Friday, March 30, 2007

HOEVEN JOINED BY LEGISLATORS, CITY OFFICIALS TO SIGN RED RIVER VALLEY WATER SUPPLY AUTHORIZATION

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators, city officials and water association leadership to sign Senate Bill 2345, which authorizes state funding for the first phase of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. The legislation will provide $200 million, $100 million in direct state funding and $100 million in Municipal, Rural and Industrial Water Supply funds. The completed project will initially bring water from Lake Sakakawea and other sources to Fargo, and ultimately to Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Grafton, Drayton and Pembina.

The bill marks the first step in financing the $700 million project, which will help sustain healthy economic growth in the Red River Valley and protect local economies from a severe drought similar to the one that occurred in the 1930s. The statewide economic impact of a such a drought has been estimated to be as high as $2 billion. The project will provide for the long-term needs of the Red River Valley.

Joining Hoeven for the signing were bill sponsors Sen. Tom Fischer and Rep. Al Carlson; Ole Aarsvold; and Al Wieland. Sen. Tony Grindberg and Sen. Larry Robinson also sponsored the bill

Other legislators joining the Governor for the signing were House Majority Leader Rick Berg; Senate Minority Leader Dave O’Connell; Sen. Judy Lee; Sen. Tim Flakoll; Sen. Gary Lee; Sen. Nick Hacker; Sen. Joel Heitkamp; Sen. Tom Fiebiger; Sen. Carolyn Nelson; Sen. Arden Anderson; Sen. Aaron Krauter; Sen. Tim Mathern; House Minority Leader Merle Boucher; Rep. Kim Koppelman; Rep. Ray Holmberg; Rep. Blair Thoreson; Rep. Jim Kasper; Rep. Scot Kelsh; Rep. Gil Herbel; Rep. Ken Svedjan; Rep.Mark Owens; Rep. Darrel Nottestad; Rep. Betty Grande; Rep. Don Clark; Rep Don Dietrich; Rep. Ed Guchalla; Rep. Dawn Charging; Rep. Ben Vig; Rep. Randy Boehning; Rep Jim Pomeroy; Rep. Joyce Kingsbury.

Also joining the Governor were Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker; Grand Forks City Council Member and Director of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority Curt Kreun; Executive Director of the N.D. Water Users Association Mike Dwyer; Chairman of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District Rick Anderson; General Manager of the Garrison Diversion and Secretary/Treasurer of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority Dave Koland; and State Water Commission Director Dale Frink.

“Growing and sustaining a dynamic economy depends on strong infrastructure for our state, including a clean and adequate supply of water,” Hoeven said. “Communities from Fargo, West Fargo and Grand Forks to Devils Lake, Wahpeton and Valley City will benefit from our commitment and careful planning for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project.”

House Majority Leader Rick Berg said: “It is crucial to have an adequate supply of water to ensure continued economic growth in North Dakota.”

Mayor Dennis Walaker of Fargo said: “We’ve been hoping for this day for many, many years and are pleased that the Legislature and the Governor of North Dakota provided us with water for the Red River Valley. We want to thank everyone that has been involved in this huge project.”

Wahpeton Mayor Jim Sturdevant said: “The City of Wahpeton is very appreciative of the foresight the State and Governor have regarding water issues in eastern ND. It is good to know that the type of leadership needed to get a complicated project such as this done is being handled at the highest levels.”

Bruce Furness, chairman of the Lake Agassiz Water Authority, said: “Thanks to Governor Hoeven for his leadership in developing a state funding plan for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. And thanks to the Legislature for concurring with this plan. These dollars along with commitments from the local water users and the federal government will enable the construction of this important project and fulfill a 60 year promise to the citizens of North Dakota. The Lake Agassiz Water Authority is appreciative of this specific action and grateful to all involved in the effort to provide supplemental water to the eastern part of our state.”

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HOEVEN PUSHING TO RESTORE WATER IN LAKE AUDUBON

Bureau of Reclamation To Begin Raising Levels This Weekend

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the Army Corps of Engineers will begin to restore water in Lake Audubon to its historic level as early as today. The state, including the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, N.D. Department of Transportation, and the State Water Commission, has been working with the Corps to accomplish the action as soon as possible.

