North Dakota looking for vaccine skeptics-turned disciples

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Rep. Keith Kempenich was among the thousands of North Dakotans who never took the coronavirus seriously, skipping face coverings and blowing off the vaccine as an unnecessary hassle. But the longtime Republican lawmaker and rancher from the state’s conservative southwest corner is now a believer after the virus nearly killed him in the waning days of the legislative session this spring. The North Dakota Health Department is looking for testimonials from former virus skeptics like Kempenich as part of a planned public education campaign aimed at boosting the state’s dismal vaccination rate.