ND's 1st openly gay lawmaker says his goal is shaping legislation for all people

A Fargo representative says he's proud to be North Dakota's first openly gay lawmaker but that his most important cause is helping to craft good legislation for all people.

Democratic Rep. Joshua Boschee is among a freshman class of 17 House members and eight Senators who began work Tuesday on the 2013 session's opening day. Although Boschee adds rare diversity to the assembly of North Dakota politicians, he believes he was elected because of his platform.

"I'm proud, I guess, to wear that banner, but for the most part I was elected by my people to legislate, to be a lawmaker, not because I was gay or because I wasn't gay, but because they thought I was the best candidate," Boschee said from his seat in the House chambers.