The Corps is expected to lift restrictions later today, enabling the Bureau of Reclamation to restore four feet of water to Lake Audubon, bringing the level back to 1847 feet.

Hoeven has been urging the Corps to raise water levels on the lakes to their historic levels. Last fall, Corps officials announced a plan to lower water levels on Lake Audubon to balance pressure on the Highway 83 causeway that runs between Lakes Audubon and Sakakawea. The Governor disputed the move with U.S. Assistant Sec. Paul Woodley and Col. David Press, the Corps' Omaha District Commander, saying the approach was backward. The Corps could accomplish the same thing by maintaining the water level on Lake Audubon and raising the water level on Lake Sakakawea.

After Hoeven and others objected to the plan to drop the level because of its impact on access and lake habitat, the Corps installed piezometers, devices to monitor water pressure on the embankment because of the differential between the two bodies of water. They installed pressure relieving wells. The Bureau of Reclamation, which operates the pumping system for the lake, indicated Thursday that they will start to replenish the lake.

“It’s important that the Corps respect the economic and environmental importance of these lakes to our state,” Hoeven said. “We are pressing for more water in both Lake Sakakawea and Lake Oahe, and remain committed to restoring them to their historic levels.”

At a hearing next month in Bismarck, Hoeven will continue to press the Corps to implement more drought conservation measures and shorten the downstream navigation season. By reducing the season from eight to six months – the full period allowed by the Master Manual – the Corps will better manage all interests on the system and prevent counterproductive, ad hoc patches to its management plan, Hoeven said.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

LEGISLATURE APPROVES PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ESTABLISHING PERMANENT OIL TAX TRUST FUND

The North Dakota Legislature has taken the first step in establishing a Permanent Oil Tax Trust Fund. Any oil and gas tax revenue above $100 million each biennium will be saved in the fund. As a proposed Constitutional Amendment, the measure will go to a vote of the people in November 2008.

“Because of the price of oil, North Dakota’s oil tax revenues have increased greatly,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem (R-Bismarck) said. “Now is a perfect time to put some away.”

The initial $100 million generated by oil and gas production will be deposited in the general fund. Any revenue above $100 million will remain in the Permanent Oil Tax Trust Fund. If the Amendment existed today, $58.5 million would remain in savings on June 30, 2007, the end of the current biennium. With the amendment, the projected savings next biennium is $67 million. The fund would then operate similarly to the Common Schools Trust Fund, which generates approximately $70 million for the state each biennium.

“If the voters approve this Amendment, we will assure the bulk of revenues from oil and gas are here for our children and our children’s children,” said Rep. Dave Weiler (R-Bismarck), the resolution’s prime sponsor. “These are not renewable resources, so we need to make sure the people of North Dakota reap the full benefits of oil and gas extraction while they’re available.”

Under the Amendment, the $100 million threshold will be adjusted for inflation every two years. The principal will remain in the fund and continue to grow, unless three-fourths of both houses approve an expenditure of not more than 20 percent in any biennium. The interest from the account will be transferred to the general fund each biennium as well.

“With these changes, the fund will operate similarly to the Alaska Permanent Fund,” co-sponsor Rep. Bob Skarphol (R-Tioga) said. Established in 1976 when Alaska’s oil boom was just beginning, that fund also saves a share of oil revenues. The Alaska fund has grown to billions of dollars, which sustain much of Alaska’s state government spending and provide enough revenue that some of the proceeds are distributed as checks to Alaska residents each year.

“This proposal leaves a legacy of fiscal responsibility for North Dakota’s young people,” House Majority Leader Rick Berg (R-Fargo) said. “There is a lot of potential in our oil and gas reserves which, if we save some of the profits, could provide stability in years to come.”

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ND HOUSE PASSES KEY PIECES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PACKAGE

Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota House of Representatives today passed two key pieces of a comprehensive renewable energy plan for the state of North Dakota. Senate bills 2180 and 2288 are targeted at increasing the production of renewable energy within the state of North Dakota.

