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In a move that surprised many today, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman announced his resignation from the job. He'll be leaving the office on September 1st to open his own insurance consulting business in Bismarck. Brad Feldman has more on Poolman's political career... Jim Poolman has spent the past seven years in this corner office on the fifth floor of the State Capitol. (Jim Poolman/ ND Insurance Commissioner) have been an activist Insurance Commissioner. Have worked very hard to bring issues to the forefront, issues to the legislature to get passed. Poolman says one highlight of his time in this office happened in 2001. The states largest natural disaster caused about a quarter of a billion dollars worth of damage. (Jim Poolman/ ND Insurance Commissioner) I think that we've gained the peoples trust, we earned it, we used it for their benefit. Before becoming Insurance Commissioner Poolman spent eight years as a member of the North Dakota Legislature. After fifteen years in politics, Poolman says it is time. (Jim Poolman/ ND Insurance Commissioner) This gives me an opportunity to stay in North Dakota to live in Bismarck where we love to stay here and better provide for my family. Through the years, Poolman's name has been mentioned as a candidate for many different offices. Two years ago he declined an invitation to run for the US Congress. Now as he prepares to walk away from politics, he is not about to shut the door completely. (Jim Poolman/ ND Insurance Commissioner) I'm 37 years old, I have a long career ahead of me and maybe there will be an opportunity to come back and if so I will consider it. However, Poolman says his immediate plans are to join the private sector and provide a better life for his family, spend some time with his three kids and save money for their college education. Brad Feldman, KX News Governor Hoeven will now be responsible for appointing a new Insurance Commissioner. Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Rebecca Ternes, will be taking over as the acting commissioner when Poolman leaves office.