WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Steve Austria, R-Ohio, announced Friday he is retiring, saying he is angry new district lines would have him facing another Republican member.
The second-term congressional member was set to face Republican Rep. Michael Turner in the redrawn 10th Congressional District in southwestern Ohio, Roll Call reported.
Ohio lost a seat in redistricting for the 2012 elections.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed working on behalf of every one of my communities, both large and small, and regret that I will not be able to continue the work I have been truly committed to, due to the redrawing of the maps," Austria said.
Austria took a shot at his own party, describing Ohio redistricting as an exercise "done in secrecy and with closed-door deals."
State Republicans controlled the process.
