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Urdahl, from rural Grove City, was elected to the Minnesota House from District 18B in 2002. He represents all of Meeker County, including Manannah and Union Grove townships in the Paynesville area.

Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel) presented Urdahl's nomination to the convention delegates. Dille cited Urdahl's hard work and commitment over the past 18 months. "He's frequently one of the first ones there in the morning and one of the last to leave at night," Dille said. "Dean is always available to the people he represents and gets things done in St. Paul."

Addressing the convention, Urdahl said it's vital to continue working for the concerns and needs of rural Minnesota. He outlined the rural initiatives he addressess with current legislation. "The dairy study group I formed stressed the need for access to capital," he said. "One of my bills would allow Minnesota Investment Fund money to be used for dairy modernization. Another creates a special fund to be used for low-interest loans to dairy farmers."

He said he also supports money for local bridges and roads in the bonding bill but stressed that more needs to be done, including addressing health care costs.

Urdahl serves on the following House committees: Education Policy, Agriculture Finance, Agriculture Policy, and Capital Investment.

He is on a long-term leave from teaching and coaching from the New London-Spicer School District. The general election this year will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2.