St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - The everlasting political battles over abortion apparently played a role in the election of a veterinary microbiologist from Worthington to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The Minnesota House and Senate, meeting in a joint session today, selected Randy Simonson to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Patricia Simmons. The retired Mayo Clinic Doctor announced she was stepping down in March after serving 18 years on the Board of Regents.

The Minnesota News Network’s Bill Werner reported Republican lawmakers lined up to support Simonson, who has told lawmakers he is opposed to the University conducting research on aborted fetal tissue and would advocate for policies opposing such research.

In selecting Simonson, the legislature rejected two finalists recommended earlier by a special legislative panel. Those finalists were Mayo Clinic cardiologist Doctor Brooks Edwards and Rochester Community and Technical College interim President Mary Davenport.

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