by KYW’s Tony Romeo

Suburban state Senator Connie Williams (photo) says she’s calling it quits at the end of her current term, which expires next year.

State Senator Connie Williams, a Democrat whose 17th District includes parts of Delaware and Montgomery Counties, insists that it is simply time for her to move on:

“No, I really don’t believe that I should be elected for life. And I’ve had a wonderful time in the Senate and in the House. It will be twelve years at the end of my term, and it’s been a terrific life, but it’s not my whole life. And I’ve decided that it’s time for somebody else to have the great opportunities that I’ve had.”

Williams, whose seat was held by a Republican prior to her election, admits that her district is a competitive one. It is likely to be a battleground in the fall.

Democratic House member Daylin Leach and Republican Lower Merion Township Commissioner Lance Rogers are two likely candidates to replace her.