Former Speaker Zellers Wades Back Into Politics

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Former Speaker Kurt Zellers is out of the state House but not gone from politics.

Zellers is starting a consulting firm with two longtime Republican political operatives. The firm, called MZA+Co., will help other organizations navigate political issues.

Zellers served as House Speaker in 2011 and 2012 during his six terms as a state representative from Maple Grove. He ran for governor in 2014 but lost the Republican primary to Jeff Johnson.

The firm also includes Brian McClung, who was spokesman for former Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Former Deputy Commissioner of Education Chas Anderson is also in the firm.