Senjem calls it quits — from Mayo

After 44 years working for Mayo Clinic, Sen. Dave Senjem is retiring.Today marks the Republican senate minority leader's last day as the clinic's environmental affairs officer. The 66-year-old said he decided it was time to retire. The demands of the upcoming legislative session were also weighing on his mind.

"With the leadership responsibilities, there are so many other demands that you have," he said.

Since being elected in 2002, Senjem said he was able to use stored up vacation to cover his days at the Capitol. But that vacation is finally running out. So, rather than take a leave of absence, he decided it would make sense to retire.

While cleaning out his office, Senjem joked about his replacements.

"They are replacing me with two people," he said. "I've been apparently doing two jobs over here plus the Senate job."