Doyle plans to leave after second term

MADISON - Wisconsin's two term democratic governor announced he does not plan to run for a third term.

Governor Jim Doyle says limiting service to two terms is healthy for the political system, but that was only one of his reasons.

In a Madison elementary school surrounded by family and supporters, Governor Jim Doyle confirmed what had been reported over the weekend...and in the governor's thoughts for about seven years.

"When I first ran for governor in 2002, Jessica and I assumed that if I was fortunate enough to be elected, it would be a two term commitment," said Doyle.

During his speech Governor Doyle highlighted a number of things that have changed since he has been in office and he says there is more work to be done in the next year and a half before he leaves.

"We are going to do even more on education health care, job creation and the environment," Doyle said during his announcement.

The governor plans to stay busy, and so does his wife.

"I've been able to work with so many interesting service organizations and I'm gonna miss all that," said Jessica Doyle, Wisconsin's first lady. "And I intend to work harder than ever for the next year and a half. It's also been very exciting for both of us to live at the executive residence. I've met people from all over the world right in my own home. So I am just gonna get all I can out of this in the next year and a half."

Doyle says he decided to announce his decision now so he could give candidates who will be running a chance to get working on their campaigns.

Some say Doyle leaving the governor's office, can't come soon enough. A group that unsuccessfully tried to recall the governor is taking some credit for his decision.

"We're glad that we finally saw some culmination of all our efforts to see the governor step down, he finally has stepped down and we're taking credit for part of that because we know that we did put pressure on this guy," said Vince Schmuki, representing Wisconsinites Interest Now.

Governor Doyle will be in office from now until January of 2011, and he should be plenty busy.