Don't Miss Statewide Lincoln Day Dinner with Governor John Hoeven

Tomorrow is the Statewide Lincoln Day Dinner featuring Governor Hoeven as the guest speaker. You may still buy tickets for this event - Call Headquarters at 701.255.0030 and ask for Darcy.

The Lincoln Day Dinner will be held at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck
Social begins at 5:30 pm with Dinner at 6:30.
Tickets are $30, or buy a table for $240

See you there!

Is this Fiscally Responsible?

Recently Senator Kent Conrad had this letter in the Fargo Forum. A response to a letter critical of him for supporting Obama. In it Conrad claims Obama has a long term plan to resolve national debt.

President leaves nation deep in debt
Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D. Washington
Opinion - 02/25/2008

Renae Mitchell’s letter, “Debt has a moral dimension,” (Feb. 16) is correct to raise alarm bells about our growing federal debt. I share her concerns. That is why I have been warning about the threat of debt for years. In fact, addressing this issue has been one of the central tenets of my Senate career.

Unfortunately, the next president is going to inherit a fiscal mess from President Bush. His deficit-financed tax cuts and deficit-financed Iraq war spending have exploded our national debt at the worst possible time -- just as the baby boom generation is beginning to retire. In the years ahead, the combination of the baby boom retirement and rising health-care costs will further raise our national debt to an unsustainable level.


In response, most recently, I have introduced a bipartisan fiscal task force bill along with my Republican counterpart on the Senate Budget Committee, Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H. Our bill would create a bipartisan panel of lawmakers and administration officials tasked with crafting a legislative proposal that would address the long-term imbalance between federal spending and revenues. Everything would be on the table. The task force’s proposal would be considered on a fast-track basis and, unlike other commissions, would require an up-or-down vote by Congress.


My concern about debt and our long-term outlook is one of the chief reasons why I support Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. Obama is committed to confronting our long-term fiscal challenges and, importantly, supports the general approach of my bipartisan fiscal task force bill. We need a president who won’t be afraid to make the tough choices that lay ahead. Obama is the best candidate to put our country back on a sound fiscal course.

An alarming and unknown peice of legislation that is making its way through the Congress in a stealthy manner is this Gobal Poverty Act S. 2344 sponsored by Senator Barack Obama.

An Accuracy in Media article discuss the fiscal impact of the bill.

A nice-sounding bill called the "Global Poverty Act," sponsored by Democratic presidential candidate and Senator Barack Obama, is up for a Senate vote on Thursday and could result in the imposition of a global tax on the United States. The bill, which has the support of many liberal religious groups, makes levels of U.S. foreign aid spending subservient to the dictates of the United Nations.

Senator Joe Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has not endorsed either Senator Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton in the presidential race. But on Thursday, February 14, he is trying to rush Obama's "Global Poverty Act" (S.2433) through his committee. The legislation would commit the U.S. to spending 0.7 percent of gross national product on foreign aid, which amounts to a phenomenal 13-year total of $845 billion over and above what the U.S. already spends.

Obama’s Global Tax Proposal Up for Senate Vote -Cliff Kincaid February 12, 2008

This is truly alarming and completely fiscally irresponsible for our nation to begin such an incredible financial commitment to the United Nations. In addition, this give a substantial amount of power to the UN.

This bill is heralded as Obama's hallmark legislation, and is really the only significant piece of legislation that Obama has had his name attached too. This is pretty telling of Obama's real philosophy and true left leanings. It also calls into question Senator Conrad's supposed commitment to national debt stablization and relief.

Olafson, Damschen, and Monson Endorsed by District 10 Republicans

CAVALIER, ND- Following the Feb. 5th Super Tuesday Caucus in Cavalier, Sen. Curtis Olafson, Rep. Chuck Damschen, and Rep. David Monson all received the District 10 Republican Party endorsement for the 2008 legislative election.

