MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Longtime Democratic state Sen. Dave Hansen said Thursday that he'll retire rather than seek re-election this fall, creating an open seat in a Republican-leaning region and making it that much harder for his party to win the majority in the chamber. Hansen has represented the Green Bay and Marinette areas since 2001, even though the northeastern Wisconsin district is strongly Republican. Known for his bellowing speeches on the Senate floor, he served as majority leader during the 2009-11 legislative session. Republicans tried to recall him and seven other Democratic senators in 2011 after the caucus fled...
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