Minn. Lawmaker Vocal In Gun Debate Won't Run Again
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota legislator who has taken a visible role in public safety and gun issues says he won't run for a 10th term in the 2014 election.
State Rep. Michael Paymar announced Wednesday he will leave the Legislature after his current term expires. The St. Paul Democrat is the chairman of the House Public Safety Committee; his district is considered safe Democratic territory.
Paymar says he wants to pursue other professional aspirations, including a forthcoming book and a planned expansion of a nonprofit that he has been involved with that aims to reduce gender-based violence.
Paymar collided this year with his party's leadership over whether to change Minnesota's gun laws. His bill to expand background checks and restrict gun purchases stalled when House leaders declined to call a vote.
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