Sen. Olafson is from rural Mountain and is a partner in a family business with interests in farming, ranching and earthmoving construction. Olafson was appointed to the Senate in December of 2006 to fill the remainder of the term of former Sen. Tom Trenbeath, who accepted the position of Chief Deputy Attorney General. Olafson was named the 2007 “Legislator of the Year” by the North Dakota Township Officers Association, being the first time a freshman legislator was honored with the award. Olafson is married to Bjork Eiriksdottir, a native of Iceland, and has two children and three step-children.

Rep. Chuck Damschen, a farmer near Hampden, is seeking his second term of office. Damschen has served on the House Agriculture and Human Services committees bringing experience and knowledge to the table in an even-headed and direct manner. His service in the legislature, as well as on several community boards, has greatly benefited the area. Damschen is Vice Chairman of the Natural Resources committee and received the “Board Award” from the North Dakota Hunter Educators Association. He and his wife, Alice, have three children.

Rep. David Monson, a farmer and school teacher from the Osnabrock area, is the current House Assistant Majority Leader. In his position as assistant leader and on the House Appropriations committee, Monson has worked to bring commonsense solutions to funding issues that deal with everything from education to agriculture. Monson has been a strong leader at the fore front of the legalization of industrial hemp. He is committed to removing restrictions that tie the hands of North Dakota’s farmers and industries. He and his wife, Mary, have three children.

District 10 GOP Chairman, Steve Holm, believes that this team will not only win in November but will deliver for Northeastern North Dakota.

“I feel our legislators have shown they are competent, proven leaders, and they have continually demonstrated their abilities to bring new ideas and critical thought to the legislative process,” said Holm.

GOP in the Valley

The District 12 and 29 Republicans (Jamestown, Verona and Carrington) held their annual Lincoln Day Dinner this last Saturday in Jamestown. It was a very well attended event with over 100 people present. Governor Hoeven and First Lady Mikey were the Guests of Honor. In addition all of those running for statewide office were present and gave campaign updates. Senator Dave Nething made it official that he is seeking another term in the state Senate. Congratulations to Delores Rath, Tom Christensen and all those involved in making that night a success.

The District 24 Republicans held their Lincoln Day Dinner in Valley City at Sabir's Restaurant. Another well attended event with about 70 folks out for the evening. Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple and his wife Betsy were present and the Lt. Governor gave the keynote address. Dalrymple emphasized the importance of supporting our candidates and the excitement behind the Public Service Commission race. Chairman Ed Kuhlmann and the district leaders should be proud of the successful evening.

Clearly the GOP is experiencing excitement and promise. Our leaders are committed to good government and winning elections, and with leaders like Delores Rath, Tom Christiansen, and Ed Kuhlmann we will see victory in November. If you have never been involved before, the time is now to get involved. Don't let opportunity pass you by, these elections are important. Become a delegate, a candidate, a volunteer, or a donor and increase your impact on your community and party. Democracy depends on individuals being leaders and participating in the discussion of things that matter and impact our daily lives. Get involved today!

Joe Miller

Deputy Director-Valley Region

Contact me at joe.miller@ndgop.org

Republican for a Reason

In the spirit of the President's Day weekend let's remember why we are Republicans!

GOP in the Valley

Work is carrying on as we have moved passed the Super Tuesday Caucus. Republicans in North Dakota seem very charged up and ready to get their hands dirty. I have been traveling to various meetings up and down the Valley the past few weeks. Most recently I was in Grand Forks for the district nominating convention. This convention is for the nomination of delegates to the state convention March 28th-30th in Fargo. There was a great turnout of folks for this event. Governor Hoeven, Insurance Commissioner Hamm, Public Service Commissioner Candidates Risher, Stenehjem, and Kalk, and several legislators from the city were all present. District 42 and Region II chairman, Jerry Youngberg, presided over the event in the absence of the Grand Forks Coordinating Committee Chair, Jim Holdman who was out of town. There is a renewed spirit in Grand Forks and an enthusiasm that will be the tides of victory come November.

