Zellers selects former Rep. Dean Simpson as running mate

Dean Simpson is a grocery store owner and former New York Mills mayor.

May 22, 2014 at 2:41PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

GOP gubernatorial candidate Kurt Zellers has selected former state Rep. Dean Simpson as his running mate.

Zellers made the announcement Thursday morning in a message to supporters.

"Our campaign is about creating jobs and opportunities for all families across Minnesota, and Dean has dedicated his personal and professional life to that end," Zellers said in the statement. "Our state will be a better place to live and build a business with Dean as its next lieutenant governor."

Zellers praised Simpson for creating jobs and being a leading advocate for economic development in the New York Mills area.

Simpson, who is also Zellers' campaign chairman, is a former New York Mills mayor and owner of grocery stores.

He was first elected to the state House in 2002, where he served on the taxes committee.

"I'm grateful for the service he has already shown and I'm looking forward to running with him," Zellers said.

Zellers is one of five GOP gubernatorial candidates vying for the chance to take on DFL Gov. Mark Dayton, who is seeking a second term.

Zellers is also one of the last to select a running mate. Orono businessman Scott Honour is the only GOP candidate who has yet to announce a running mate.

Simpson
Simpson (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Baird Helgeson

Deputy editor

Baird Helgeson is deputy local editor at the Star Tribune. He helps supervise coverage of local news. Before becoming an editor, he was an award-winning reporter who covered state government and politics. He has worked for news organizations in Minnesota, Florida and North Dakota.

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