Boucher: I've considered ND ag run for a year

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Rolette state Rep. Merle Boucher (boo-SHAY') is giving up his job as the North Dakota House's Democratic leader to run for state agriculture commissioner, and he says it was a difficult decision.

Boucher has been in the House for almost 20 years, and he's been the Democratic minority leader since the 1997 Legislature.

Democratic state convention delegates are endorsing their favorite for agriculture commissioner Friday, and Boucher is the only declared candidate.

Boucher says incumbent Republican Doug Goehring (GOR'-ing) has less of an advantage because he's never been elected. Gov. John Hoeven appointed Goehring to the job last year.

The 63-year-old Boucher says he's been considering the ag commissioner race for about a year.

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