Longtime Sen. Berglin Resigning Minnesota Seat

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The longest-serving woman senator in Minnesota's history says she's leaving office next month.

Minneapolis Democratic Sen. Linda Berglin said Monday that she would resign effective Aug. 15. She is taking a health care policy assignment with Hennepin County.

Berglin was first elected to a Minnesota House seat in 1972 and moved to the Senate in 1981. In her four decades in office, Berglin has become the Legislature's foremost expert on social service policy and has had a hand in many of Minnesota's safety-net laws.

Gov. Mark Dayton must call a special election to replace her. Democratic state Rep. Jeff Hayden has already announced his candidacy.

Berglin's departure means Minneapolis Rep. Phyllis Kahn will have sole distinction for longevity among women in the Capitol. Kahn was first elected in 1972.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)