GOP leader in Iowa not seeking re-election

Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) is stepping down as the Republican leader and won’t seek re-election to a fourth term. Senate Republicans will elect new leadership at a Nov. 10 meeting in Des Moines.

Paul McKinley

“Since I will not be seeking another term, I believe the Senate Republicans should have a new leader in place now to continue building on the momentum that is being generated as we head toward picking up the majority in November of 2012,” McKinley said.

The Des Moines Register reported last month that State Sen. Bill Dix (R-Shell Rock) had called for a leadership election, which was later canceled.

But McKinley said the decision was made after speaking with his family, and it’s time to move on to a new chapter of life. He was first elected in 2000, and his current term expires in January of 2013.

“Serving my fellow citizens has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” McKinley said.

Republicans picked up six seats in the Iowa Senate in 2010, bringing the balance to 26-24 in favor of Democrats. A pending special election in Senate District 18 following the resignation of State Sen. Swati Dandekar (R-Marion) could result in a split chamber.