Bush a lame duck?

Via the NY Times' Web site...

For President Bush, a Reversal of Fortune on His Political Capital
By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG, NY Times

WASHINGTON, June 29 — After a string of Republican defections this week — on Iraq, immigration and domestic eavesdropping — President Bush enters the final 18 months of his presidency in danger of losing control over a party that once marched in lockstep with him.

First, two prominent Republican senators broke with the president on Iraq. Then, Mr. Bush’s party abandoned him in droves on the immigration bill, sending the measure to its death in the Senate, despite the president’s fervent lobbying for it.

And when Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to issue subpoenas to the White House for documents related to its domestic eavesdropping program, three Republicans, including a longtime loyalist, Senator Orrin G. Hatch of Utah, joined them, and another three did not take a position.

Read on...

N.D. GOP director leaving

Via the Bismarck Tribune's Web site...

N.D. GOP director to work for Giuliani
Jonathan Rivoli, Bismarck Tribune

Jason Stverak, executive director of the North Dakota Republican Party, is leaving his post to work for presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani. His resignation is effective today.

Republican Party Chairman Gary Emineth confirmed the move Thursday evening. He said Stverak will begin his job in a few weeks as the North Dakota state director for Giuliani's presidential primary campaign, which will be based out of Fargo.

Stverak, who's held the executive director post since 2001, said he sees the 2008 elections as a crucial year in Republican politics. He offered praise for Giuliani's stances, especially his fiscal conservatism.

Read on...

News from headquarters

There's a new blog in town worth a read. It's called NorthDecoder.com. You can check it out by clicking here.

NorthDecoder.com is being operated by the same host as BismarckDems.com. You may be familiar with that blog, because of the intrepid investigative reporting regarding Workforce Safety and Insurance. BismarckDems.com is having some technical difficulties and will be shutting down soon.

NorthDecorder.com isn't yet fully operational, but it's just about there. Expect the same well-researched and witty material in it as in BismarckDems.com.

There are many other left-leaning blogs in the state. One worth a read is The Flickertail Journal. You can check it out by clicking here.

Some North Dakota media members have blogs too. Tom Dennis and Tu-Uyen Tran from the Grand Forks Herald each host one worth a look. Click here and here to check them out.

There are many national blogs worth a read too. A few of my picks include: DAILY KOS, Crooks and Liars, AMERICAblog.com, DNC and the Washington Post. Click on the blue text of the prior sentence to check them out.

THESE ARE NOT official blog endorsements by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. This column is merely an FYI.

Here's an observation and maybe a little bit of a warning: Blogging can waste a lot of your time. It's addicting!

-Rick

John Edwards on Ann Coulter

This video hits the nail on the head!

White House refuses transparency

Via the Washington Post's Web site...

Bush Won't Supply Subpoenaed Documents
By William Branigin and Michael Abramowitz, Washington Post Staff Writers

The White House said today it would not comply with congressional subpoenas for documents and testimony relating to the firings of federal prosecutors last year, setting up a potential constitutional confrontation over its claim of executive privilege.

In a letter to the chairmen of the House and Senate judiciary committees, President Bush's counsel, Fred F. Fielding, said the White House refuses to turn over documents that were subpoenaed by the two committees on June 13. The deadline for handing over most of them was today.

"I write at the direction of the President to advise and inform you that the President has decided to assert executive privilege and therefore the White House will not be making any production in response to these subpoenas for documents," Fielding wrote in the letter to Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

"With respect, it is with much regret that we are forced down this unfortunate path which we sought to avoid by finding grounds for mutual accommodation," Fielding said. "We had hoped this matter could conclude with your committees receiving information in lieu of having to invoke executive privilege. Instead, we are at this conclusion."

Read on...

News from headquarters

I hope you read the story in the New York Times yesterday regarding the American youths' political views. If you didn't see it, click here.

Here's one of the highlights:

By a 52 to 36 majority, young Americans say that Democrats, rather than Republicans, come closer to sharing their moral values, while 58 percent said they had a favorable view of the Democratic Party, and 38 percent said they had a favorable view of Republicans.

