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DES MOINES, IOWA -- It is the end of an era in southeast Iowa as one of the state's most popular state representative's career comes to and end.

For the past 10 years, Representative Kurt Swaim has been a voice for the people of southeast Iowa; but as the legislative session comes to an end in Des Moines, so will Swaim's time as a lawmaker.

"I have had the privilege representing the people in Appanoose, Davis and Wayne Counties for 10 years now, and just have had a wonderful experience. It has been the greatest 10 years of my life," said Swaim. 

One of the most popular democrats in the Iowa House, Representative Kurt Swaim is saying goodbye. For Swaim, this was an experience of a lifetime. 

"You can read about it in the newspaper, you can talk about it with other politicians; but until you get inside and see the process as it works, you never truly appreciate what a tremendous system we have," said Swaim. 

Swaim's district was re-drawn to include portions of fellow democrat Curt Hanson's district. Hanson told KTVO that he hates to see his fellow democrat go.

"I think that he has done a good job at representing his district very, very well; and I appreciate that. I am sad to see him leaving the house. It is going to be big shoes to fill and I hope I can do that by making a lot of constituent contacts and listening to the people," said Hanson. 

One of Representative Swaim's biggest accomplishments in the house was getting the Consumer Fraud Act passed. 

"I think it is a very positive thing for our state. I think it makes the playing field more balanced for the consumer, and I am just really proud of that," said Swaim. 

For State Senator Mark Chelgren, seeing Swaim retire from the house is bittersweet. 

"Kurt Swaim is one of my favorite democrats. He is a good guy. He tries to do the right thing. We have to many attorneys up there anyways though, so probably getting rid of one isn't the worst thing, but Kurt is a good guy," said Chelgren.

Because of his retirement, Swaim will be able to spend more time on his law practice, and of course, spend more time with his family. 

"There is always a lot of things you miss at home; ballgames and dance recitals for the grandkids and things of that nature. I hope to hit a lot more of those now," said Swaim. 

But Swaim knows that he owes this experience to the people of southeast Iowa.

"I am appreciative of the voters that have let me stick around this place for 10 years. It has been a wonderful privilege and honor to serve and I just thank those folks from the bottom of my heart," said Swaim.