Bob Kerlin of Winona is 4th MN Legislator to decide not to run in 06

[CatholicEdHead]

According to the Strib, the State Senator has other intrests. Any word on anybody intrested in the DFL to run for this soon to be open seat? It would appear easier to get than seats near St. Cloud and Buffalo, as those are ex-urban areas of the Twin Cities that lean red more often than not.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5521212.html

"WINONA, Minn. -- Republican Sen. Bob Kierlin of Winona is the latest state lawmaker to announce plans not to seek re-election next year.

Kierlin, 66, was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1999 during a special election, and was re-elected in 2000 and 2002.

Kierlin is chairman of the board of Winona-based Fastenal Co., which he founded in 1967. He said Friday he's becoming increasingly busy with projects in the Winona area and had decided before the regular legislative session that this would be his final term.

Rep. Joe Opatz, a Democrat from St. Cloud, said Wednesday he'll give up his House seat next year. Opatz was named to a one-year post as interim president of Central Lakes College, a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institution with campuses in Brainerd and Staples.

Earlier, two Senate Republicans — Dave Kleis of St. Cloud and Mark Ourada of Buffalo — also announced plans to leave the Legislature."

[katinmn]

1. 3 Republicans moving on. That's good