Longtime Minnesota Lawmaker Stepping Down; Had Major Role in DMC Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A power player at Minnesota's Capitol is resigning her House seat to take a job at a lobbying firm, where she'll keep a focus on tax and local government policy.

Democratic Rep. Ann Lenczewski of Bloomington says she'll leave next month and join the Lockridge, Grindal, Nauen firm. Her decision will result in a special election for a suburban seat she held for nine terms.

When Democrats held the House majority, she was the chairwoman of the Tax Committee and was instrumental in forming the final version of the DMC initiative. Minority Leader Paul Thissen says her departure "leaves a huge hole in the Legislature."

The 55-year-old says she's ready for a new career challenge now that the youngest of her four children is off to college.