Jeans get governor booted from North Dakota Senate's floor

John Hoeven and Doug Burgum
North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, left, presents the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to Doug Burgum on Nov. 20, 2009, in Fargo, N.D. Now-Gov. Burgum's preference for wearing jeans got him booted from the state Senate's floor Wednesday.
Dave Kolpack | AP 2009

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's preference for wearing jeans got him booted from the state Senate's floor.

Burgum, a Republican software entrepreneur elected in November, had finished posing for a photo with some students on the Senate floor Wednesday when he was asked to leave.

Spokesperson Mike Nowatzki says the governor "meant no disrespect to the chamber rules."

Burgum's preference for jeans and sweaters has spurred much grumbling at the Capitol among many male lawmakers who wear a suit and tie when the Legislature is in session.

Burgum also wore jeans at his inauguration last month, when other governors in recent years donned tuxedos or a suit.