Statements about running for governor: Koering announces that he’s dropping out of the race for governor because, he says, Republican Party activists will not support him because he’s gay. “The reading from potential delegates is that they could not get past the fact I’m gay,’’ Koering said in an interview. - MinnPost, Aug. 12, 2009 

Koering said he is forming a committee to explore a gubernatorial bid, adding: "I think an outstate rural guy would really have some appeal to the [Republican Party] delegates." — St. Cloud Times, June 5, 2009

Party: Republican

Current government position: State senator, District 12

Elected: 2002

Term: Second

Occupation: Small business owner (liquor store, funeral car service), Crow Wing County Coroner "transportation officer," small dairy farmer

Birth date: Dec. 17, 1964

Home: Fort Ripley

Education: Brainerd High School

Website: Campaign website

E-mail: sen.paul.koering@senate.mn

Key issues and priorities: According to his biography, Koering describes himself not as an ultra-conservative or an ultra-liberal but a "realist."

Political experience: Before joining the Senate, he served on the board of directors of the Minnesota Farm Bureau.

Background articles:

"Koering re-elected"

Profile in Pioneer Press

"Republican Senator Ends Speculation and Acknowledges He's Gay"

Wikipedia profile