Ames district representative Cecelia Burnett (D-Ames) indicated she will be resigning from her position in the Iowa House of Representatives in a press release last week. She has been the district representative for five years.

Although the resignation comes in the middle of the two-year general assembly, Burnett has finished the 1999 session. The 2000 session will begin in January.

Burnett indicated the reasons for her resignation were her desire to move to New England and disdain for the legislative process in the Iowa House of Representatives.

“I was disillusioned with the partisan nature of politics in the House,” she said. “From my background, people were able to get things done by working together. That cooperation was not evident in politics.”

Despite her resignation, Burnett has indicated that the experience was valuable and thanked the people of Ames for giving her an opportunity to serve them in office.

Burnett said in a released statement that, “It has been a privilege and honor to serve the people of Ames and Story County. It is an experience I will treasure forever. Serving the thoughtful and progressive people of this district has been the experience of a lifetime.”

Burnett said she will not be running for office in New England.

“If I do get a job in politics in New England, it will be behind the scenes, away from partisan politics,” she said.

The announcement was made early enough for both parties to nominate a candidate for the open seat.

“I am making this announcement now so that individuals will have time to prepare. In a few weeks, I will officially submit my resignation to Gov. Vilsack, as required by law,” Burnett said.

To replace Burnett’s seat in the House, special elections must be held before the next session of Congress.

Jan Bauer, committee head in charge of the democratic convention, will lead the search for a democratic nomination for the election. The convention will be held July 27.

Bauer said one person who has expressed interest in the position is Jane Greimann.

Greimann has not yet confirmed that she will run for the position.

“I am exploring that possibility right now, and I hope to make an announcement soon,” she said.

The final date for the special election is not yet known, but it is expected to be in late summer or fall.