I have been speaking to many legislators and legislative candidates for the past month. They are all ready to hit the campaign trail hard to spread the good word of the North Dakota economy and how North Dakotan’s are responsible for it. North Dakota Republicans have a lot to point to for accomplishments over the past few sessions. They have created budget stabilization funds, held the line on taxes and delivered for needed changes in infrastructure in our roads, schools and universities.

Democrats have been trying to politicize the WSI issue for more than a year now. Every time a concern of theirs is addressed they change the issue. The current state of the Democrats mantra of talking points has changed so much from its original point that I wonder if they even know what they are saying anymore. Obviously Merle Boucher, House Minority Leader and Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate, has forgotten what the role of the governor is in Workforce Safety and Insurance. He pressed the Governor to fire the WSI board, even though the Governor has little to no authority over the WSI board. I would think a person that is a Democrat Party Leader would understand how WSI functions, being that is the only issue they talk about, wouldn’t you?

A very recent Democrat attack came lobbed from the Executive Director, Jamie Selzler. He shamefully accused Commissioner Hamm of raising rates on health insurance and of “re-hashing” their candidate’s ideas on how to address WSI. The fact is, just saying things should change is not a plan. Giving lip service to the problem will not make it go away. Republicans are finding real solutions to the problems of our state, they have been for years. Hamm made well defined proposals to give his department some oversight on WSI. The Democrats have offered nothing in terms of real plans.

Here in the Valley, Republicans are on the move, Republicans are ready to work.

Joe Miller, Deputy Director-Valley Region
Reach me at joe.miller@ndgop.org

Adam Hamm Makes It Official

Today North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm formally announced he would seek a 4 year term for the office he currently holds. Joined by his fiancée Michelle and her 2 children, Hamm outlined his accomplishments and what he will focus on in the future.

“I traveled extensively during the open enrollment period for Medicare Part D helping seniors obtain assistance with their prescription drug coverage,” stated Hamm. “And, I am happy to report that earlier this week my department sent the final check to the city of Northwood to complete the nearly 8 million dollar agreement, allowing them to move forward with their plans for a new school.”

Hamm also spoke of his detailed proposal for Workforce Safety and Insurance that would allow the Insurance Department to play a specialized and necessary role in bringing long term accountability to that agency. (This proposal was outlined at press conferences in Fargo and Bismarck last week.)

Hamm pledged that he would continue to focus on consumer protection as his number one priority. “I will work hard over the next four years to ensure that North Dakotans have the protection and advocacy they deserve,” he said.

Hamm also promised to build on the Insurance Department’s success with the State Health Insurance Counseling program and Prescription Connection for North Dakota. “These programs have been extremely important in helping seniors and the disabled with insurance issues and with helping connect people with free or discounted prescription drugs directly from the manufacturer,” Hamm stated.

Lastly, Hamm pledged to take a leadership role on healthcare including: working to see appropriate reimbursements across the board; promoting personal wellness; and encouraging competition. “I’ll work to ensure good quality healthcare across all of North Dakota,” he said.

Hamm concluded his announcement by promising to never forget the lesson he learned growing up in North Dakota: “We can achieve anything with hard work and a commitment to each other”.

Correction Noted

A very alert Dale Wetzel noted that there were actually about 9000 voters in the 2000 Republican Caucus. My sources were incorrect and I appreciate Dale setting me straight!

Gary Emineth, Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party

Forum Perspective on GOP Caucuses Flawed, Ridiculous

In a Feb. 7 editorial The Forum characterized Republicans as being lethargic, with nothing to smile about. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in Republican ranks; the numbers themselves speak volumes.

Another perspective on the caucus turnout is the Democrats had a poor turnout. If you compare the Democrats’ six hours versus Republican’s 90 minutes and 50 percent more polling places, they should have had 60,000 voters rather than 19,000.

Obviously that is a ridiculous comparison, just as The Forum’s perspective was ridiculous. A caucus is a meeting of party members to select delegates in a nominating process. State law provides for each party to determine their own rules for their caucus. Democrats had more of a primary caucus as opposed to the Republicans’ format with a rally and a shorter window for voting.

