State Sen. Geoff Michel, who was deputy Senate majority leader until the Amy Koch scandal rocked the Republican leadership, has announced he won't run for re-election in November.
The 10-year veteran from Edina said family obligations are a priority for him, according to MPR:
"I have four daughters under the age of 16," Michel said. "I haven't been around much over the last ten years. I want to be better to my family."
Michel said his decision has nothing to do with the Koch upheaval: He lost his leadership position in the changeover after Koch resigned as Majority Leader. Michel is the one who told Senate leaders that Koch, was having an "inappropriate relationship" with an unnamed staffer. Koch, too, has said she won't seek re-election.
Michel is credited with helping Republicans take over the Legislature in 2010.