Sponsor Of Minn. Vikings Stadium Law To Retire
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The chief House sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings stadium legislation won't run for a new term in the Legislature.
Republican Rep. Morrie Lanning announced Thursday he would retire after his fifth term ends rather than seek another two years in November's election. Lanning, who has been chairman of the House State Government Finance Committee, made his announcement in Moorhead.
The mild-mannered former college administrator and city mayor shepherded the bill that provides a public subsidy for a new $975 million Vikings stadium in Minneapolis.
House Speaker Kurt Zellers says Lanning is a "true statesman" who will be missed.
Lanning's seat is seen as competitive in the broader race for control of the state House.
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