FARGO - Democrat and former state legislative leader Pam Gulleson is running for North Dakota's U.S. House seat in 2012, with plans to formally announce her candidacy today in her hometown of Rutland.
Gulleson is the first Democrat to jump in the race. The other announ-ced candidate is Republican Brian Kalk, who sits on the state Public Service Commission.
The two are vying for the seat being vacated by Republican Rick Berg, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat now held by retiring incumbent Democrat Kent Conrad.
Gulleson, 53, has worked in public policy for more than two decades.
She represented Rutland in the Legislature for 16 years, including a three-term stint as the Democrats' assistant floor leader.
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She worked for former Sen. Byron Dorgan as his state director and chief of staff from 2002 until he retired from the Senate last year.
Gulleson now works at the North Dakota Farmers Union and holds a seat on the board of directors for the Red River Valley Research Corridor, a Dorgan initiative.
Gulleson has long been rumored as a federal candidate for the 2012 election, but her intentions to seek the House seat instead of Senate mark a change from what many political observers expected.
Gulleson plans a series of events across the state this weekend.
She'll kick off her campaign at 9 a.m. Friday at the Fargo Air Museum, 1609 19th Ave. N.
Who is Pam Gulleson?
Age: 53
Experience:
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- Served in the North Dakota Legislature from 1993-2009 representing the 26th District.
- Served as state director and chief for former Sen. Byron Dorgan from 2002 until he retired last year.
- Currently works at the North Dakota Farmers Union.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kristen Daum at (701) 241-5541
