[img_assist|nid=1537|title=State Sen. David Gottesman (D-Nashua)|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=150|height=215]State Sen. David Gottesman (D-Nashua) announced today that he will not seek reelection in November.

"I am announcing today that I will not be seeking reelection to the New Hampshire Senate," Gottesman said in a press release. "I have tried to be a voice for my constituents from Nashua, Hollis, Brookline and Mason, as well as for citizens from around the state of New Hampshire. I am very appreciative of having had the opportunity to serve them, but the time has come for me to step aside to allow someone else to come forward with new ideas to confront the challenges that still face the state. I want to thank all who have supported me in my campaigns for Senate and those who have stood by me without whom I would not have accomplished the work we have done."

Gottesman has served two terms in the state senate and is the second Democratic state senator to announce that they will be retiring.

State Sen. Peter Burling (D-Cornish) decided last week not to run for another term and rumors continue to swirl that state Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham) will also not run for reelection.

Gottesman represents Senate District 12 which includes Hollis, Mason, Brookline and Nashua wards 1, 2, 5 and 9.

UPDATE: "We have several prospective candidates, and we expect a formal announcement shortly. I am confident that no matter who decides to run, given the overwhelming popularity of Governor Lynch, Congressman Hodes, Councilor Pignatelli and that of Governor Shaheen's for the US Senate, as well as the strong election team at the Senate Democratic Caucus, that the Democrat will win District 12 in November," New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Buckley said in a statement. "At the Senate Democratic Caucus, we are well ahead of where we were in 2006 when Democrats picked up six seats, and all evidence points to 2008 being an even better year for Democrats."

UPDATE 2: "David is a wonderful friend who has served the people of Nashua, Hollis, Brookline and Mason, as well as for citizens from around the state of New Hampshire with distinction. He has worked tirelessly on their behalf.," Congressman Paul Hodes said in a press release. "He has advocated for public health for our families by working to ban smoking in restaurants and bars. He is a good and honorable public servant.  I wish him well in his retirement and thank him for his service to the people of New Hampshire."

UPDATE 3: "I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work closely with Dave Gottesman over the last four years," Governor John Lynch said in a statement. " Dave is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly for his constituents in the Nashua area and for all New Hampshire citizens.  I want to thank Dave for his service to his constituents and to the state, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

UPDATE 4: "As Chairman of the commerce committee, David was a tireless voice for consumers.  His service in the state Senate has been invaluable and the state of New Hampshire is greater for it. I wish David all the best and thank him for all the work he has done on behalf of New Hampshire families," former governor Jeanne Shaheen said in a statement.