UPDATE: Murphy retiring; who will replace him?

• Steve Murphy

Steve Murphy will not seek re-election in 2010.

Talk about it

Steve Murphy, a five-term lawmaker from Red Wing and chairman of the powerful Senate Transportation Committee, announced Friday that he will not seek re-election.

"I just want to spend more time with my family and pursue some other interests," the Red Wing Democrat said in an interview with the Republican Eagle. "The Legislature always needs a healthy infusion of fresh blood."

Where that new blood will come from remains uncertain, with only one candidate having formally emerged in the race - Red Wing Mayor John Howe, who will seek the GOP endorsement.

State Republicans received Friday's announcement with excitement after having targeted Murphy last summer during an aggressive campaign to win back legislative seats.

Minnesota Republican Party Deputy Chair Michael Brodkorb called that attempt successful.

"There's no question that had an impact," he said of efforts to oust Murphy from the seat. "That should have been a very big symbol to him that he was on a target list."

Murphy laughed off the possibility that GOP tactics were behind his decision, saying "their opinions mean nothing to me."

"If they think they can pressure a former Marine into doing their bidding, they're just wrong," he said. "I like a good fight - I'd take them on. If history was any indicator, I'd whoop 'em too."

The race for Senate District 28 is bound to become more interesting following another Murphy revelation: Barring a strong DFL candidate, he would like to see first-term Republican legislator Tim Kelly fill the seat.

"If Tim Kelly would run, Tim Kelly would win," Murphy said, referring to the House lawmaker from Red Wing.

Murphy said he has approached Kelly, urging him to consider running for the seat.

Kelly said he was "flattered" by Murphy's suggestion.

"I appreciate Steve's words and comments," Kelly said. "Right now I'm leaning toward the House."

Friday's announcement closes the chapter on a string of recent successful legislative sessions for Murphy. Since 2008, he has led successful efforts on a major transportation finance package and a bill penalizing motorists who don't wear seat belts.

That leadership experience will be missed, said Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller.

"We lose an incredibly strong voice for transportation infrastructure," the Minneapolis Democrat said. "He's been a strong advocate for adequate investment. Those are big shoes to fill."

Despite the campaign announcement, Murphy said he has set goals for his last legislative session. Those include leading a push to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Murphy said he also will author a bill seeking to shrink the size of the Legislature. He said the bill could call for scaling the 201-member Legislature to about 30 senators and 90 House members.

Murphy said that while he would leave his options open, he would not seek future appointments to state commissions, especially the Transportation Department, headed by Commissioner Tom Sorrell.

"Our current commissioner of transportation is probably the best commissioner we've had there since I've been there," Murphy said, adding that the next governor "would be a fool to get rid of Tom Sorrel."

He said the same goes for the commissioners of Veterans Affairs and Public Safety departments.

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Among possible DFL candidates, Murphy named Goodhue School Board member Dan Ryan, who challenged former Rep. Sandy Wollschlager for the District 28A Democratic endorsement in 2006.

Contacted Friday, Ryan denied any interest in Senate seat and hoped that Murphy would reconsider his decision to withdraw.

"Just having my name mentioned was kind of an honor," Ryan said.

Murphy said he also expects to see some Goodhue and Wabasha county commissioners emerge to challenge for the Democratic endorsement.

Murphy said he hopes to do charitable work in the future. He said he will consider efforts for the developmentally disabled, veterans and people who have suffered workplace injuries.

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