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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A longtime state representative announced Tuesday he won't seek re-election amid questions about his role at a nonprofit organization.
Democratic Rep. Joe Atkins told the St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/1nNGLtH ) that he won't seek his seat again in 2016. Atkins tackled big issues during his seven-term tenure representing the Inver Grove Heights district, from setting up Minnesota's health insurance exchange to resisting efforts to undo the state's Sunday liquor sales ban. He had flirted with a run for Congress before shooting that down this summer, and has previously suggested a future bid for statewide office.
But Atkins has been embroiled in questions about his leadership at the Inver Grove Heights BEST Foundation, a scholarship nonprofit. The Star Tribune reported last week that Atkins' three children received scholarships from the organization — decisions that both the board's foundation and Atkins said he did not influence.
Atkins said he may seek a seat on the Dakota County Board. In a statement, he said he wanted to give a successor time to campaign for the seat.
"My work and term are not yet done, and there is plenty left to do this session," Atkins said.
His departure from the Legislature gives Republicans an alluring option to expand their reach as they seek to maintain control of the House. The district's state senator, Democratic Sen. Jim Metzen, also recently announced he would forego re-election this year as he undergoes cancer treatment.
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