A left wing 527 group called Let America Vote has endorsed Democratic Secretary of State candidate Josh Boschee. “Josh Boschee is one of North Dakota’s strongest advocates for voting rights and he’ll be an outstanding secretary of state,” the group’s president Jason Kander said in a statement (see below). “Josh believes in removing barriers to the…
Podcast: “Why Would You Want the Republican Wannabe When You Can Have the Republican?”
“It had nothing to do with complaining about President Trump,” Congressman Kevin Cramer told me today of a recent visit with the Trump administration. That visit has been characterized by some media reports (which, in turn, were hyped by Senator Heidi Heitkamp’s campaign) as a gripe session from Cramer who is supposedly upset about the…
Podcast: Jaeger Talks About Re-Entering Secretary of State Race After Gardner Campaign Implodes
“When that news broke it changed everything.” That’s what incumbent Secretary of State Al Jaeger told me on my radio show today. He was referring to news that erstwhile Republican Secretary of State candidate Will Gardner, who had defeated Jaeger for the NDGOP’s endorsement earlier this month, was stopping his campaign amid scandal. Jaeger said…
Podcast: NDGOP Chairman Says “Party Will Take a Look At” Background Checks for Candidates
Over the weekend Republican Secretary of State candidate Will Gardner ended his campaign after a bombshell report in the Fargo Forum detailing a disorderly conduct conviction for some very creepy behavior on the NDSU campus back in 2006. That put the NDGOP in an awkward position. As it stands now they have no official candidate…
After Gardner Withdraws, Incumbent Secretary of State Al Jaeger Announces Run as an Independent
UPDATE: The Grand Forks Herald confirms that Jaeger is running as an independent. I just finished a radio interview with North Dakota Republican Party chairman Rick Berg and we spoke about the situation with former Secretary of State candidate Will Gardner from this weekend. Gardner withdrew from the race after a 2006 conviction for window…
The NDGOP Cannot Stand Behind a Convicted Peeping Tom
UPDATE: Gardner has withdrawn from the race, though as I note below I don’t believe he can get his name off of the primary ballot at this time. The Grand Forks Herald has more, including comments from incumbent Jaeger. Earlier this year Mandan businessman Will Gardner won the Secretary of State race endorsement of the…
Attorney General: Despite Withdrawal Campbell’s Name Will Still Appear on the Primary Ballot
Earlier today state Senator Tom Campbell announced that he was withdrawing from the U.S. House race despite having filed petitions to put his name on the June primary ballot the day before. Campbell’s name will still be on the June ballot, though. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has found no legal provision allowing Campbell to take…
Could Weather Factor Into Who Republicans Choose as Secretary of State Candidate?
So far this morning delegates here at the NDGOP convention have dealt with endorsements in mostly uncontested races. Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem both won their endorsements unopposed. Congressman Kevin Cramer, meanwhile, ended up being endorsed for the U.S. Senate race unanimously when his announced opponent Thomas O’Neill failed to make…
Podcast: Live From the NDGOP Convention
I broadcast my radio show live from the NDGOP state convention at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, sponsored by First International Bank & Trust. I spoke to Congressman Kevin Cramer and NDGOP Chairman Rick Berg about the convention and upcoming campaign season. Senator John Hoeven joined, saying the number of delegates registered for the…
Guest Post: Will Gardner Is the Right Man for Secretary of State
This is the right time, and Will Gardner is the right man to be our next Secretary of State. Gardner is knowledgeable about how to solve the technical challenges of the office. He is also passionate about making our elections fair. These are his priorities, and we agree that they reflect the top issues facing…