Longtime State Representative Cary Allred resigned from the General Assembly Monday afternoon.

The Alamance County Republican told NBC 17 News, “I’m sick of the legislature.  I’m sick of the legislative process.”

Allred, who served 16 years in the House and four years in the Senate, said he was disturbed by the lawmakers self imposed cross over deadline and what he called a maniacal way to pass legislation. 

His resignation took effect Monday at 2 p.m.  Fellow Republicans expressed suprise at Allred’s sudden departure in the middle of session.

However, State Party Chairwoman Linda Daves called for his resignation after reports of drunken, boisterous behavior on the House floor and friendly hugs for a teenage page.

“I’m innocent of anything illegal or unethical,” declared Allred.

Yet the House Ethics Committee was looking into Allred’s actions.   

“I don’t need to be a part of false accusations. I felt I didn’t have a chance with the Ethics Committee,” said Allred.

Rather than drive to Raleigh for Monday’s night’s legislative session, Allred said he enjoyed an afternoon of fishing.  Beyond personal time, he also wants time to focus on his motorcycle dealership.

Republican House Leader, Representative Skip Stam, (R) Wake County, hopes Allred will be remembered as a passionate advocate for fairness.

“For example, Alamance and Wake County get rooked on the lottery distribution proceeds and he was always bringing that to the attention of the House any way he could,” said Stam.

Allred was also passionate concerning homestead exclusions for senior citizens.  Since 1995 he helped push the income level exclusion from $12,000 dollars up to $25,600.  Anyone 65 or older, can cut their property taxes in half if their income does not exceed $25,600.

Allred says he’ll miss helping his District 64 constituents.  He also served them as an Alamance County Commissioner for ten years.

But his state house seat won’t remain empty very long.  The district’s GOP executive committee plans to name Allred’s replacement next Monday night.

Five residents have already expressed interest; the NC Right To Life Chair’s husband Rodney Holt, Alamance County Commissioner Dan Ingle, U.S. Postal worker Kenneth Kruger, former State Senator Hugh Webster and Burlington Attorney Ken Whited.