McKinley to step down as Senate GOP leader

Republicans in the Iowa Senate definitely will have a new caucus leader later this month.

Not only will current Senate GOP Leader Paul McKinley of Chariton not seek to hold his current position when Republican senators meet Nov. 10 at the Statehouse, he announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to the Iowa Senate next year.

"Since I will not be seeking another term, I believe the Senate Republicans should have a new leader in place now to continue building on the momentum that is being generated as we head toward picking up the majority in November of 2012," McKinley said in a statement.

McKinley's decision clears the way for disgruntled members of the Senate GOP caucus to make a leadership change.

In September, state Sen. Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, sent an email message to his 23 Republican colleagues asking them to meet at the Capitol to plot strategy for the upcoming Senate District 18 special election in Marion and to hold a leadership election even though McKinley was out of the country at the time.

The leadership showdown in October fizzled out when the meeting had to be canceled because too many GOP senators were unable to attend.

Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa, said at the time that he intended to call for a leadership vote at the Nov. 10 caucus. The next scheduled closed-door caucus for Senate Republicans is slated two days after the special election where Republicans hope to knot the chamber in a 25-25 tie with a victory by GOP candidate Cindy Golding over Democrat Liz Mathis. Democrats held a 26-24 edge in the Senate until then-Sen. Swati Dandekar, D-Marion, resigned the post to accept an appointment by Gov. Terry Branstad to the Iowa Utilities Board, setting up the Nov. 8 special election.

Dissatisfaction with the current direction of the Senate GOP caucus boiled over when Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City, publicly called for McKinley's resignation in mid-October.

“It's no secret there is a clear and healthy divide with in the Republican Senate and I believe it is time to make a change in leadership,” Bertrand said at the time. “I have great respect for Sen. McKinley and his service as we share many of the same conservative and business values, but it has become painfully clear that he has lost the ability lead this caucus.

“Our Senate members have innovative ideas and skills, and it is time we Senate Republicans put a leader in place that will stand up to (Senate Majority Leader Mike) Gronstal's bullying and procedural tactics. We need a leader who can organize our agenda, instill confidence in our donors, and earn the respect of our Governor and House colleagues,” he added.

McKinley, who was first elected in 2000 and was elected leader in November 2008, said this decision was not made lightly. He said he decided it was time to leave the Senate after speaking at length with his family.

"In the ‘80s, I purchased and grew my manufacturing business in southern Iowa. In the ‘90s, I sold my business, retired, raised my children and served my community in various capacities,” McKinley said in a statement. “For the past 11 years, I have served my state as a senator and now it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life and spend more time with my grandchildren.”

McKinley said he plans to finish out his current term, which expires in January 2013. The upcoming 2012 legislative session will be his last.

“Serving my fellow citizens has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” he said.

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