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Edina Senator Geoff Michel Will Not Seek Reelection

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Add Geoff Michel's name to the list of lawmakers who are calling it quits.

The Edina Republican announced Monday that he will not seek reelection to a fourth term in the Minnesota Senate.

Michel served as Deputy Senate Majority Leader last session, but lost his leadership post in the wake of former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch's resignation. It was revealed late last year that Koch had a relationship with a Senate staffer. Koch has also said she will not seek reelection.

But Michel told Newsradio 830 WCCO's Chad Hartman Monday that the Koch scandal had nothing to do with his decision to retire.

WCCO's Chad Hartman Interviews Geoff Michel

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"I might not pick the last two or three months as my favorite months in a ten-year legislative career," Michel said in explaining his decision.

But he said he'd have come to the same decision had the scandal not happened.

"Regardless of what title I'm holding or what desk I'm sitting at, I've still got to look at the family mass," Michel said. "This is about family mass, and calendars, and time."

Michel has four daughters, all under the age of 15.

"There are weddings to cover, and college tuitions to save for, and it is really hard to juggle a private sector career with legislative service," he said.

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