FARGO - The only race up for grabs at the state Democratic convention never reached the starting line.

Delegates at Sunday's final session endorsed Bismarck's Kristin Hedger for secretary of state, a nomination that was unopposed after a surprising no-show by Tom Willard.

Hedger, who recently worked as an aide to Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., went to bed Saturday expecting a challenge from Willard, 58, a college professor, writer and Vietnam veteran from Bismarck.

"I'm not sure what happened," Hedger said. "I just know I'm excited for this campaign."

State Democratic Party Director Jim Fuglie said Willard changed his mind after the two of them talked on Saturday night. They made plans to start a Democratic veterans caucus.

"He decided to take the day off," Fuglie said.

Hedger, 25, grew up in Killdeer, where she learned to ride horses and work cattle. She played collegiate tennis at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, moving on to American University School of Public Affairs and Yale University's School of Divinity.

Hedger has a master's degree in theological ethics.

"She's gorgeous, athletic and brilliant," said Shirley Meyer, a delegate from Dickinson.

Hedger will run against Republican incumbent Al Jaeger, 37 years her senior.

"I see youth as a great asset," Hedger said. "I think the party has a great future, and I want to inspire other young Democrats."

Sen. April Fairfield, D-Eldridge, also considered a run for secretary of state. She decided against it on Friday, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family.

The Democrats closed out their convention on Sunday by endorsing Hedger, attorney general candidate Bill Brudvik, 59, and Public Service Commission hopeful Cheryl Bergian, 45.

Brudvik, a Mayville attorney, criticized Republican Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem for hiring an outside law firm to help defend a school finance lawsuit and for giving favorable opinions to Republican Gov. John Hoeven.

"The attorney general should be independent and above politics," said Brudvik, a Mohall native. "He should not be there to give friendly opinions to governors on his side. He should not have to hire a $350-an-hour attorney from Atlanta, Ga., to do his job."

Bergian, a native of Jamestown, is director of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition in Fargo. She ran for the North Dakota Senate two years ago, losing to incumbent Republican Tim Flakoll.

Bergian, who will face incumbent Republican Tony Clark, said the PSC has not has not done enough to improve cell phone service and keep railroad shipping rates in check.

"I was looking for a woman from Fargo who's a consumer advocate," Fuglie said of recruiting a PSC candidate. "Cheryl is very well-placed."