Leader Of Minn. Dems Won't Try For New 2-Year Term

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party is looking for a new chairman now that the current leader says his current two-year term will be his last.

DFL Chairman Brian Melendez informed party members in a lengthy e-mail Friday that he won't try for a fourth term. Melendez says he's "ready to come up for air" and step away from the time-consuming role.

This year, Minnesota Democrats reclaimed the governor's office for the first time in two decades and now hold all statewide offices for the first time in 32 years. But the party saw huge legislative losses.

The election of a new chairman is scheduled for a state central committee meeting on Feb. 5.

Veteran operative Ken Martin says he is considering a campaign. No Democrats have formally announced a bid.

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