 Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Michelle Fishbach joined former Republican Governor Tim Paulini's campaign as his running mate on Thursday. Fishbach confirmed she was offered the spot before she left the state senate last week after months of resisting her new position in Democratic Governor Mark Dayton's administration. Dayton isn't seeking re-election and Fishbach's entry adds a surprise twist to the wide open race for governor this fall and raises the unusual prospect of a lieutenant governor serving under governors from different parties. It's happened at least twice in Minnesota history in the 1950s and 60s before the state elected its top executive branch officials under a combined ticket. Paulini touted the addition of Fishbach to his campaign stressing her legislative expertise from 22 years spent in the state senate. Republican activists will meet this weekend to endorse a candidate for governor but Paulini and Fishbach aren't competing for the party's nod. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.