RICHLAND -- For weeks, we've been wondering if Hankins would go for another term, after racking up 12 so far.

Especially, since she was the subject of a lengthy ethics investigation last year.

While other candidates announced plans to run against her, Hankins stayed hush-hush about her own future.

Until Wednesday.

At a small press conference in Richland, Shirley Hankins, 76, announced she was not seeking a 13th term.

"Today I am announcing my retirement," she said. "At the end of this term."

Most political campaigns begin in front of the cameras.

And Hankins' career ended the same way.

"You know, I'm not sure how you retire," she said, will tears welling up.

Twenty-four years in the legislature, 12 terms, and two tenures were wrapped up in a brief statement before an intimate crowd of close friends, her campaign crew and a few hand-picked media.

"It's been my pleasure to serve the 8th Legislative District for well over 20 years," she read.

Hankins touted a handful of her accomplishments over the years, and you probably know most of them.

Have you taken a drive down SR 240, walked over the RC Brimmer Bridge, or worked for the local labor party?

"It was an honor to be asked here for her retirement," her loss in the legislature, politically, is going to be hard to replace."

Hankins told Action News she's been considering this decision for half a dozen years.

So why give it up now?

Did it have anything with a black mark on her record last year?

Hankins was slapped with a record fine for ethic violations, accused of steering business toward her daughter's company.

"nothing, it didn't have anything to do with it."

Hankins claims the real reason she's calling it quits is two fold: grueling hours in the last 60-day legislative session and the Republican party's lack of a plan.

"I don't really know, but I will tell you I thought the last legislative session, the 60-day sessions, was a nightmare, an absolute nightmare," she said. "Actually, I'll just tell you: the Republicans don't have a plan."

But whatever the reason, you could tell Shirley wasn't quite ready to give it up. She cried during an interview, which she had to stop midway through.

"She is a friend first and a politician second," Reavis said. "It's finally time for her to take time for herself and not just the community."

Even when she was announcing the end of her political career, Hankins still pressed several issues that she feels needs to be addressed in her district, including money and resources for Prosser, Benton City, and Kennewick.

She expressed her frustration in the area's inability to bring more economic and scientific opportunities in the area.

She also wanted to break down the division between money going toward the Seattle area and money coming here.

Hankins retirement obviously means the long-time legislative seat is up for grabs.

Four candidates already announced they're vying for her spot including Republicans Rick Jansons, Brad Klippert, Steve Simmons and Democrat Carol Moser.

But now the question a lot of people are asking is, who's qualified to fill her shoes?

Hankins said she met them all, and isn't endorsing anyone, but expects a Republican to replace her.

Hankins will retire at the end of December or early January.

Then she says she plans to take a little vacation in Arizona.