Jean Leising (R), Oldenburg, has announces that she will be a candidate in State Senate District 42, which includes Shelby, Rush, Decatur, Fayette and a portion of Franklin County.

The seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Robert Jackman.

Leising served as the state senator in District 42 from 1988 to 1996.

She and her husband, Frank Thompson, reside on their farm near Oldenburg in Franklin County.

Leising is the mother of three children: Jill Koch, Jennifer Whaley and Jeffrey Leising. She has three granddaughters.

"I will work to lower property taxes, protect the rights of property owners, and decrease government spending. Quality health care for all ages, including home care and long term care have always been important issues to me. I remain pro-life and a strong defender of second amendment rights," Leising said.

While serving as a state senator, she was recognized numerous times for her work on health and business issues, receiving the Guardian of Small Business Award from NFIB in 1992 and 1996. She received special awards in her work on health care from Indiana Home Care, Residential Care, Counseling Association, Optometric Society and the Social Workers. She also received several Right to Life awards in 1995 and the NRA Defender of Freedom Award in 1996.

Leising grew up in Lawrenceville in northern Dearborn County, the daughter of a retailer, who owned and operated Schoettelkotte Bros. General Store.

She graduated from Sunman High School and Good Samaritan School of Nursing.

When she lost her husband to a farm accident in 1980, she continued the family farming operation.

She was recognized as Indiana Farm Bureau Woman of the Year in 1985, and was elected president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association in 1986.

Today, her oldest daughter, Jill, and her husband, Jeff Koch, are partners with Leising in the 300 sow breed to wean hog operation.

She currently works with her daughter at Adventures In Travel in Batesville.

Leising welcomes your comments on issues at Jeanleising@aol.com or evenings at 812-934-4118.