Wichita ? A Wichita Republican who is vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is resigning his seat in the Legislature.

Rep. Jason Watkins announced Thursday that he is leaving public office to focus on family and personal business. The 37-year-old Watkins says service in the Legislature has grown in responsibility, making it difficult to keep up with all of his responsibilities.

Watkins says his resignation is effective Dec. 13. He was first elected in 2004 and is also chairman of the House General Government Budget Committee and a member of the Judiciary Committee.

A replacement will be chosen by Republicans in his Wichita legislative district.

The 2010 legislative session begins in January.