Rochester’s Rep. Bradley won’t run again in 2006

12/16/2005

December 15, 2005 (AP)—The Minnesota House’s leading player on health and welfare budget issues, six-term Republican Fran Bradley of Rochester, said Thursday that he will not seek reelection in 2006.

Bradley, 63, chairman of the Health Policy and Finance Committee, cited health problems of several family members as a major factor in his decision. He said that next year he would be “running to be a better grandpa, parent, son, brother and husband.”

He made his announcement in a senior citizens’ residence, surrounded by more than a dozen plaques honoring his service, most from health-care groups.

In 2004, Bradley won by only 311 votes over DFL candidate Kim Norton, chairwoman of the Rochester School Board, whose website makes it clear that she is running again next year.

Bradley acknowledged that DFLers are making inroads in the Rochester area, once considered solid GOP territory. But he said he thinks Republicans will hold onto the seat. DFLers, meanwhile, are licking their chops.

“This seat will be a top priority and, with Kim Norton, I think we’re likely to win,” said House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, DFL-St. Paul. Norton already is popular in the area, he said.