UPDATE: Pa Politico is keeping score of the 2008 legislative races.

State Rep. Art Hershey, who represented a part of eastern Lancaster County until the legislative districts were redrawn in 2003, announced this afternoon he is retiring from the House after his current term ends.

The Chester County Republican faxed a three paragraph statement that reads:

I wish to announced that I will not be a candidate for re-election to the 13th District State House seat in 2008.

I look forward to life at a slower pace.

I thoroughly enjoyed serving the citizens of the 13th Legislative district. I will serve our my term with the same enthusiasm I have always displayed.

Until 2003, the 13th district included Caernarvon, Salisbury and Sadsbury townships and Christiana Borough.

Born in Lancaster County, Hershey, who is 70, was first elected to the House in 1982.

How many more will hang it up? Stay tuned.