In case you missed it, Forum Editorial: Democrats' sour notes predictable

North Dakotans who grasp the astonishing progress the state has made in the past seven years will welcome Gov. John Hoeven’s decision to seek a third four-year term. Democrats, whose party loyalty tends to warp their judgment (just like Republicans with similar blind allegiance to party), will react as expected: petty and rigidly partisan.
Hoeven and Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple will be on the ballot in 2008. If the successful Republican team wins, Hoeven will make history as the only governor to be elected to three four-year terms. Democratic Gov. William Guy served 12 years, but in two two-year terms and two four-year terms.
The Democrats’ reaction to the governor’s announcement hit all the right notes, if one is a Democrat first and a North Dakotan second. Hired party mouthpieces and legislative leaders tried to blame the governor for rising property taxes (a local matter), a perceived population drain (slowed and just about halted during Hoeven’s tenure) and a lack of leadership.
That last one is really nonsense. Hoeven, after all, is the governor who challenged the mossback leadership of his own party in order to secure mandated, sustainable pay raises for public school teachers. He relentlessly pursued his “centers of excellence” program, which has become the seedbed for growing focused world-class university research.
In concert with enlightened legislators on both sides of the political aisle the governor championed a comprehensive energy development incentive package, which is a model for the nation. Shortly after his first election victory he worked hand in glove with North Dakota’s Democratic congressional delegation – and against the Republican White House – on a new farm bill, which turned out to be one of the best farm bills ever cobbled together.
Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, is flirting with a challenge to Hoeven, having formed an exploratory committee. In reacting to the governor’s announcement, the veteran senator said he was disappointed Hoeven “is not doing more with his leadership potential and position.” Of course, there’s always more to do. But is it so difficult for Democrats to recognize and acknowledge that the governor has done quite a lot with his leadership position?
North Dakotans consistently give the governor approval ratings near
80 percent. They have a better understanding of Hoeven’s dedication than do a handful of Democratic partisans. Regarding the governor’s performance, Democrats couldn’t be more out of step with the people of North Dakota.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.