By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NEWPORT - Jim Callahan, arguably Northern Kentucky's most effective lawmaker for the last 16 years, formally announced Friday he will not seek another term in Frankfort.

Callahan, 64, a Wilder Democrat and the House majority caucus chairman, first told supporters of his retirement plan more than a month ago.

But during a Friday afternoon press conference at the World Peace Bell in Newport - a project he helped make happen - Callahan said the time has come for him to return home to Campbell County and spend more time with his wife, Diane; their two children; and four grandchildren.

"I don't want to believe this is happening," Callahan said as his voice cracked with emotion. "But the time has come ... to stay home with my family.

"I left Northern Kentucky 16 years ago with my integrity and credibility," he said, "and I'll return home with them when my term ends."

Callahan will serve out the remainder of his ninth term, which ends in December of next year.

In a room packed with his supporters, Callahan thanked a number of people, including his wife; his long-time employer, Northern Kentucky businessman Wayne Carlisle; state Rep. Jon Draud, R-Edgewood, Callahan's Frankfort roommate; and Terry Mann, the Democrat he succeeded in the 67th District statehouse seat.

Callahan, a Bellevue native, had been a Southgate councilman and mayor before being elected to the House in 1986. In 1995, House Democrats elected Callahan to caucus chairman. the third-highest spot in House Democratic leadership.

"Jim Callahan transcended Democrat or Republican, and that's the way it should be when you're a dedicated public servant," said Northern Kentucky University President Dr. James Votruba.

"We'll see the fruits of (Callahan's) labor well into the 21st century," he said.

Callahan used the position, his easy-going manner and a bipartisan approach to help deliver more than $100 million in major projects to Northern Kentucky, including:

• The $38 million Northern Kentucky University Science Center.

• The $40 million Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington.

• The $4.3 million Juvenile Detention Center in Newport.

• The $4 million rehabilitation of the L&N Ohio River Bridge, now known as the Purple People Bridge.

• The $11 million replacement of the Shortway Bridge between Covington and Newport.

• The $40 million reconstruction of Ky. 9 in Wilder.

"The rebirth of Newport would not have been possible without Jim Callahan's leadership," said Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli.

Callahan was also able to secure more than $39 million for a number of smaller projects that included community centers, parks, streetscape projects, fire departments and road improvements.

"He never forgot the smaller cities," said Bellevue Mayor Jack Meyer.

He sponsored 185 bills that were enacted into law and another 359 resolutions that were adopted by the General Assembly.

Among the landmark legislation he sponsored and helped adopt were a tourism tax credit that lead to construction of the Kentucky Speedway and Newport on the Levee; the controversial and politically-charged overhaul of the state's higher education system; the reform of workers' compensation laws, pushed heavily by the Northern Kentucky business community; and a crackdown on drunken driving inspired by an auto accident in which his daughter, Shari, was nearly killed by a convicted drunken driver.

Two Democrats have indicated plans to run for Callahan's 67th District seat, which covers Newport, Dayton, Bellevue, Southgate and Wilder: Campbell County Commissioner Ken Rechtin and Wilder City Councilman Dennis Keene.

Republicans have not announced a candidate, but they are expected to make a run for Callahan's seat in the 2004 general election.

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com