Watch CBS News

Zellers Taps Former Rep. Simpson As His No. 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Kurt Zellers has looked inside his own campaign for a running mate with the selection of former state Rep. Dean Simpson.

The announcement Thursday is the latest pairing involving a current or former House member. Simpson, who left the Legislature in 2008, had been finance chairman for Zellers' campaign committee.

Zellers is a former House speaker and one of five contenders for the GOP nomination to take on Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

Simpson lives in Perham. He served three terms in the House after years in local office. He has a long history in the grocery business.

Of the GOP contenders, only businessman Scott Honour is left to make a lieutenant governor pick. The GOP ticket won't be settled until an August primary.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.