Al picks Al: Franken hires Juhnke to handle agriculture

The turkeys in west central Minnesota thought they'd gotten rid of former state representative Al Juhnke, but he's back to serve agriculture, energy and environmental outreach in Minnesota.

From a press release via ECM Publishers, Sen. Franken hires former State Rep. Juhnke to handle agriculture, energy, environmental outreach in Minnesota:

U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.)  announced today (Wednesday, March 2) that he has hired former State Representative and chairman of a key House agriculture committee, Al Juhnke, to handle agriculture, energy and environmental outreach for him in Minnesota.

“Al Juhnke understands how important agriculture, energy, and the environment are to creating jobs and spurring economic development in Minnesota,” Sen. Franken said.  “He has spent years working closely with key Minnesota groups, stakeholders, and communities on these issues and knows how important they are to our state’s economy and its future. We’re all lucky to have him back in a role where he’s serving the people of Minnesota.” 

Juhnke, who served 14 years in the State Legislature, chaired the House Agriculture & Veterans Affairs Finance Committee.  He will be stationed in his hometown of Willmar, but will travel throughout Minnesota on Sen. Franken’s behalf.  

During his time in the State Legislature, Juhnke was recognized for his work on bio-fuels and renewable energy, helping make Minnesota a national leader in those areas.

Juhnke recently was recognized by the Minnesota Soybean Growers as their 2010 “Legislator of the Year” for his work during the last legislative session. Juhnke’s commitment to renewable energy is important to Sen. Franken as a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Known as @UncleAlJuhnke on twitter, Juhnke was known for his  Outstate News emails and a special affection for the turkey industry. Jennie-O, a division of Hormel, has its headquarters in his old district. Readers simply don't want to know how many turkeys live and die in the Willmar area.

Photos: Turkeys in a turkey barn (above); Al Juhnke (below).