The voter turnout at the Republican caucus doubled the previous high in 2000. This caucus is the first competitive one for Republicans since its inception in 2000.

Now that Gov. Mitt Romney has stepped out of the ring, it’s a chance for Republicans across the state to regroup and get ready for round 2.

It’s obvious from the balanced support garnered by at least three of the four candidates, even folks out here in North Dakota, where change isn’t embraced quite as readily as it may be in larger population centers, are still asking to be heard.

Take Mike Huckabee’s 20 percent to Ron Paul’s 21 percent of the totals. Huckabee held his own against an admirable effort by Paul’s supporters. Paul’s strong views on such issues as personal liberty, less government and protection of the Constitution obviously resonate with many North Dakotans.

The Forum’s swipe at Huckabee with reference to his former occupation as a pastor, rather than commenting on his proven record as a governor of Arkansas for more than 10 years, incidentally from the same state as Bill Clinton, is a cheap shot. Huckabee was an effective administrator with integrity who has a consistent record of supporting conservative philosophies and values across the board. As a friend of mine said after he heard Huckabee articulate his strong moral values, “He sounds like he really believes it.” The last time I checked, his values are consistent with those held in high regard by a majority of Americans.

Paul made a visit to college campuses in Bismarck and Fargo. These were attended by more than 1,200 students and others. College Republican President Erik Nygren had this to say: “He (Paul) has the Young Republicans in North Dakota flying high. The Paul event was the largest CR event in history.” Bring it on!

As for Sen. John McCain, he is a solid candidate – a seasoned veteran in every way, unlike anyone on the Democratic side of the aisle in this contest, McCain will be ready to lead on day one. There will be no need for on-the-job training. McCain, while perceived as a maverick, has one of the highest conservative rankings in the Senate. He won’t be intimidated or buckle under to the likes of Iran, North Korea or even the liberal elements of the United Nations or U.S. Congress.

When the rallies and parades are over and the confetti is swept from the convention floors, two candidates – one Democrat and one Republican – will be left standing. In the end, the only vote that will matter is the general election. I’m willing to predict that Americans in North Dakota and across this country will fall in behind a man who has been in the trenches before and can lead us forward in the 21st century.

It’s the votes cast on general election day in November that matter now.

Gary Emineth, Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party.

North Dakota is Right on Track

The news of North Dakota’s growing population is just another indicator of the success the state is experiencing in work force and economic development. It is a pleasure to note that the growth is statewide and that a majority of the growth is made up of younger workers who are either returning home to North Dakota or coming to the state to pursue some of the many opportunities we have to offer.

The news, however, shouldn’t be surprising considering the number of studies that have placed North Dakota cities or the entire state in its top rankings of places to do business or live. Under Gov. John Hoeven’s leadership these last seven years, North Dakota has fostered a productive climate for businesses that has attracted a number of high-profile companies like Micro-soft and has helped our own homegrown businesses flourish. This business-friendly environment will only help bring in more lucrative career and job opportunities to the state. And, of course, with the high paying jobs, we’ll also be able to keep more of our young people stay in North Dakota to live, work and raise their families.

North Dakota’s booming economy is not the only indicator of this. A study done by the Beacon Hill Index ranks North Dakota fourth in its State Competitiveness Report, which attempts to identify the qualities that allow some areas to excel in income generation and thus compete economically, sustain a high level of per capita income and continue economic growth. The rankings are based on the state’s government and fiscal policies, security, infrastructure, human resources, technology, business incubation, openness and environmental policy. North Dakota ranks high in a majority of these categories, and in areas where there is room for improvement. Hoeven and his administration are already working hard to make North Dakota more competitive.

North Dakota has steadily risen in this report and with the continued efforts of the current administration, we can expect North Dakota to reach to top.

Dale Anderson
Fargo, N.D.