Simply put, the Republican Party has not stood up for the interests of young people lately. On the national level, they cut student loans in 2006. On the state level, Republicans helped kill just about every bill regarding college tuition relief in the 2007 Legislative Session. By the way, Democrats fought for much of that legislation. Tuition may still go up by 5 percent at our colleges and universities.

Republicans have been in control of our state for nearly 15 years. On the national level, they have held much power for the last seven. In that time, health care and fuel costs have skyrocketed. Also, tuition costs in North Dakota have gone up astronomically.

On a different note, results regarding some Democratic presidential candidates were also more favorable:

Asked if they were enthusiastic about any of the candidates running for president, 18 percent named Mr. Obama, of Illinois, and 17 percent named Mrs. Clinton, of New York. Those two were followed by Rudolph W. Giuliani, a Republican, who was named by just 4 percent of the respondents.

Here are the specifics of the poll:

The nationwide telephone poll - a joint effort by The New York Times, CBS News and MTV - was conducted from June 15 to June 23. It involved 659 adults ages 17 to 29. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus four percentage points for all respondents.

-Rick

Young people lean Democrat

Via the New York Times Web site...

Young Americans Are Leaning Left, New Poll Finds
By ADAM NAGOURNEY and MEGAN THEE, NY Times

Young Americans are more likely than the general public to favor a government-run universal health care insurance system, an open-door policy on immigration and the legalization of gay marriage, according to a New York Times/CBS News/MTV poll. The poll also found that they are more likely to say the war in Iraq is heading to a successful conclusion.

The poll offers a snapshot of a group whose energy and idealism have always been as alluring to politicians as its scattered focus and shifting interests have been frustrating. It found that substantially more Americans ages 17 to 29 than four years ago are paying attention to the presidential race. But they appeared to be really familiar with only two of the candidates, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, both Democrats.

They have continued a long-term drift away from the Republican Party. And although they are just as worried as the general population about the outlook for the country and think their generation is likely to be worse off than that of their parents, they retain a belief that their votes can make a difference, the poll found.

Read on...

White House being subpoenaed

Via CNN's Web site...

Panel demands White House eavesdropping documents

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate Judiciary Committee subpoenaed the White House and Vice President Dick Cheney's office Wednesday for documents relating to President Bush's warrant-free eavesdropping program.

Also named in subpoenas signed by committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, were the Justice Department and the National Security Council.

The committee wants documents that might shed light on internal disputes within the administration over the legality of the program.

"Our attempts to obtain information through testimony of administration witnesses have been met with a consistent pattern of evasion and misdirection," Leahy said in his cover letters for the subpoenas. "There is no legitimate argument for withholding the requested materials from this committee."

Echoing its response to previous congressional subpoenas to former administration officials Harriet Miers and Sara Taylor, the White House gave no indication that it would comply.

Read on...

News from headquarters

I thought I'd start today's column by citing some accomplishments of this Democratically held Congress. The list is below.

-Won disaster aid for farmers and ranchers

-Balanced the national budget

-Passed energy legislation that strengthens our economy and national security

-Passed legislation requiring better automobile fuel efficiency

-Passed legislation for tough ethics and lobbying reform

-Passed a minimum wage hike

Democrats have only been in control of Congress for about six months now. There will be many more accomplishments down the road. Also, Democrats have offered many solutions for a new direction in Iraq and will continue to do so.

Narloch is back

Right wing blogger extraordinaire Brett Narloch is back in the public eye. He's proposing a plan to require schools to maintain Web sites divulging financial records. Narloch was the NDGOP's legislative director in the 2006 campaign. He didn't fare very well. He didn't fare very well with his former blog either, which was devoted to unseating Sen. Kent Conrad.

Here's some stuff from his former blog, "Taking Back North Dakota:"

-He called the passing of CAFTA "good stuff." (10/21/05)

-He insinuates that the privatization of Social Security is a good thing by saying "any plan with private accounts is better than what he have." (5/17/05)

Gee, I wonder if there's a hidden agenda in his new scheme?

-Rick

New Obama Iowa ad

New Edwards N.H. ad

Ed Schultz takes on conservative talk radio

Star Tribune chides Cheney

Via the Star Tribune's Web site...

