GF Senator Schneider Promoted for US Senate

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Grand Forks state Sen. Mac Schneider is being promoted as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Incumbent Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad is stepping down next year and Democrats don't have a candidate for Conrad's job. Former state Rep. Pam Gulleson is considering a run.

Killdeer businesswoman and Democratic activist Kristin Hedger has sent a letter to North Dakota newspapers backing Schneider as a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate.

Hedger says Schneider has a strong record as a state lawmaker, and he's already familiar with Washington because of his time as an aide to former Democratic Congressman Earl Pomeroy.

Hedger has run for secretary of state and has been interested in running for the Senate herself. She says next year she's backing Schneider. Schneider says he hasn't considered a race.

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