INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): The chairman of one of the most powerful committees at the statehouse won't run for a sixth term next year.

House Public Policy Chairman Tom Dermody (R-LaPorte) says Republicans have talked to him about other offices, and doesn't rule it out in the future. But he says it's time to step aside for now after 10 years, especially since his son will be a senior in high school next year. 

Public Policy handles issues from gambling to alcohol to smoking. Dermody crafted this year's bill allowing racetrack casinos to add live dealers in 2021. He also authored the unsuccessful attempt to allow Sunday alcohol sales in exchange for new regulations on how alcohol is displayed and sold in supermarkets. 

Dermody won reelection in 2012 by 20 points and was unopposed last year. But Democrats John Gregg, Joe Donnelly and Glenda Ritz all carried the northwest Indiana district, and Mitt Romney beat President Obama there by just two points. Dermody says he hopes whoever wins the seat won't toe a strict party line.