“The renewable energy industry in North Dakota is expanding,” House Majority Leader Rick Berg said. “The two bills passed today are just a part of our overall effort to enhance growth in the renewable energy industry and foster dynamic partnerships between the energy resources of the future and established industries.”

SB 2180 creates a $5 million fund to encourage investment in bio-fuels facilities, livestock operations that will use bio-fuels byproducts and bio-fuels pumps throughout the state. The fund will provide interest buydown of up to $500,000 for a Biodiesel or ethanol production facility, $250,000 for livestock operations, $20,000 for biofuels retailers who put in new equipment

“The Biofuels PACE program will encourage partnerships between our renewable energy industry and livestock producers,” said Rep. Mike Brandenburg. “It will support a minimum of $25 million, but potentially $750 million of new investment in biofuels.”

SB 2280 creates the North Dakota Renewable Energy Council to oversee grants, loans or other financial assistance necessary to promote research and development of renewable energy in North Dakota. The bill appropriates $3 million in state dollars and gives the Renewable Energy Council the authority to seek an additional $17 million in funding from outside sources.

“This new council is like APUC for renewable energy,” Rep. Duane DeKrey said. “This funding will close the financing gap, and allow these renewable projects to reach their commercial potential.”

“Over the last few sessions we have worked with the Governor and the renewable energy industry to put incentives in place to expand both the use and production of renewable energy in North Dakota,” Rep. Todd Porter said. “These new programs, combined with the incentives that we have already put in place, will help us support our goal of doubling our energy production by 2025 and supporting the national 25 X 25 renewable energy initiative.”

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Wednesday, March 21, 2007

In Case You Missed It …. The Wall Street Journal Editorial: Conrad’s Tax *

WSJ Editorial
Conrad’s Tax *
March 20, 2007

Amid the hubbub about U.S. attorneys last week, few people noticed the big Beltway economic news: Senator Kent Conrad and his fellow Democrats proposed their five-year budget outline, or at least that part of it they're willing to discuss in public.

Mr. Conrad, the Senate Budget Chairman, pulled off the neat magic trick of claiming his budget includes "no tax increase," even as it anticipates repeal of the Bush tax cuts after 2010. How does he pull that rabbit out of his hat? By positing what amounts to a giant asterisk where the tax increase is supposed to go and hoping no one will notice.

Mr. Conrad has no intention of extending the Bush tax cuts, which he voted against and whose repeal would slap the economy in 2011 with the largest tax increase in U.S. history. But Senate Democrats don't want anyone to know this, at least not before the 2008 election. (Emphasis added) So Mr. Conrad says his budget revenue estimates "assume that Congress will take steps to counter the effects of the expiration of tax cuts in 2010 in a manner that does not add to the nation's debt burden." How so? Well, "this additional revenue can be achieved without raising taxes by closing the tax gap, shutting down illegal tax shelters, addressing tax havens, and simplifying the tax code," he avers.

What the Senator should have said is "Abracadabra." The 10-year revenue increase from repealing the Bush tax cuts is something like $2 trillion, according to Congress's static-revenue models. Mr. Conrad is claiming that Congress will make up for all of that lost revenue by chasing down such illusions as the "tax gap," which the IRS claims is the difference between the taxes people owe and what they pay.

But if this magical $345 billion a year (as of 2001) were easily found, don't you think the army of IRS auditors and tax collectors would have found it by now? The only way to close this "tax gap" is by harassing taxpayers or closing loopholes in ways that are sure to meet political resistance and perhaps result in a backlash. Congress will never do it.

All of this is really sleight-of-hand to disguise that Democrats are intent on repealing the Bush tax cuts. This would raise the tax on capital gains to 20% from 15%, more than double the tax rate on dividends to 39.6% from 15%, and sharply increase marginal tax rates at all levels of income. (Emphasis added) And all of this saber-rattling about a future tax increase is coming just when the current expansion may need another tax cut to keep growth going. Investors are worried about subprime credit problems and the Federal Reserve, but this looming tax increase on capital isn't helping confidence. The market fell 200 points on the day Mr. Conrad unveiled his magic act last week.

