Pariseau to retire

An individual who closely watches politics in Minnesota Senate District 36 says GOP state Sen. Pat Pariseau of Farmington will not run for reelection. The person asked to remain anonymous because he didn't want to get ahead of the official statement. I'm told Pariseau will send a letter to supporters early this week announcing her decision.

Pariseau was facing an endorsement challenge from two other Republicans and the source said Pariseau realized it would be difficult to win the backing of party activists.

When contacted at her home, Pariseau declined to discuss her political future. "You'll her from us shortly," Pariseau said. "I'm not prepared to say anything at this time."

Pariseau is currently in her seventh term. She was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1988 and Is best known for authoring a bill that would require law enforcement to issue handgun permits for most Minnesotans (conceal and carry legislation).

Pariseau is the second Senate Republican to face a tough endorsement challenge. GOP Sen. Debbie Johnson, of Ham Lake, lost the Republican endorsement in Senate District 49 to Michelle Benson. Johnson says she isn't sure if she'll run in the primary.

Update: The Pi Press reports that GOP Sen. Paul Koering also skipped his endorsing convention because he didn't think they would endorse him. He says he'll run in the party primary.

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