We thank him for his service to our state as he was at the helm during the solid Republican majority years in the state legislature.  It is, however, good that he realizes it is time to step aside.  He has been in the office since 2000 when George W Bush became president and then Lt. Gov Perry became governor. The office of governor is historically not so powerful but under Perry, the office has become more power-centric.  It will be interesting to see what fresh blood brings.