Editorial: Cheney's secrecy fits long pattern
Published: June 26, 2007

As he has so many times before, Vice President Dick Cheney may well win his current power struggle -- this one with the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) -- at least for a while. But the courts and Congress have a way of catching up to him, and it certainly would be in the public interest if Cheney were to be backed down this time.

At issue is whether the vice president's office has to comply with an executive order that, in its words, "prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information ... ." Cheney has rebuffed the ISOO's compliance efforts repeatedly since 2002, employing a novel reason: It doesn't have to comply because his office is not an "entity within the executive branch" since Cheney also serves as president of the Senate.

A rebuff wasn't Cheney's only response, according to the ISOO's director, J. William Leonard. Leonard reportedly told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that after he went to the Justice Department for a decision about whether Cheney had to comply, Cheney recommended abolishing the oversight office.

Read on...

News from headquarters

Three Associated Press articles in last week's newspapers were pretty disturbing.

The first reported that North Dakota ranks last in the nation regarding personal income growth. That fact comes from a study done by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis covering the first quarter of 2007. North Dakota was ranked next to last in 2006 according to a study by the same organization which analyzed that entire year.

The next article exposed North Dakota's loss of $1 billion due to outmigration in the last 14 years. That information came from the State Data Center at NDSU.

The third article discussed how an outgoing member of the state Board of Higher Education is upset over rising costs for students. He pointed out tuition and fees have gone up over 120 percent at some institutions in the last decade.

Now, things aren't all gloom and doom. Our Democratic-NPL legislators fought hard for bills addressing these issues during the 2007 Legislative Session.

Here are a few of them:

-A tuition freeze for students (House Bill 1521) - Sponsored by Rep. Scot Kelsh, D-Fargo

-Student loan forgiveness (Senate Bill 2393) - Sponsored by Sen. Tom Fiebiger, D-Fargo

-A scholarship fund (HB 1518) - Sponsored by Rep. Chris Griffin, D-Larimore

-Lowering loan interest rates (HB 1401) - Sponsored by Rep. Arlo Schmidt, D-Maddock

-A study regarding efforts to increase North Dakota's workforce and population (HCR 3025) - Sponsored by Rep. Mary Ekstrom, D-Fargo

Now, every one of those bills was killed by the Republican majority except one. Talk about stymied efforts! North Dakota's Republican governor has been around for almost two terms now. There was a two-term Republican governor before him. Republicans have been in charge of the Legislature for well over a decade. I'm seeing a pattern here - aren't you?

Here's another question: How do new prisons and slush funds attract young folks to the state or keep them here?

-Rick

News from headquarters

Jamie and I attended District 12 and 29's "What's at Stake?" steak fry last night in Jamestown. I think every chair in the place was filled. It was good to see so many friends.

Rep. Joe Kroeber, D-Jamestown, was the head chef. My compliments go to him. Rep. Lyle Hanson, D-Jamestown, and Sen. Joan Heckaman, D-New Rockford, were also at the event.

After supper, Sen. Byron Dorgan spoke to the group. He talked about how proud he was to be part of the Democratic-NPL Party, and he discussed the latest achievements by congressional Democrats in Washington, D.C.

Later, Sen. Ryan Taylor, D-Towner, performed his cowboy act complete with rope tricks and political anecdotes. He's really a talented guy. If you ever get a chance to see him perform, it's well worth it.

Jamestown Democratic-NPL activist Dean Remboldt made sure everyone received a copy of a newsletter he helped create. He named it "The Left sa Press." It's an appropriate title, especially if you are a liberal Scandinavian! Area activist George Barnes emceed the event and greeted folks at the door.

All in all, it was a great event. Did you know there are events like this all over the state this summer? They make for great opportunities to meet other Democrats. They also financially support local districts. To check out the state wide events list, click here.

-Rick

News from headquarters

The past few days really felt like the campaign trail. Jamie, Berrett and I just finished with a whirlwind tour of the northern and eastern parts of the state. It started Tuesday and ended yesterday.

