Albany County's respected historian starts a new chapter of his own Wednesday after politely refusing the nod to run for a 12th term in the Assembly. Our Erin Vannella has the story.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- After a standing ovation and 20 years of self described honorable and dignified service, Democratic Assemblyman Jack McEneny declines his party's nomination to run again.

"Congressman McNulty made it 20 years, and Senator Knowland hit 20 years and now I have my 20 years and I think it's time to pass the torch," said Albany Democratic Assemblyman Jack McEneny.

The 68 year-old expressed his pride for the party's work and thanked his family and friends and comrades on the Assembly floor.

"There are people in this room where we have disagreed," said McEneny. "We've backed different candidates. We've fought each other on the field of election battle, if you will. There isn't a person in this room I don't consider a friend."

Then they thanked Jack.

"I'm happy for Jack," said Senator Neil Breslin. "I hope he enjoys his retirement. We're really going to miss him. He's kind of a legend in our area. He just has a phenomenal perspective. He's our historian but he's also a very bright politician as well."

"Well Jack and I were high school classmates," said Cohoes Democratic Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari. "We sat in the same lunch room and talked politics back in the 60's at CBA and we're very very good friends and I want the best for him. He and I already are discussing travel plans with his wife Jan so who the hell knows what'll happen."

"I think that perhaps when I announced that I wasn't running it might've sparked some people to at least think about it," said Colonie Democratic Assemblyman Robert Reilly.

"He's going to retire from this but he's not going to retire from public life," said Albany County Executive Dan McCoy. "He'll do something else."

Jack's answer?

"My wife Jan is here and she said whatever you want to do is fine with me," said McEneny.

As to those who want his seat, the elder assemblyman, offered this.

"I've been hearing a lot of names," said McEneny. "I've heard as many as 16 names so far. I think we'll get people with experience. It's not going to be the original amateur hour and I'm looking forward to the change and I'll do whatever I can to support them."