COLUMBIA, S.C. - State House Democratic Leader James Smith said Friday he will not seek a second term for the post.

"I'm not offering to run as minority leader," Smith, 37, told The Associated Press.

Smith, who has held the job since 2002, said he sent letters earlier this week to legislators announcing his decision. The Democrats will choose a new leader at the end of this month.

His departure means House Republicans and Democrats enter an organizational session Nov. 30 with new leadership.

In June, Rep. Rick Quinn, R-Columbia, lost his primary to political newcomer Nathan Ballentine. Quinn resigned as majority leader in September and the Republican Caucus elected Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Daniel Island, as its new leader last month.

After losing his seat, Quinn said spending time focusing on his leadership duties took him away from paying attention to issues in his home district.

Smith has similar concerns.

"My first legislative responsibilities are to the constituents I serve," he said. "People who spend too much time in political party leadership positions, if they're not careful, can undermine their first and most important job as legislators: serving your constituents."

It is unclear who might step up to take the job.

Two of Smith's minority caucus deputies - Reps. Vida Miller of Pawleys Island and John Scott of Columbia - say they aren't interested.

"That's a job that's very demanding and requires a lot of time," said Scott, who added that he'll be spending more time focusing on issues within his district.

Smith's time has faced more demands than many legislators.

In response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Smith resigned his commission as an Army National Guard captain and judge advocate general lawyer.

He then re-entered the Guard as an enlistee and went through basic military training and back to Officer Candidate School, where he's now holds a rank equal to staff sergeant. He hopes to become a second lieutenant next fall.

Then, he said, he wants "to assume command of a scout platoon" and looks forward to "getting the chance to lead soldiers."