The Minnesota Legislature has elected veterinary microbiologist Randy Simonson of Worthington to an open seat on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents in what could be a political fight over abortion. Republicans lined up behind Simonson, who isn’t immediately available for comment but e-mailed Democratic Representative Cheryl Youakim that, quote, “I’m opposed to the University conducting research on aborted fetal tissue and would advocate for a policy opposing this.” Youakim says, “My daughter’s going to UMD Medical School next year… and this really worries me. They’ve already lost good researchers to the policy that was tried to put in place about this.”
The legislature rejected two candidates recommended by a special panel: Rochester Community and Technical College interim President Mary Davenport, and Mayo cardiologist Brooks Edwards.