Sen. Kenric Scheevel of Preston was tapped this morning to be the running mate for Orono businessman Brian Sullivan, who is seeking the Republican endorsement for governor.
Scheevel's future was unclear when Minnesota's new redistricting plans were released in March. The new maps placed Scheevel and Sen. Bob Kierlin, a Winona Republican, in the same newly configured district.
In such a case, an incumbent typically takes one of three paths -- move to a new district, retire from the Legislature, or run in a primary. But it seems Scheevel has been handed a fourth option.
Scheevel, 45, is an assistant minority leader in the Senate and was elected in 1994 to represent the largely rural area surrounding Rochester. During his time in the Senate, he has devoted special attention to agricultural issues, education and economic development.
Scheevel is a farmer and a former math and physics teacher. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from South Dakota State University.
