Rep. Conrad begins attack on Governor

Stan Stein Wahpeton, N.D.
Opinion - 09/19/2007
The Democratic attack machine has begun. Democrats realize that they cannot defeat Gov. John Hoeven, if he decides to run for another term, on the issues and on a vision for North Dakota. So they begin their vaunted personal attack campaign 14 months prior to the 2008 election.

Leading off what will be an endless parade of personal attacks on our governor is Rep. Kari Conrad, D-Minot, with her letter to The Forum. It really doesn’t matter who signs the letters and op-ed pieces because the message will be that Hoeven is bad for North Dakota. What they really mean, of course, is that Hoeven is bad for Democratic Party prospects to ever win the governor’s office.

Conrad’s lengthy dissertation (Sept. 11 letter) about our governor is rather humorous. She cites Peter Drucker, an expert on business and management. The humor is that a Democrat actually quoted someone connected to capitalism and free enterprise. Usually, Democrats spend their time attacking entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and business people, in general. And, their interest in business rests, solely, in raising taxes.

Conrad’s entire missive really does highlight the difference between the Democrats and Hoeven. Her view of the future is a state on welfare. The governor’s vision for North Dakota is a thriving state playing an increasingly important role in the world economy. His initiatives in education, agribusiness, energy, transportation, and the world of high tech, have put North Dakota in a great position to prosper in the future.

Under the Democrats, the only growth industry would be welfare. Hoeven is committed to a future of personal prosperity based on a growing, diversified, and competitive economy. There is a huge difference. It is the difference between dependence and independence. Given the choice, I have no doubt that North Dakota will choose independence and Hoeven, if he seeks another term.