ST. PAUL -- At least a dozen Minnesota lawmakers are waving goodbye to the state Capitol.
Eight Republicans and four Democrats bid farewell to the House on the session's final day. Most had previously declared their intention to step down after this year.
They ranged in service from freshmen to 12-year Republican veteran Dennis Ozment of Rosemount.
The list of departures also includes former House Majority Leader Erik Paulsen. He is giving up his Eden Prairie-area seat to go forward with a Republican bid for Congress in the open 3rd district.
All 134 House seats are on the ballot this fall. The Senate doesn't face election again until 2010.
Democrats now hold 85 seats.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
