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
Check out questions readers have for Minnesota’s candidates for governor (and some answers) at 10Questions.com
