The chairman of North Dakota's Democratic Party says he is resigning at month's end.

David Strauss has been appointed chairman of an advisory board for the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. Strauss says he won't be able to do that job and continue to serve as party chairman.

The pension agency provides a benefit guarantee if a private pension plan fails. Strauss is a former director of the agency.

Strauss says his resignation will take effect July 31. State Democratic activists will elect a new chairman in mid-September.

Strauss has been the North Dakota Democratic chairman for more than four years. He was elected to his third two-year term last February.

- Associated Press