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Amy Klobuchar has picked a former rural mayor as her running mate as she runs for governor of Minnesota.

Klobuchar chose former Fergus Falls Ben Schierer on Friday as her choice for lieutenant governor. The two must file jointly for the ballot.

“Ben Schierer hasn’t just talked about how to create opportunities in Minnesota — he’s actually done it,” Klobuchar said in naming her selection.

Schierer spent 16 years in local government, including two terms as mayor of the northwestern Minnesota city. After previously running a business in the city, he now works for a regional economic development nonprofit.

“As a former mayor devoted to rural economic development, I know how important it is to elect a governor who will focus on expanding our economy and creating good jobs for Minnesotans across this state,” Schierer said in a written statement.

Klobuchar, a U.S. senator, is the heavy favorite for her party endorsement at the DFL state convention in Rochester. She entered the race shortly after Gov. Tim Walz bowed out of a third-term bid.

Klobuchar has held her Senate seat for about 20 years. She has won her four Senate elections by double digit margins, something Republicans, hope they can change as they face her in the governor’s race. They also make a governor endorsement this weekend.

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Democratic governor candidate Amy Klobuchar has picked former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer as her running mate.

Klobuchar picks a running mate as political party conventions get underway

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