DANVILLE – Vermilion County voters may see the names of two local Democrats on the ballot for the state's attorney's office come March, but they won't see the current officeholder's.

State's Attorney Frank Young announced Monday that he won't seek a third term or run for any other public office in the 2008 election. The primary is March 5, and the general election is Nov. 4, 2008.

"I love prosecuting," said Young, who will return to private practice when his term expires. "It's a tremendous and rewarding challenge. It's the most demanding job I've had, and the most time-consuming job. But it's a 24-7 job, and eight years is enough."

Young said he was making the announcement now because candidates could circulate petitions starting earlier this month, on Aug. 7. Candidates will file petitions and other nominating papers from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5.

"I want to make sure everyone has time to run," he said.

A Danville Republican, Young was elected to the state's attorney's office in 2000 and was re-elected in 2004. Before 2000, he served two six-year terms on the Danville Area Community College board.

In 2006, Young ran for circuit judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, but was defeated by Nancy Fahey. Though his name had been circulated as a possible replacement for state representative in the 104th District – currently held by Danville Republican Bill Black – he said Monday that he's not running.

While the names of several local attorneys have surfaced as possible candidates for Young's office, only two – both Democrats – confirmed they are considering a run. Derek Girton of Oakwood and Bill Donahue of Danville have picked up petitions.

"It's something I'm considering," said Girton, a Vermilion County native who has been in private practice for 15 years. Girton is a longtime Oakwood school board member and currently serves as vice president.

Donahue plans to announce his candidacy formally next week. "I've been considering it ever since I left Frank's office," said Donahue, an attorney for 24 years and a Vermilion County board member since 2005.

He worked in the Vermilion County public defender's office for two years before moving to the state's attorney's office. He left to become an Iroquois County assistant state's attorney around 2002, and ran against Young in 2004.

"I want to bring a community prosecution approach to the office," Donahue said, adding it's worked in cities across the United States. "It's going to have both what I call a treatment side and a prosecution side."