Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, made his run for Public Service Commission official Friday with announcements here, in Fargo and in Dickinson.

Stenehjem, who has represented Bismarck's District 30 since 1993, said his tenure will serve the state well at a time when the PSC is making crucial decisions on things like gas pipelines and electric transmission grids.

"I feel strongly that the knowledge and experience I've gained make me the best candidate," he said.

If elected, Stenehjem would be one of three members of a body that's charged with regulating electric utilities, telecommunications, railroads and grain elevators. His opponents for the Republican nomination are North Dakota State University professor and former Marine Brian Kalk and financial consultant and former Cass County Commissioner Steve Risher.

On the Democratic side, only Cheryl Bergian, the 2006 candidate against Tony Clark, has officially declared, but others are mulling a run.

Surrounded by family and colleagues at North Dakota Republican Party Headquarters, Stenehjem said his Senate skills of absorbing information on many topics and broaching compromises with colleagues will serve him well on the commission. He said he wanted to be a consumer advocate.

But Jamie Selzler, executive director of the North Dakota Democratic Party, issued a statement questioning those credentials and saying Stenehjem's contributions from business interests would make him a dubious consumer advocate.

Stenehjem first signaled his interest in the race on Jan. 7 by scheduling an announcement. But then, confronted with colleagues who urged him to stay in the Senate - perhaps worried about the Republicans slim majority there -Stenehjem demurred and canceled his announcement.

Calling the decision "very difficult," Stenehjem returned to the race this week.

(Reach reporter Jonathan Rivoli at 223-8482 or jonathan.rivoli@bismarcktribune.com)