain will not run for the 23rd District state representative seat this year, she said Tuesday. DeSpain said she had been approached by several people, whom she would not name, to consider running, but she has declined.
Citing family commitments and her two remaining years on the school board, DeSpain said that now is not the time.
However, DeSpain is considering running in the future.
“I think I could do a good job at the Capitol,” she said.
DeSpain will serve as board president until April 2008 and then on the school board until April 2010. After her third term expires, she won’t run again for the board.
“It’s it for the school board,” she said.
DeSpain said she has not yet considered options other than public office after she leaves the school board.
The district includes a part of the city of Columbia.