MINOT, N.D. — I want to preface this column with a disclaimer: I’m not saying this will happen. I’m saying this is a very real possibility, and even the fact that it’s a possibility is astounding. Sen. John Hoeven may skip the North Dakota Republican Party’s state convention — ironically branded as “United as One” — which…
Stop calling it ‘President’s Day’
MINOT, N.D. — Today is a federal holiday, which means a lot of government workers are enjoying the last day of a three-day weekend while most of we private sector peasants slog through another Monday. Yet, today is not “President’s Day,” though that’s the term used on calendars and in car dealership marketing. That holiday…
Bismarck NDGOP gives Senate endorsement to man who lost insurance license amid fraud accusations
MINOT, N.D. — On Wednesday, in District 33, in North Dakota’s coal country, a legislative incumbent, Sen. Jessica Bell, lost the endorsement of the local NDGOP committee in large part because she didn’t support a ban on transgender participation in sports. Despite her consequential work keeping North Dakota’s largest coal-fired power plant open, saving thousands of jobs…
NDSU’s record-breaking ‘In Our Hands’ fundraising campaign mostly benefits athletics
MINOT, N.D. — This week the folks at North Dakota State University threw themselves a party over the success of the “In Our Hands” fundraising campaign which, to their credit, has shattered records. They’ve raked in more than a half-billion dollars for the land grant university. The $586.7 million raised blew past their original $400 million goal . “This…
We can’t let local NIMBY campaigns benefit China
MINOT, N.D. — In 2018, during one of the most high-profile U.S. Senate campaigns in the nation, soybeans, unexpectedly, took center stage. Kevin Cramer, then a congressman, was challenging incumbent Sen. Heidi Heitkamp. The Donald Trump presidency, specifically its trade policies with China, was casting a shadow over the race, which is where the soybeans…
Are North Dakota’s Democrats even trying?
MINOT, N.D. — You may be thinking to yourself that it’s still very early in the election year. From a voter’s perspective, you’re right. But from the perspective of a candidate? Someone who must build a campaign apparatus, raise money, build a network of support, and raise name recognition? Continue reading…
No surprises as Burgum appoints Drew Wrigley as attorney general
MINOT, N.D. — Gov. Doug Burgum is not a conventional politician. He can surprise you. But there were no surprises with his decision to pick former lieutenant governor, and two-stint U.S. attorney for the state of North Dakota, Drew Wrigley to replace Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. “I am deeply humbled by the faith that Gov.…
Legislative candidate had insurance license removed because of fraud
MINOT, N.D. — Ryan Eckroth is seeking the North Dakota Republican Party’s endorsement to run for the state Senate in District 35. If elected, he would replace incumbent Sen. Erin Oban, a Democrat who last year announced her retirement from the Legislature . In 2012, Eckroth agreed to a revocation of his insurance producer’s license in the face of…
If you’re trying to silence Joe Rogan, what does that say about your own argument?
MINOT, N.D. — It plays out over and over again, the cancel culture debate. In the current news cycle, it’s Joe Rogan, who has come under fire for interviewing advocates against the COVID-19 vaccines and promoting some goofy thoughts of his own about the pandemic. Rogan’s hugely successful podcast is currently exclusive on Spotify’s platform.…
Friday Mailbag: Replacing Stenehjem, school choice, and political hypocrisy
MINOT, N.D. — It was a somber week in North Dakota’s political circles as the state mourned the passing of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. A man who was not just good at his job, but respected across the state’s various political factions. There was a beautiful ceremony held at the Capitol for Stenehjem this week,…