As Mr. Conrad knows but also won't admit, federal revenues have returned to their historic norm as a share of the economy despite the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Or perhaps we should say because of them. Tax revenues have climbed by some $608 billion since the start of fiscal 2005 alone. They are now about 18.5% of GDP. (Emphasis added)

Last week the IRS released new data showing that capital gains realizations surged by 153.5% from 2003 to 2005, even with the lower capital gains tax rate. Meanwhile, dividend income rose by a little under 50% from 2002-2005.

Some of this is due to the stock market gains in the wake of the 2003 tax cuts, but incentive effects also seem to have played a role. Washington tax analyst Dan Clifton has crunched the numbers and found that from 1997 to 1999 dividend income rose only 27%, even though the stock market climbed faster than it did from 2003-2005. Several economic studies have shown that the lower 15% dividend rate inspired companies to pay more dividends; the feds get 15% of those increased dividend payouts, instead of 39.6% of nothing.

Meanwhile, the budget deficit has steadily been falling. In the first five months of fiscal 2007, federal spending has slowed to a 2% growth rate, while revenues have climbed by 9.3% and individual tax receipts have jumped by nearly 13%. On this trend, the Congressional Budget Office says the budget deficit will decline to 1.6% of GDP this year, and will keep falling if economic growth continues. (Emphasis added)

By the way, the latest IRS data also show that the wealthiest Americans continue to carry a record share of the income tax load. As the nearby chart shows, the richest 1% paid 35.6% of all income taxes in 2004, the most recent year in which data are available. The top 10% pay a remarkable two-thirds of all income taxes. The irony is that the Bush tax cuts have made the U.S. income tax code more progressive. But according to John Edwards and other class warriors, that's not enough.

If there is a virtue in Senator Conrad's magic budget act, it is that it begins to reveal where Democrats would take fiscal policy after 2008 if they run the entire government. Voters may want to look behind the Conrad curtain before their lower tax rates and higher stock-market returns go "poof." (Emphasis added)

Please visit http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB117435573885142295.html to view the original story. You will need a subscription.

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Monday, March 19, 2007

FIRST LADY SUPPORTS SURGEON GENERAL’S CALL TO ACTION ON UNDERAGE DRINKING

Hoeven to Work with Parents, Educators, Communities to Implement Goals in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. – First Lady Mikey Hoeven announced today her support of Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu’s call to action to prevent and reduce underage drinking, an initiative announced earlier this month that focuses on six goals to prevent alcohol use among America’s youth. Hoeven expressed her continued commitment to work with parents, educators and communities throughout the state to implement these goals in North Dakota.

“This call to action is a valuable tool that we intend to use throughout North Dakota to mobilize communities to stop underage drinking,” Hoeven said. “It will help us shine a spotlight on a serious problem that, in some way, affects every family.

“We thank Acting Surgeon General Moritsugu for prioritizing this issue and calling attention to the harm that results when children drink. We will reach out to parents, educators, health care providers, law enforcement personnel, business leaders and others to share the recommendations and find ways to implement them here in North Dakota.”

The new call to action notes that alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth and that adolescence is a time when the developing brain may be particularly susceptible to long-term negative effects from alcohol use. It offers six goals that focus on: fostering changes in society; engaging parents and other caregivers in a coordinated national effort to prevent and reduce underage drinking; promoting understanding of consumption as well as ethnic, cultural and gender differences; conducting additional research; improving public health surveillance; and ensuring that policies at all levels are consistent with the goal of preventing and reducing underage alcohol consumption. It is available online at www.surgeongeneral.gov.

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Mikey L. Hoeven is co-chair of the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, a unique, nonpartisan coalition of Governors’ spouses, federal agencies and public and private organizations working to prevent the use of alcohol by children ages 9 to 15. More information on Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free is available at www.alcoholfreechildren.org.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Hoeven Fights for ND Producers

BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven this week urged U.S. Agriculture Sec. Mike Johanns to halt plans to expand imports of Canadian beef until all proper safety measures have been implemented to prevent negative impacts on North Dakota producers due to the recent discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canadian livestock.

