Publicly Senator Heidi Heitkamp likes to cultivate for herself a reputation as a pragmatic centrist. In fact, that’s the theme of her most recent radio ad (which hits the airwaves today, I posted the audio on Friday). The title of that ad is “Work With Anyone” and it alleges Senator Heitkamp’s willingness to do just…
Heitkamp Chief of Staff, Without Irony, Says the Senator’s Key to Success Is to “Get Out and Talk to People”
Politico has made a “power list” of “women to watch” in Washington D.C., and on that list is North Dakota’s own Tessa Gould. Gould is Senator Heidi Heitkamp’s chief of staff, well known the media types in the state as the person who will send you nasty emails and shout at you on the phone…
Video: ND House Majority Leader Supports Suing Feds Over Refugee Resettlement
Earlier this month the Tennessee State Assembly voted to approve a lawsuit against the federal government over refugee resettlement. The state, which like North Dakota has withdrawn from refugee resettlement under the Wilson-Fish Act, is now challenging the right of the federal government to settle refugees within its borders based on the 10th amendment. Tonight…
Video: Doug Burgum Seems To Be Running For Governor Of Fargo
Last night NDGOP gubernatorial candidates Rick Becker and Doug Burgum were on Chris Berg’s Valley News Live program for what was described as a candidate forum. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, the third man in the race, didn’t participate and got ripped for it. Stenehjem, along with the other two candidates, will be participating in the debate…
Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney Seems Disconnected From Reality
I love cops. I grew up the son of a cop. I have a deep and profound respect for the job they do. But you know what scares me a little bit? Law enforcement leaders who insist on thinking of themselves as soldiers and not peace officers. Who insist that they need to be kitted…
Video: Chancellor Won't Say If He'd Renew NDSU President Dean Bresciani's Contract
Last night North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott appeared on Chris Berg’s show on Valley News Live, and as is often the case when it comes to public officials and touchy situations what he didn’t say spoke volumes. And what Hagerott didn’t say is that he’d renew North Dakota State University President Dean Bresciani’s contract.…
Video: Telos President Tries To Claim Polling Wasn't Politically Motivated, Promptly Fails
Tonight Chris Berg interviewed Todd Reisenauer, the head of Telos Associates, the company behind that polling released on left wing talker Joel Heitkamp’s show earlier this week (video below). The result was a metaphorical clown car full of sweaty, anxious failure driven directly into a ditch where it promptly caught on fire. Berg grilled Reisenauer…
Why You Won't Be Seeing Me On Valley News Live Any More
As many of you know I have, in the past, had pretty good relationship with Fargo TV station Valley News Live. In addition to partnering on some public polling during last year’s elections, I’m also been a regular guest on Chris Berg’s 6:30 Point of View program and even a guest host. I’ve always enjoyed…
On Television: Is Heidi Heitkamp Running, And North Dakota Open Records Laws
It was nice to return to television last night after my recent hiatus, discussing some of the recent headlines with Chris Berg on Valley News Live’s 6:30 Point of View program. Not surprisingly, we talked about Heidi Heitkamp and the 2016 question. Will she run or won’t she? Berg asked me that question, and I’ll…
On Television: "The Rosa Parks Of Exposed Breasts"
Chris Berg invited me to participate in his Friday roundtable discussion on Valley News Live last night, and as always I was happy to oblige. Our topics of discussion for the show were the Island Park lurker controversy, the breastfeeding controversy in Moorhead, and the seemingly cozy flood diversion buyouts happening on Oxbow. The breastfeeding…