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Minnesota Senator Kathy Sheran Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A top Minnesota Senate Democrat on social services issues is not seeking re-election in 2016.

Sen. Kathy Sheran announced on Monday her plans to retire after her third term is up. Sheran was first elected to the Mankato-area district in 2006.

Sheran carved out a reputation for handling delicate health and social service issues during her tenure. She helped pass a law expanding the state's indoor smoking ban in 2007 and revamped Minnesota's child protection laws.

She says she'll serve out her term as chair of the Senate's health and human services policy committee.

Sheran is just the latest Senate Democrat to forgo another run as the party seeks to maintain its majority in the Senate. Sens. Barb Goodwin and Bev Scalze announced their retirements this fall.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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