There was a sizable number of people willing to support my candidacy, but I've decided not to run. Leake, the Agriculture Committee leader, was elected in 1988 and only has one more term left in the House due to term limits. With Leake's departure, it now becomes a two-person race, so far, for the best seat in the House. Term limits also played a part in Harlan's decision to run after only three terms in office. He said normally a Representative would wait about 10 years before eyeing the top House position.
Term limits push everything forward.
Eventhough Harlan's district is geographically close to the Capital, some legislators don't see that as an issue. Anyone from a rural area would like to see one of their own in charge. The other possible contendor for the Speaker's seat, Kreider, is the current Speaker Pro Tem as well as the drug seizures and asset forfeiture chairman. Kreider's top priority now is to make sure the Democrats keep the majority in the House. If Republicans gain control in November, the tide will turn completely with different contenders fighting for the Speaker's seat.