Senate GOP leader McKinley won’t seek re-election

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley says he won’t seek another term and will give up his leadership post when Senate Republicans meet next week.

McKinley announced Wednesday he decided not to run because he wants to spend more time with his family. Since he won’t seek re-election, McKinley says it made sense for Republicans to pick a new leader.

McKinley was elected to the Senate in 2000 and became floor leader in November 2008.

Senate Republicans will meet Nov. 10 to discuss leadership in the chamber. That comes two days after a special election in Linn County to replace Democratic Senator Swati Dandekar, who resigned to accept an appointment to the Iowa Utilities Board.

A Republican win would mean an evenly split Senate, with 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats.