Koering, 41, disclosed his sexual orientation last April after he voted against bringing the constitutional amendment to the full Senate for a vote.

He did it, he said, largely because he wanted to get back to work on the issues his constituents care about. He did not do it to become known as the gay legislator. He wants to be seen as a conservative, anti-abortion, pro-gun rights, anti-tax lawmaker who cares deeply about giving all Minnesotans access to health care and quality education.
