As we approach the June primaries in Iowa, several state-elected offices are up for election.

Republican Chip Baltimore of Boone announced on Friday that he will not seek a fifth term in the state house. He says he made up his mind following the previous election that he would not run again. He feels it’s time to move on.

“Had a lot of conversations over the last several weeks with people who were trying to make sure that I would run. I found a lot of reasons for me not to run, a lot of things I would like to do in my life that you really can’t do when you’re dedicating this much time and effort to the legislature. Much of what I wanted to accomplish or wanted to help accomplish has been accomplished.”

Baltimore’s announcement has brought on a five candidate field for House District 47. There is a three-way race for the Republican ticket with: Phil Thompson of Jefferson, Victoria Sinclair of Boone and Donald Batt of Boone. David Weaver of Rippey is running for the Democrats and Patrick Shaw of Boone is running as a Libertarian.

Baltimore offers this advice for those running for his open seat.

“First of foremost, just be grateful for every minute of every day that you get the opportunity to represent the people of the district. Enjoy the campaigning, enjoy-whoever is the victor-enjoy the process of being their representative. Talk to as many people as you can and listen to them.”

Baltimore was first elected to the House in November of 2010.