First, we went to Minot for some media visits and a meeting with Minot area Democratic-NPL activists. There's definitely some excitement in the air in the Magic City. Remember, the sweeps in Districts 3 and 5 in 2006? Jamie kept calling it the "Minot miracle" during television interviews. We could see a repeat in 2008!

Later, we attended a great event with the Minot Democratic Women's group. Jane Clark and Jan Brooks were honored as the "Democratic Women of Distinction". Judy Vendsel, District 40 chair, accepted a posthumous award honoring her mother, Esther Vendsel. Jennie Pinkerton was presented the "Rising Star of the Dem-NPL" award by Nancy Gooch, chair of the Minot Democratic Women. Jennie was the Minot field director for the 2006 campaign. Rep. Pam Gulleson, D-Rutland, was the guest speaker.

The next day, we traveled to Grand Forks for more media visits and meetings. Along the way, we stopped in Devils Lake to meet with the paper. Devils Lake is sure a beautiful place in the summer!

One of the highlights of our trip was a tour of the Alerus Center and Canad Inns in Grand Forks. That's where our 2008 convention will be held. Those facilities are one-of-a-kind in North Dakota. You should see the water park in the middle of the hotel. It's unbelievable.

Later, we met with the District 18 Democratic-NPL and the Grand Forks Citywide Democrats. Grand Forks is sure organized and poised to pick up seats in 2008. Candidate recruitment and fundraising is well underway in Districts 18 and 42.

Yesterday, we made some more media visits in Fargo. You may have heard Jamie on "News and Views" with Ed Schultz.

Our last stop was at the Senate Caucus golf event in Jamestown. Everybody there was talking about the potential for a Democratic-NPL controlled state Senate during the 2009 Legislative Session.

Jamie, Berrett and I sure had fun during this blitz. Democrats throughout the state are working hard to carry the momentum from 2006. We need three state senators and 15 representatives to control the Legislature. It can be done. That's 18 seats. We picked up 13 seats gross in 2006.

It was good to see those of you who met with us during our trek. We are working hard at the Kennedy Center for Democratic-NPL majorities in 2008. During our travels, we got the feeling all of you are too!

-Rick

News from headquarters

Jamie, Berrett and I are taking a short trek around the state. This blog may not be updated until later this week. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Our first stop will be in Minot later today. We'll be meeting with area district leaders at 4:30 p.m. in the Monte Carlo Room of the Vegas Motel. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend. After the meeting, we'll be attending the Minot Democratic Women's Recognition Banquet.

Wednesday, we'll be stopping in Devils Lake and Grand Forks. District 18 and the Grand Forks Citywide Democrats are meeting that night.

The next day, we'll be in Fargo for some more meetings.

On the way back, we'll be stopping in Jamestown after the Senate Caucus Golf Tournament.

It's going to be a great couple of days on the road. I hope to see you during one of our stops!

-Rick

More infighting by N.D. Republicans

Via The Forum's Web site...

Keiser says he plans to seek change in open meetings law
Janell Cole, Forum Communications Co.

BISMARCK – A Bismarck legislator said he’ll seek a change in state open meetings laws now that an attorney general’s opinion confirms that Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman can legally attend national regulatory meetings held in secret.

Poolman said Rep. George Keiser’s plan is a personal vendetta against him stemming from a feud over travel expenses going back more than two years.

“George Keiser is still mad that we did not pay for all of his travel to NCOIL (National Conference of Insurance Legislators), and so he is taking it out on me,” Poolman said Friday.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s opinion issued Friday tells Keiser, R-Bismarck, that when Poolman or Insurance Department employees attend National Association of Insurance Commissioners meetings, they aren’t bound by nor in violation of the state’s open meeting law for several reasons.

Read on...

Latest Obama You Tube video

Dems to propose cuts in 'Big Oil' subsidies

Via the NY Times' Web site...

Democrats Press Plan to Channel Billions in Oil Subsidies to Renewable Fuels By EDMUND L. ANDREWS, NY Times

WASHINGTON, June 16 — Senate Democrats are seeking a major reversal of energy tax policies that would take billions of dollars in tax breaks and other benefits from the oil industry to underwrite renewable fuels.

