Capitol View: January 22, 2010 Archive

Murphy won't seek reelection

Posted at 10:18 AM on January 22, 2010 by Tim Pugmire
Filed under: Campaign 2010

A veteran state legislator has announced plans to retire this year.

Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, issued a news release today saying he won't run for 6th term this fall. Murphy, who was first elected in 1992, is chairman of the Senate transportation committee. Here's his statement:

Over the past 17 years, I have had the privilege of representing my friends, family, and neighbors in southeastern Minnesota at the State Capitol. It has been an honor to serve as their voice in the Legislature.

I never viewed public service as a career, but rather as an opportunity to make our community and state a better place for working families. With the help of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we have made tremendous progress in expanding access to health care, improving the state's schools, fixing our roads and bridges, protecting the environment, and honoring our veterans.

Serving as a state lawmaker is a full-time commitment and my family has stood by my side while I've devoted countless hours to my role as senator. I owe them deeply for their patience and support. While choosing not to run for re-election was a difficult decision, it was made easier knowing it would provide me more time to dedicate to my wife, children, and grandson.

The Minnesota Legislature is filled with honorable and thoughtful individuals who care deeply about their districts and their constituents. I have appreciated the opportunity to work with my colleagues in the Senate and House, and will leave the Capitol with many lifelong friendships.

Nothing that is accomplished at the Capitol would be possible without the hard work, dedication, and wisdom of the incredibly talented Legislative staff that spend their days and nights in the Capitol. I want to thank them for their years of service and support.

Finally, I intend to finish my legislative career strong, and look forward to serving my constituents in the 2010 Legislative Session. I will spend my last year in office seeking bipartisan solutions to the historic budget challenge that faces our state.

For your viewing pleasure...

Posted at 4:34 PM on January 22, 2010 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2010, Campaign 2010: Minnesota Governor, Campaign 2010: U.S. House

Here's a look at the rundowns for this weekend's public policy shows.

TPT's Almanac:
This week on Almanac we visit with former U. S. Senator Norm Coleman about his decision not to run for Governor, a look ahead to our stormy weekend with Paul Douglas, and Mary Lahammer gives us the latest scorecard in the Governor's race.

KSTP's At Issue:
Joe Repya, who's running for governor as a member of the Independence Party.

WCCO's Sunday Morning with Esme Murphy:
Republican Tom Emmer, who's running for governor.
GOP Rep. Erik Paulsen
Polar explorer Will Steger

Capitol Report:
2010 is a major election year in Minnesota, and Chair Ann Rest of State and Local Gov't Oversight Committee discusses her bill to set guidelines for Ranked Choice Voting in local elections. Republican Chris Gerlach, believes RCV is unconstitutional and explains why to moderator Julie Bartkey. Senator Mee Moua is the first Hmong American to be elected to the legislature. She gives her Inside Perspective on living the American Dream.

ABC's "This Week" - White House senior adviser David Axelrod; Sens. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Jim DeMint, R-S.C.
CBS' "Face the Nation" - Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
NBC's "Meet the Press" - White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
CNN's "State of the Union" - Axelrod; Menendez; Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.
"Fox News Sunday" - White House press secretary Robert Gibbs; Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.