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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A former social services director has been picked for a Democratic seat in the North Dakota House.

Kathy Hogan will represent District 21 in central Fargo. She succeeds Jasper Schneider in the Legislature. He resigned to take an appointment as state director for the U.S. Agriculture Department's Rural Development agency.

Hogan will serve out the rest of Schneider's term. It ends in December 2010, and Hogan will have to run for election next year to keep the seat.

The District 21 district's Democratic committee voted to appoint Hogan to the House seat.

Hogan retired last June as director of Cass County Social Services. She is also chairwoman of the board of Catholic Charities North Dakota.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-16-09 1343CST | save this article / add to your favorites list