Moe quietly exits politics

ST. PAUL (AP) -- As one of the state's top political leaders, everyone wanted to bend Roger Moe's ear. Now his phone doesn't ring much any more.

After 32 years in the state Senate, including 22 as its leader, Moe's political career ends Jan. 7 when a new wave of lawmakers take office. That includes Republican Tim Pawlenty, who defeated Moe in the governor's race two months ago.

Moe will return to his newly built home on Union Lake, near Erskine, to build a couple of decks and finish the basement. Then he'll be looking for a new job for the first time since his mid-20s.

"I'm not even sure I have a resume," the 58-year-old Crookston native said. "I don't know too much about those things."

Moe decided early this year not to seek re-election, then vied for the DFL gubernatorial nomination. He got it but finished second in the Nov. 5 election.

"I rebound pretty quick," Moe said, but he's still looking for something to replace his years in the Senate.

Besides a few scheduled lectures for a University of Minnesota-Morris political science class, Moe has made no plans for the future.

He recently cleaned out his office at the state Capitol, thinking it would only take a few hours and spent two days pouring over memories.