Sen. Steve Murphy won't seek re-election

State Sen. Steve Murphy, a Red Wing Democrat first elected in 1992, announced Friday he won't seek re-election in 2010.

Murphy said he never viewed public service as a career, and he said he's looking forward to spending more time with his family, including his wife, children and grandson.

"Serving as a state lawmaker is a full-time commitment and my family has stood by my side while I've devoted countless hours to my role as senator," Murphy said in a written statement. "I owe them deeply for their patience and support."

In a lengthy statement, Murphy noted several accomplishments he's felt have been made in the 17 years while at the Capitol.

"With the help of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we have made tremendous progress in expanding access to health care, improving the state's schools, fixing our roads and bridges, protecting the environment, and honoring our veterans," he said.

Murphy has served as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He is a retired Xcel Energy employee who once worked at the Prairie Island nuclear plant in Red Wing.

During last year's legislative session, he and other lawmakers supported a bill that would have lifted Minnesota's ban on new nuclear power plants. The bill didn't pass, but it's likely to be an issue again this session, which starts Feb. 4.

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