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Pollert elected ND House GOP floor leader; caucus picks leadership team for 2019 session

North Dakota House Republicans have chosen their leaders for the 2019 Legislature.

Rep. Chet Pollert (R-Carrington) was elected House Majority Leader. He succeeds former Rep. Al Carlson (R-Fargo), who was defeated in the November election.

Pollert was elected on the second ballot, besting Rep. Dan Ruby (R-Minot) and Rep. Mike Nathe (R-Bismarck).

Pollert was first elected to the North Dakota House in 1998. He has served as the chairman of the Human Resources Division of the House Appropriations Committee.

"I decided to run because I thought I had the experience over 10 sessions," Pollert said in an interview. "I also have a statewide view, and I think I can represent that well for Western, Central and Eastern North Dakota."

Pollert said his leadership style will be “balanced and open.”

"I plan on holding more caucus meetings, and letting (the members) know where the budget is at," Pollert said. "I think there's a lot of younger Representatives and some veterans who don't understand the budget. I think we need to do a little more educating that way."

The caucus elected Rep. Scott Louser (R-Minot) as assistant floor leader. The current assistant, Rep. Don Vigesaa (R-Cooperstown), did not seek another term.

Rep. Shannon Roers-Jones (R-Fargo) is the new caucus leader. She defeated Rep. Matt Ruby (R-Minot). And Rep. Lawrence Klemin (R-Bismarck) was chosen for House Speaker.

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