CHARLESTON — After one term in the Legislature, Delegate Rick Snuffer is calling it quits, saying his realigned district is too large for him to provide Raleigh County residents the representation they deserve, given his family obligations.

Snuffer’s decision not to seek re-election fueled speculation that he might seek another office.

For some time, talk has been rife that the former pastor might wage a second challenge to Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., but the delegate hasn’t tipped his hand about future plans.

“At this time, I cannot say whether or not there will be a Snuffer candidacy for office in 2012, but I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of our area the time I was blessed to be in the House,” Snuffer said.

Snuffer ran against Rahall in 2004, but carried only one county — Raleigh — in the 3rd District.

“I have enjoyed working for the people of Raleigh and Summers counties and this was a very hard decision to come to,” he said.

Snuffer pointed out the new 28th District — a product of the controversy-ridden redistricting session last year — stretches from the Woodrow Wilson High school football field to the Virginia border.

“And the people of Monroe, Summers and Raleigh counties deserve a delegate  who can give them the time and service they should have,” he said.

“Because being a West Virginia legislator is a part-time job, my responsibilities to my family require me to continue other employment.”

For nearly four decades, Snuffer said, he has been what is commonly referred to in his region as “a working man.”

“Many times I am on the job at 6 a.m. and may not return home until 2 or 3 a.m. the next morning,” he said.

“This does not leave enough time for me to adequately serve such a large district if the good folks would trust me with enough votes next time around.”

Snuffer was swept into office in the old 27th District two years ago in a Republican uprising that saw the GOP claim three of the five seats.

“It has been an honor to serve for this two-year term, and, even though it’s been a short tenure, I would hope to be remembered as a delegate who put his district ahead of his party and certainly his own personal interests,” Snuffer said.

Snuffer said he hopes voters remember him for his efforts with the governor’s office to make the West Virginia budget compliant with the constitution, but added much needs to be done so that state spending can be easily and readily tracked.

“Only when the everyday West Virginian can go online and see how their money is being spent, or misspent, will we have a truly accountable and transparent budget,” he added.