Last call: 12 retire from Minnesota Legislature

Polinaut has the complete list of legislators who announced their retirements yesterday at the close of session. The tally: eight Republicans and four Democrats. Here’s the list:

Brad Finstad (R-Comfrey)
John Berns (R-Wayzata)
Scott Kranz (DFL – Blaine)
Frank Moe ((DFL – Bemidji)
Chris DeLaForest (R- Andover)
Aaron Peterson (DFL – Appleton)
Connie Ruth (R – Owatonna)
Neva Walker (DFL – Minneapolis)
Kathy Tingelstad (R – Andover)
Erik Paulsen (R – Eden Prairie)
Dennis Ozment (R – Rosemount)
Bud Heidgerken (R – Freeport)

There are a few notable names here. Walker (pictured above) is the only African-American member of the legislature and an often lonely voice on issues such as prison reform and comprehensive sex education in schools. Tingelstad was one of the “override six” and opted not to run for a seventh term after facing opposition from her own party. Moe is the assistant majority leader in the House, while Finstad is the assistant minority leader. Paulsen is the GOP-backed candidate to replace Rep. Jim Ramstad in Congress.