The tax increases would reverse incentives passed as recently as three years ago to increase domestic exploration and production of oil and gas. The change reflects a shift from the Republican focus on expanding oil production to the Democratic concern about reducing global warming.

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee will take up a bill that would raise about $14 billion from oil companies over 10 years and would give about the same amount of money on new incentives for solar power, wind power, cellulosic ethanol and numerous other renewable energy sources. The bill is one of the signature issues this year for Democrats, along with immigration and the war in Iraq, and one in which they hope to clearly distinguish themselves from the Republicans.

But Senate Democrats are expected to go beyond the $14 billion in tax changes in the draft bill. Democratic officials said the committee is all but certain to adopt a proposal by Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico that would raise $10 billion from companies that drill for oil and gas in federal waters but do not currently pay royalties to the government.

Read on...

Sen. Edwards You Tube interview

CNN/You Tube debates!!!

Interesting USA Today article on National Guard

Via USA Today's Web site...

Guard running low on equipment
By William M. Welch, USA TODAY

National Guard units in 31 states say four years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan have left them with 60% or less of their authorized equipment, a USA TODAY review found.

Eighteen of those 31 states report having half or fewer of the vehicles, aircraft, radios, weapons and other items they are authorized to have for home-front uses, the 50-state review found.

CHART: How ready is your state's National Guard?

Guard leaders say the shortfalls raise concerns about whether some state units would be able to help other states as they did when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005.

"If the percentage of equipment (continues to fall), we may well be in the same situation as some of the other states in not being able to answer the call," Ohio National Guard spokesman Mark Wayda said.

Read on...

News from headquarters

Did you read the article about rural voters in The Forum of Fargo/Moorhead Tuesday? It discussed how a recent poll found that rural America is leaning away from Republicans.

On Wednesday, The Forum opined:

Another segment of the natural base of Republican support - rural voters - is drifting from the fold. A survey by the nonpartisan Center for Rural Strategies suggests traditionally Republican rural voters could back a Democratic presidential candidate in 2008. While party types will put their own spin on the findings, the poll is one of several indications that rural voters are less enthusiastic about Republicans than in the past.

From stonewalling ag disaster aid to poor leadership regarding a war to trade policies that hurt producers to privatizing Social Security, I'd say Republicans have proven themselves pretty out-of-touch with the interests of rural America.

Priorities

A press release sent out by Sen. Kent Conrad's office yesterday presented some interesting facts that I didn't know about.

Here's part of it:

In an effort to curb decay of American public school buildings, Senator Conrad today signed on as a co- sponsor of America's Better Classroom (ABC) Act, a bill that would allocate more than $45 million in bonds for the repair, renovation and rebuilding of North Dakota's schools.

"The cost of general upkeep for our school buildings has been out of reach for many of our districts. Nearly one-half of North Dakota's schools are in need of some major repair," Senator Conrad said. "We know that the condition of our classrooms is directly related to the achievement and behavior of students. This bill goes a long way toward making classrooms better."

A recent study found that 49 percent of North Dakota's schools have at least one inadequate building feature, and 62 percent of the state's schools have at least one unsatisfactory environment condition.

So, let me get this straight. Pro-new prison Republicans want to spend over $100 million on their project. All the while, the infrastructure of many of our public schools is deteriorating. Did you know most of the buildings comprising the State Penitentiary are less than 25-years-old?

I wrote a lot about priorities during the 2007 Legislative Session. I think this instance can again be filed under: Republicans have the wrong priorities.

-Rick

News from headquarters

I received 28 responses to yesterday’s poll in the party’s e-newsletter regarding taxes. The results overwhelmingly favored further property tax cuts. Two people preferred a state income tax cut and one preferred an income tax increase. Two people said no to a tax decrease of any kind. And, one legislator mentioned sales tax cuts.

Although this wasn’t the most scientific or comprehensive poll in the whole wide world, it did give an idea of what people are thinking out there.

Here are some interesting points from a state senator:

North Dakota state income tax (37th in the nation) is not the problem with our citizens' overall tax burden. This was stated by me and many others of our party during the legislative session...in committee and on the Senate floor.