North Dakota Republican Presidential Caucus Results

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Republican Party announces the statewide results for the 2008 Presidential Preference Caucus:

Governor Mitt Romney 36%
Senator John McCain 23%
Ron Paul 21%
Governor Mike Huckabee 20%
Alan Keyes 0

9785 votes were cast

This means the following number of delegates goes to each candidate:

Governor Mitt Romney 8
Senator John McCain 5
Ron Paul 5
Governor Mike Huckabee 5


North Dakota has 26 delegates: 23 are pledged tonight, 3 will remain uncommitted. In order to receive any delegates, a candidate must have received at least 15% of the Caucus vote. Each candidate receives a proportional number of delegates based on the percentage of total votes received.

What choice do they have?

The Democrat party has just come to face to face with reality, and they are scrambling. Their frightening reality is the specter of the Hillary train roaring down upon them and they are tied to the rails. This train has been coming for 8 years--it’s what they worked and wished for--and right on schedule and no surprise to anyone. The scramble to untie themselves from the track has taken frantic to near panic activity. The first of our tone-deaf representatives in Washington D.C. to cut the knots and abandon the Hillary Express is Senator Conrad who has put his stamp of approval on Barack Obama in an often run TV ad for Obama, and now he has authored a middle-page opinion piece in the Fargo Forum of Feb. 4. Conrad says Obama is best suited to unite our country and lead us to face these challenges. He tells us Obama is honest; it’s plain to see why Conrad would make that statement as a cloud of suspicion and indictments have hung over the Clintons, Hillary and Bill both, since their days in Arkansas.

On Feb. 1 Rep. Earl Pomeroy cut the bonds and jumped the tracks--he too came out for Obama saying that he has demonstrated rare capacity for leadership that you don’t often see…I am very excited about what he offers. The question to be asked is what is the “capacity for leadership” and what it is it that he “offers”? He is a 4 year senator--never has run anything, worked in public funded programs, and then sat in public paid offices. One has to ask the question, “Is this the man who may come face to face with the world’s most ruthless dictators to talk the hard talk of peace?” Is America to put its fate in the hands of a man with 4 years experience in the U.S. Senate--a shared responsibility with 99 others? A man with no accomplishments other than getting elected?

The Democrat party still harbors deep seated guilt over the bad behavior of president Clinton and Hillary in their 8 years in the White House. They know, too, it was 8 years wasted and squandered--a time when freedom could have been advanced, terrorism could have been checked, social programs could have been repaired--it was an opportunity for America. It was an opportunity lost and Conrad and Pomeroy know this.
The choice made by Conrad and Pomeroy was between the devil they know (Hillary) and the unknown who comes with no leadership record and possesses only oratory skills. They have picked oratory--a good talker. America deserves better!

Hal Neff Bismarck

Additional Predictions from Punxsutawney Phil

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted that we will have six more weeks of winter. Phil has been unaware of the current state of the presidential race since he has been hibernating all winter. Upon learning that John McCain was now the Republican frontrunner with Mitt Romney nipping at his heals and Barack Hussein Obama was closing the gap on Mrs. Bill Clinton's lead, Phil made a few addtional predictions.

1. Bill Clinton will continue to put his foot in his mouth and draw attention to himself as oppose to his wife.
2. Barack Obama will adopt John Edward's campaign strategy and begin promising everything to everyone.
3. There will be a race between Clinton and Obama to see who can cut-and-run faster from the War on Terror.
4. Political pundits will continue to explain why things are occuring the way they are and try to explain how this really is what they thought would happen all along.
5. Hillary will realize her true calling and become a Flight Attendant.
6. Obama's campaign for change will become reality when he adopts the Salvation Army's kettle campaign strategy.
7. Not to be out done, Bill and Hillary go back to their roots and begin playing guitar and singing on street corners in San Francisco.
8. Obama turns down Ted Kennedy's invitation to drive his campaign bus.
9. Democrats begin a campaign to raise taxes believing it will help the economy
10. Republicans shed the Democratic attacks and mistruths, win in November.