ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) One of the Republican front-runners in the governor's race is pushing legislation to establish special license plates for horse lovers.

The bill introduced Monday by Rep. Tom Emmer of Delano would create "equine enthusiast" license plates featuring a horse and maybe a rider.

They would cost $10 for handling plus $20 for a special horse fund. The money would go to a University of Minnesota agricultural unit for research, outreach and education on horses and their care.

Emmer finished second to Rep. Marty Seifert of Marshall in a straw poll at precinct caucuses last week. The two are competing for the GOP endorsement at a late April state convention.

Emmer says horses are a $1 billion industry in Minnesota. He says he introduced the bill at a constituent's request.

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