Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A 26-year veteran lawmaker known for his impassioned speeches and irreverent, borderline uncouth remarks is retiring from the Minnesota House.
Rep. Tom Rukavina, a Democrat from Virginia, announced his decision in a letter released Friday, a day after the Legislature adjourned for the year.
The 13-term state representative is currently lead Democrat on the House Higher Education Policy and Finance Committee, which he led when his party held the majority. He has also pushed to pass laws requiring Minnesota-made products to be used in stadiums and construction projects. He often bragged about his union-made underwear.
Rukavina also ran for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010 before dropping out during the state party convention.
The seat he is vacating is located in heavily Democratic territory on the Iron Range.