4-Term Rep. Benson To Retire From Minn. House
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Four-term Rep. John Benson of Minnetonka says he'll retire rather than run again for the Minnesota House.
His decision announced Wednesday touches off what is likely to be a competitive contest for the seat he first won in 2006. Although Benson ran up an 11-point win in 2012, prior contests in the suburban district have proven closer.
Benson, a retired teacher, says he is ready to be a private citizen again. He is among a handful of Republicans and Democrats opting against a re-election campaign with more announcements possible between now and the close of candidate filing next May.
All 201 Minnesota House seats are at stake in November's election. A net gain of seven seats for Republicans would flip the power balance in the House.
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