Dem. Rep. Snyder opts out of Ark. Congress race

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder of Arkansas says he won’t seek re-election to an eighth term.

The 62-year-old says he wants to spend more time with his wife and four young children, including a set of year-old triplets.

Snyder has held the Arkansas 2nd District seat since 1997. His record in the House includes standing against proposed federal bans on same-sex marriage and late-term abortions.

He also voted for health care reform, which was thought to have weakened him this year.

He’s previously fended off competitors with relative ease and had no Democratic opposition in the upcoming primary.

Former interim U.S. attorney and Karl Rove aide Tim Griffin, Little Rock restaurateur Scott Wallace and David Meeks of Conway are seeking the Republican nomination.