Bourcher N.D. Dems' choice for ag commissioner

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota House's Democratic leader will be leaving the Legislature to run for state agriculture commissioner this fall.

It will be Merle Boucher's (boo-SHAY's) second statewide campaign in two years. He lost a bid for lieutenant governor in 2008 on the Democratic ticket with governor candidate Tim Mathern.

North Dakota Democratic convention delegates on Friday endorsed Boucher to run for the position. He did not have any opponents.

Boucher will be running against Republican incumbent Doug Goehring (GOR'-ing). Gov. John Hoeven appointed Goehring to the job almost a year ago after incumbent Democrat Roger Johnson resigned.

Goehring ran for agriculture commissioner in 2004 and 2006 and lost both times.

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