In a letter to the Secretary, Hoeven wrote: “I oppose any further expansion of the Canadian beef trade until the United States receives assurances from Canada and its other trading partners that, if trade is expanded and a problem is detected in a foreign-born import, that the animal’s country of origin, not the United States, will suffer any resulting trade sanctions.”

The USDA plans to proceed with the authorization of importation of Canadian beef from animals over 30 months of age and live Canada animals born after March 1,1999. Hoeven’s concern was heightened by the discover y last month of yet another BSE afflicted cow in Canada.

“Because BSE is not a contagious disease, I want to emphasize that we are not opposed to the USDA’s proposed rule because of food safety concerns but rather concerned that the potential import of Canadian afflicted animals would have negative impact on our domestic industry and the agriculture economy.”

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Hoeven Standing Up for ND Veterans

HOEVEN, LEGISLATORS TOUR N.D. VETERANS HOME IN LISBON

Governor, Lawmakers Outline Funding Plan for New Facility

BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven and state legislators today toured the N.D. Veterans Home and met with administrators and residents to discuss plans and funding for a new veterans facility in Lisbon.

Joining Hoeven for the tour and meeting were Sen. Bill Bowman; Sen. Ralph Kilzer; Minority Leader Dave O’Connell; Sen. Larry Robinson; Rep. Duane DeKrey; and Rep. Ralph Metcalf. Also in attendance were members of the North Dakota Veterans Home Governing Board: Brad Maasjo; Darrel Schroeder; and Norris Brattan.

Hoeven told administrators and residents that he’s working with the Legislature to secure $6.5 million in state funding for a new Veterans Home in Lisbon. This would meet North Dakota’s 35 percent match for a cost-sharing grant through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which will provide federal funding to help construct a new, 121 unit residential veterans’ facility.

If approved, the Department of Veterans Affairs will assume the remaining 65 percent of the cost, as well as 65 percent of the cost to make improvements Hoeven is recommending for the current facility. The Governor is recommending an additional $166,000 be added to the 2007-2009 budget to address upgrades identified by the Health Department and State Fire Marshall.

Bill Goetz, the Governor’s chief of staff, testified last week before the state Senate Appropriations subcommittee on veterans affairs in favor of an amendment to the home’s budget that would provide a contingency appropriation for the state’s share, pending the federal agency’s approval of the grant application. Hoeven’s office last week also spoke with the chief of the Veterans Administration’s State Home Construction Program, Steve Salvas, who spoke positively about the project, Hoeven said.

“We have a great opportunity to support both current and future generations of North Dakota veterans in a very real and meaningful way,” Hoeven said. “This is another way to say thank you to those who have sacrificed so much for our state and our nation.”


The North Dakota Veterans Home is located on a 90 acre tract of land outside Lisbon. The home provides care and services to needy veterans and their spouses.

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Monday, March 12, 2007

From the Fargo Forum - Ken Karls, Bismark letter: Conrad proposes cutting troop funds

· IN-FORUM ·: "Ken Karls, Bismark letter: Conrad proposes cutting troop funds

The Fargo Forum

Published Sunday, March 11, 2007

‘Leading Democrat proposes cutting $20 billion from troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.” Although disappointing anytime, this sounds like the headline of a news story describing some liberal Democrats like John Murtha or Nancy Pelosi. Unfortunately, it describes North Dakota’s senior Sen. Kent Conrad.

That is right, North Dakota: Conrad proposed cutting $20 billion in funding for our troops fighting on the front line in the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sen. Conrad quickly backtracked when even Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and his fellow Democrats refused to support his reckless and irresponsible idea. No matter how members of Congress feel about the war on terror, our men and women in uniform and their safety do not deserve to become political footballs in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Conrad, the voters of North Dakota deserve to know why you would propose cutting $20 billion in funding for our troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sen. Conrad you need to apologize to our troops and their families for your actions.

Ken Karls
State chairman
North Dakota Republican Party
Bismarck"

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Statement of State Chairman Ken Karls on the Passing of Congressman Tom Kleppe

BISMARCK, ND – Today, North Dakota Republican Party State Chairman Ken Karls released the following statement on the passing of Congressman and former Secretary of the Interior Tom Kleppe.

