Merle Boucher
Merle Boucher (born July 19, 1946) is a North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party politician who served in the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing the 9th district from 1991 to 2011. He served as Minority Leader from 1996 to 2011.
Merle Boucher | |
|---|---|
| Minority Leader of the North Dakota House of Representatives | |
| In office 1996–2011 | |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Kelsh |
| Member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 9th district | |
| In office 1991–2011 | |
| Succeeded by | Marvin E. Nelson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 19, 1946 Rolette, North Dakota |
| Political party | North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party |
| Spouse(s) | Susan |
| Residence | Rolette, North Dakota |
| Alma mater | North Dakota State University, Mayville State University |
| Profession | educator, farmer |
Boucher sought and lost the Democratic-NPL nomination for governor in 2004 and in 2008, but became the running mate of 2008 nominee Tim Mathern, running on the ticket as the nominee for lieutenant governor. Two years after that ticket lost, Boucher became the Democratic-NPL nominee for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, losing in the 2010 election to incumbent Doug Goehring.
Boucher is from Rolette County, North Dakota and attended high school there. He went on to college, taking classes from the State School of Forestry. He then transferred to Mayville State University, where he graduated with a teaching degree in 1970.
He returned to Rolette and taught at the high school for 20 years. After retiring, he became a rancher. He holds his family's original Homestead Act claim among other land. He has coached the Rolette American Legion baseball team in past years.
External links
- Representative Merle Boucher, Minority Leader in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly
- Project Vote Smart - Representative Merle Boucher (ND) profile
- Follow the Money - Merle Boucher