Rep. David Swinford, HD 87, recently announced his resignation from the House. “After much discussion and consultation with District 87’s leaders, community leaders and good friends, I have decided the greatest parting gift to my constituents would be to retire early,” Swinford said in his one-page letter he sent to Governor Rick Perry on August 26th. In that letter, he noted his resignation would be effective August 31st and requested the Governor to call a special election to fill his unexpired term on the same day as the general election.