Former GOP State Rep. Smith Dies
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A son of former state Rep. Steve Smith of Mound says the Minnesota Republican has died.
Smith was 64 and had served two decades in the Legislature before losing in a 2012 primary. Ryan Smith said in a statement Monday that the cause of his father's death is pending. But Smith says his father had battled alcoholism and become "increasingly despondent and unresponsive to calls from family and friends."
Smith was living alone in Hennepin County.
The attorney was a moderate Republican who represented a west suburban district from 1991 to 2013. He formerly chaired House committees on public safety, judiciary and ethics.
The family has asked for privacy and hasn't released funeral arrangements.
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