Merrill - Representative Don Friske (R - Merrill) announced
Friday he will not pursue re-election for the 35th Assembly District in November. He will continue to serve the remainder of his current
legislative term through 2010.

"I will miss working for the people of Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon and Oneida counties as well as the rest of Wisconsin," Friske
said. "Over the last ten years I met many wonderful people in the 35th District and I want to say thank you for all the support, advice and
spirited debate on the issues that face this great state," Friske added.

In a press release issued Friday, Friske says:

Among many issues facing Wisconsin, Friske focused his time on forestry, criminal justice and the State's budget process:

* In 2003, he resurrected the State Legislature's first standing
committee in 75 years dedicated solely to forestry, a $23 billion
economic driver for Wisconsin

* Using his16 years experience in law enforcement prior to being
elected, Friske served as a member of at least one of three criminal
justice and court related Assembly committees, working to balance both
community justice and individual liberty in the justice and judicial
systems

* Led a bipartisan panel with Senator Bob Jauch (D - Poplar) to
generate new ideas to fix serious problems in how Wisconsin generates
budgets and spends taxes that remain to this day.

"When I first ran for office in 2000, I promised a strong voice
for northern Wisconsin families," Friske said. "Over the course of the
past ten years, the citizens of the 35th Assembly District and I used
our real life experience and perspective to re-shape our State for the
better."

"It has been a life fulfilling experience to represent you."

In 2006, Friske purchased and began operating a CARQUEST Auto
Parts(r) franchise in Merrill. In 2008 he expanded into his hometown of
Tomahawk. Friske plans to spend more time running his family-owned
business and camping, fishing & hunting with his family.