Two weeks ago, 4-year-old Robby Witwer broke a bone in his foot during a playground fall.

He had just recovered from a broken wrist he got sliding down the banister.

The latest mishap reinforced his father's decision not to run for re-election to the state House in 2008.

"I need to concentrate on being a dad for a while," said Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genessee.

Next month, Witwer and his wife, Heather, will welcome Baby No. 4, another son. In addition to Robby, the Witwers also are the parents of John, 6, and Jeffrey, 2.

The 36-year-old attorney with Molson Coors Brewing Co. said he'd like to get back into politics once his children get older.

Witwer is considered by his colleagues to be one of the brightest and most collegial lawmakers in the House, working across the aisle to seek consensus on issues from education to campaign finance reform.

He championed the environment and, to the chagrin of some in his party, supported gay rights.

House members said Witwer will be missed.

"He's an incredibly thoughtful, intelligent, sincere human being," said Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder. "He never caved to pressure from outside groups. You knew Rob Witwer was his own person."

Witwer took over the seat in 2005 from his father, Rep. John Witwer, R-Evergreen, who resigned after he was appointed to a job in former Gov. Bill Owens' administration.

bartelsl@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5327