The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. - After nearly six terms in Congress - and three decades in public life - veteran Democratic Rep. Darlene Hooley decided it was time to go home.

Hooley, 68, said Thursday she will not run for re-election.

Instead, Hooley will return to her home in West Linn and pursue other professional opportunities.

Hooley, who was known for her work on identity theft protection, consumer product safety and support for the Oregon National Guard, said she decided over the weekend that it was time to move on.

"I have done this long enough," Hooley said in an interview. "You come to a point in your life when you realize there are some other things I want to do. It's time to leave."

Hooley said representing Oregon's 5th Congressional District for the past 11 years "has been my greatest honor and privilege," but said she had grown weary of the constant demands to raise money.

"Frankly, probably the thing that put me over the top is knowing once again I will probably spend a lot of time raising money," she said. "It's not that people haven't been wonderful and generous. It isn't how I want to spend my time. I think it's a system that needs to change."

Hooley, once an avid skier, has had health problems in recent years. She was hospitalized in December with excess fluid in her lungs and underwent knee replacement surgery in late 2002.

But she said health was not a factor in her decision.

"I've never felt better," she said, adding that she still rides a bike and was given "a totally clean bill of health" by her doctor.

Hooley's retirement caught most observers off-guard. She was considered likely to win a seventh term representing the Salem-based district.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called Hooley a leader on military issues, a longstanding advocate for the Oregon National Guard and the nation's veterans.

"Congresswoman Hooley first came to politics as a mother motivated to effect change for children. Over her three decades of public service, she has always maintained that perspective, knowing it is our fundamental responsibility to make our nation stronger for generations to come," Pelosi said in a statement.

Tributes also came in from the Senate.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said returning veterans "have never had a better friend in Congress than Darlene, and meth criminals have never had a more effective foe."

Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., called Hooley "a tireless advocate for her district and a respected leader," adding: "I wish her every good thing."

Meredith Wood Smith, chairwoman of the Oregon Democratic Party, called Hooley's service to the party and the country "absolutely wonderful."