“Why am I not running again? Well, for one thing, I’m 82. I think people have supported me well, but I’m not a poker player. As Kenny Rogers says, you need to know when to fold ‘em,” he said.

Carey addressed about 70 Republicans at the 36th District holiday party in Milton.

His announcement already has Sussex Democrats and Republicans lining up in their bids for the 2010 seat.

Carey, a Milford farmer, was first elected in 1984. For 26 years, he has served on the House Bond Bill Committee. He said in 1985, he helped acquire a dam for Milton’s Wagamons Pond, when developers wanted to drain it. He also said he provided street aid to Milford and Milton.

“I haven’t been one to put in a lot of bills, but the tax-ditch bill is from my district. Back in ’84 when I was first elected, I helped approve new septic systems when those proposals might have been laying on my desk,” he said.

The 36th District lies along the Delaware Bay on the eastern side of Sussex County. It reaches from Milford to Route 9, and Route 113 serves as its western boundary.

According to the Sussex County Department of Elections, there are 6,940 Democrats, 5,899 Republicans and 3,932 independent or unaffiliated voters, totaling 16,771 voters overall.

The 36th District has roughly 1,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans, but voters reelected Republican Carey for 13 consecutive terms.

“I’m on the Republican ticket, but I don’t ask anyone if they’re Democrat or independent when they call,” he said.

Emory West, the Democrats’ 36th District committee chairman, said, with Carey out of the way, Democrats might reclaim the district.

“The 36th District looks good for the Democratic Party this time. Before, nobody wanted to run against George. In the past, Democrats couldn’t muster the support in those areas.”

West said former Delaware state archivist Russ McCabe and former Sussex County Councilman Lynn Rogers might consider running.

West said Democrats would gather in January to discuss putting up a candidate.

Creating more jobs and reforming healthcare are two of the biggest issues in the 36th District, said West.

Sussex County Republican Committee Chairman Ron Sams said no one has yet been confirmed to run; however, two names have surfaced, but little information was available at press time. Milton resident Kim Stevenson and Glen Stevenson – unrelated – have indicated an interest in running, he said.

Republicans, too, will meet in January to discuss candidacy, said Sams.

Even though the 36th District has more registered Democrats, Sams said a 2010 Republican tradition could continue in Sussex County.

“What’s happening at the federal level is similar to what’s happening at a state level: people are frustrated with healthcare and unemployment,” said Sams.

“It’s kind of hard to tell though. The last couple of times, George hasn’t had a challenger there. In the past, he’s won by 60 percent or more. In that case, it takes a lot of independent voters,” he said. Carey said he has taken pride in serving his constituents, and while he hasn’t gotten back to all, he said he’s tried.

Carey said he just got an answering service four years ago. “The main thing is I take pride in myself. It’s hard to get back with somebody you can’t do anything for when your back’s up against a brick wall,” said Carey.

“I tried to be plain old George, but I’ve still got until next November. I don’t think there’s any district in the state better than the 36th District,” he said. “I also thank my wife, Jeanette, who has given me a lot of support.”