Sen. Thompson not running for majority leader

Freshman Sen. Dave Thompson said Wednesday he will not seek the Senate majority leader position.
Thompson, a Lakeville Republican, said he has decided there is another candidate who will be a more effective leader and consensus-builder within the Minnesota Senate.
Thompson declined to say who that candidate is.
Likely candidates for the post include Sen. David Hann of Eden Prairie, Sen. Julianne Ortman of Chanhassen, Sen. David Senjem of Rochester and interim Senate Majority Leader Geoff Michel of Edina.
Republicans are scrambling to replace former Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, who resigned last week after being confronted about an alleged inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.
Senators will pick their new leader Tuesday.