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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A woman has been appointed to the North Dakota Senate to take the place of incumbent Democrat Aaron Krauter.

Terryl (TER'-uhl) Jacobs of Regent will serve out the remainder of Krauter's term in the southwestern North Dakota district.

Krauter would have been up for re-election next year.

Krauter resigned his seat last month after he was appointed as the North Dakota director of the federal Farm Service Agency. The agency is part of the U.S. Agriculture Department and administers federal farm programs.

If someone resigns from the North Dakota Legislature, state law allows local activists from the incumbent's political party to name a replacement. Jacobs is also a Democrat. She couldn't be reached immediately for comment.

Jacobs will represent District 31. It includes Grant and Sioux counties and parts of Morton and Hettinger counties in southwestern North Dakota.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-09-09 1525CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list