“This week North Dakota lost one of its favorite sons. Throughout his time serving North Dakota and our nation as a member of the United States Army in World War II, a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Director of the Small Business Administration and finally as Secretary of the Interior, Tom Kleppe never forgot his roots. Tom was a dedicated public servant that worked tirelessly on behalf of our nation and North Dakota. He will be missed.”

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Monday, March 05, 2007

HOEVEN JOINED BY LEGISLATORS, BUSINESS AND LABOR REPRESENTATIVES TO SIGN MINIMUM WAGE BILL

EDITORS NOTE: In the first paragraph, second paragraph, the minimum wage cited one year after signing should be $6.55, rather than the $6.50 in the original release. We apologize for the error.

BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven was joined by legislators today to sign HB 1454, the state’s new minimum wage bill, which will raise the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $5.85 an hour immediately upon signing of the corresponding federal bill by the President. A year after signing it will go to $6.55 an hour, and within two years of signing, to $7.25. The bill has an emergency clause, meaning it goes into effect upon the President’s signing the federal legislation now in congressional conference committee and expected to reach the President’s desk soon.

Hoeven was joined by House Majority Leader Rick Berg; Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem; and Senate Minority Leader Dave O’Connell; as well as bill sponsors Rep. Mark Owens; Rep. Donald Clark; and Rep. Donald Dietrich. Also attending were Sen. Tracey Potter; Sen. Art Behm; Labor Commissioner Lisa McEvers; and AFL-CIO President Dave Kemnitz.

“The best way to boost wages for all North Dakotans is by creating jobs and by expanding our economy,” Hoeven said. “We’ve seen real progress in this area over the past few years, but we also need to send a message that we are bringing all North Dakotans along as we transform and grow our economy.”

“North Dakotans work hard, no matter what job they do, and this bill acknowledges that dedication and strong work ethic,” Owens said. “Now, we look forward to Congress quickly reconciling the federal bill and making it the law of the land.”

“We are here in support of the positive movement in the state’s minimum wage,” said Kemnitz. “We are pleased to see that it is actually happening.”

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Friday, March 02, 2007

Conrad Proposes Cutting $20 Billion from Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

BISMARCK, ND – In a shocking move that was rejected by his fellow Democrats, Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) proposed cutting funding for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Conrad’s proposal would have cut $20 billion from President Bush’s $142 billion request for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan next year. (Dems Nix Idea of Military Budget Cuts, Andrew Taylor, the Associated Press, March 1, 2007)

“While thousands of Americans are risking their lives on a daily basis to fight and to win the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, Senator Conrad proposes pulling the rug out from under them. When even his own party members jumped to be first to disclaim any desire to join the Senator, Conrad quickly backtracked, claiming to support the President’s numbers. The voters of North Dakota deserve an answer as to why Senator Conrad wants to play politics with funding affecting the welfare of our troops while they are in harm’s way.” said Ken Karls, Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party.

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Thursday, March 01, 2007

Pomeroy Votes to Strip Away Secret Ballot from America’s Workers

Congressman has $1.6 Million Reasons to Support Labor Unions over Workers Privacy

BISMARCK, ND – Today, Congressman Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) joined his fellow Democrats and voted for passage of HR 800, the Employee Free Choice Act. (Roll Call Vote 118) This act would allow the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to certify a union without conducting an election by secret ballot. It is believed that the removal of secret balloting in union organization elections may lead to intimidation of non-union workers.

“Voting by secret ballot whether for President of the United State or to join a union is a closely held tradition in America. Congressman Pomeroy's vote against giving America’s workers the right to secret balloting is shameful. I would hate to think that Congressman Pomeroy has placed the wishes of large campaign donors over doing the right thing for America’s workers,” said Jason Stverak, Executive Director of the North Dakota Republican Party.

According to the Non Partisan Political Money Line (accessed 2/28/2007 – www.tray.com), organized labor has been the second largest source of funds for Congressman Pomeroy by contributing $1,601,143.00 to his re-election campaigns.

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