Republican State Sen. Dennis Frederickson, one of the Senate's longest serving members, has decided to retire from the Legislature, according to the Senate GOP caucus.

Frederickson, who was respected on both sides of the aisle for his even temper and fairness, first arrived at the Capitol in 1980. As a sign of the esteem in which the Senate holds him, the Republican New Ulm lawmaker was elected President Pro Tem in 2007.

The Marshall Independent recently reported that no DFLer had expressed interest in running against him. Frederickson won his last election with nearly 60 percent of the vote.

In a statement Frederickson said:

"It is still tremendously rewarding to serve in the Minnesota Senate, and I intend to continue working hard in the Senate until January 2011. But it is time to spend more time with my wife, Marj; fishing, hunting, canoeing the Minnesota River; and enjoying grandchildren's concerts, gymnastics, basketball and soccer games. I want to visit our beautiful state parks and trails and enjoy the outdoors...My heartfelt thank you to all the citizens in the four Senate Districts I've represented for allowing me the privilege of serving in the Minnesota State Senate."

Frederickson was tied for most seniority in the Minnesota Senate -- Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis, and Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon, also arrived in the Senate chamber in 1980. Berglin was first elected to the Minnesota House in 1972 and Langseth was first elected to the House in 1974, so both have more legislative years on Frederickson.

Frederickson adds to the growing list of retirements from the Legislature announced in advance of this year's election. The complete list:

House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, who is running for governor

Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, who is running for governor

Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, who running for Congress against U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann

Rep. Karla Bingham, DFL-Cottage Grove

Rep. Jeremy Kalin, DFL-North Branch

Rep. Cy Thao, DFL-St. Paul

Rep. Rob Eastlund, R-Cambridge

Sen. Steve Dille, R-Dassel

Sen. Steve Murphy,

DFL-Red Wing

Sen. Pat Pariseau, R-Farmington

Sen. Jim Vickerman, DFL-Tracy

Sen. Dennis Frederickson, R-New Ulm

Any other names that should be on that list?

Update:

A few editions to the list with help from @tomscheck and @lrl --

Rep. Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield, who is running against U.S. Rep. Tim Walz

Rep. Dan Severson, R-Sauk Rapids, who is running for Secretary of State