Austin-based KAAL-TV announced Thursday that Terry Kelley, a producer and former news anchor for the morning program, will leave the station to pursue his political aspirations.

Friday, February 08, 2002

Austin-based KAAL-TV announced Thursday that Terry Kelley, a producer and former news anchor for the morning program, will leave the station to pursue his political aspirations. Kelley has registered a campaign committee for the district 27 state senate seat and now appears set to launch his campaign formally.

The announcement was conveyed in the station’s six o’clock evening news program. According to it, Kelley will resign from the company this month.

Kelley declined to comment on the issue to the Tribune Thursday evening.

Kelley filed his campaign committee, Minnesotans for Kelley, as a DFL candidate on Dec. 31 last year. According to information released by the State Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board, former DFL Sen. Pat Piper is registered as his committee chair.

KAAL-TV removed Kelley from the morning anchor position on Jan. 17 in accordance with the station’s policy, which prevents support for political candidates. Since then Kelley has continued to work as a producer.

In a previous interview on Jan. 11, Kelley said he would seek an endorsement from DFL.

The district 27 senate seat is now held by Sen. Grace Schwab, R-Albert Lea.