Property tax levels will continue to be the most hated method of providing needed income for subdivisions...and we Democrats couldn't get bills passed for more state aid to its political "children," which, we felt would have allowed counties and cities to reduce mill levies.

The income tax rebate was the best we could do this time and the method approved is much better than the Minnesota rebate mechanics of a few years ago. But, income tax rebates have no effect in directly reducing current property taxes at all...and...who knows if the Legislature will have a surplus in future years to continue the rebates. Property owners will have a lower net result of all taxes for the next two years, but it does not provide any additional state monies to help local subdivisions meet expenses. They very well may have to continue levies at current or higher levels.

Here are some comments from a person in favor of raising the income tax:

In my humble opinion, North Dakota could support a sizable increase in state income tax. That would allow us to more fully fund the state's share of educational costs and so reduce local property taxes. A graduated income tax assigns the greatest share of government costs to those most able to pay them. That has been a long-standing practice in our country, and we have found it a fair way to care for those least able to care for themselves.

Here are some words from a prominent state representative:

You have my vote for property tax relief. In addition, if there is a need for tax relief due to surplus, reducing sales taxes should also be considered. This is a regressive tax that also impacts business in North Dakota. In fact, my guess is that the retail community would rather have sales tax reductions than corporate income tax reductions.

There you have it. I hope you find these results and comments interesting.

-Rick

Letter by Sen. Mathern regarding prison process

Via The Forum's Web site...

Prison debate comes down to what’s best for the future
By Sen. Tim Mathern,
Published Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Amy Dalrymple of The Forum covered the story about Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s opinion that confirmed my belief that the process chosen by the 2007 Legislature to decide the future of the state prison was unconstitutional.

Simply put, my request for an attorney general opinion was objecting to an undemocratic process where a committee was empowered to make a final decision that the full legislature had rejected.

Decisions like whether to build a new state penitentiary or a $41 million remodeling need to be done carefully and with the vote of the full Legislature. People elect representatives and senators in each district to represent them in Bismarck. It is in North Dakota’s interest that all voices be heard when it comes to a potential $120 million project paid for by taxpayers.

Some have said prison conditions are dangerous and we risk lives without a new prison. While risk to life is a concern to me, it is also a concern to me about all citizens. We did not adequately fund breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment; we did not fund health care for all children; we did not fund a foolproof system for protection of students in our universities; we did not fund overpasses in all of our highway crossings. These can lead to deaths that we must also give attention to.

Read on...

The Forum discusses rural politics

Via The Forum's Web site...

Forum Editorial: Republican rural base crumbling?
Published Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Another segment of the natural base of Republican support – rural voters – is drifting from the fold. A survey by the nonpartisan Center for Rural Strategies suggests traditionally Republican rural voters could back a Democratic presidential candidate in 2008. While party types will put their own spin on the findings, the poll is one of several indications that rural voters are less enthusiastic about Republicans than in the past.

The results were analyzed by Republican pollster William Greener and Democratic pollster Anna Greenburg. They concluded Republicans no longer can count on rural voters for support. “This research shows ongoing problems for the Republican Party…,” the analysts said. They said disaffection with Republicans stems from a negative view of the Bush administration, doubts about the Iraq war and a sense of economic uncertainty in rural America.

Closer to home, the results of the 2006 elections seem to confirm the survey’s findings. Democrats gained seats in the North Dakota Legislature for the first time in years. A liberal Democrat, Amy Klobuchar, easily won a Minnesota U.S. Senate seat over conservative Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy, and she won in traditionally Republican rural areas of the state. The energy among grassroots Democrats in both states was in sharp contrast to the lethargy of Republicans.

Read on...

News from headquarters

Yesterday, Duane Sand was a guest on "News and Views" with Ed Schultz and on Joel Heitkamp's radio show. He defended the event his group hosted Sunday featuring political firebrand Grover Norquist. Sand also discussed his planned initiated measure.

Here are some facts on the measure according to a recent article in the Bismarck Tribune:

The proposal calls for a 50 percent reduction in North Dakota's personal income tax rate and a 15 percent reduction in its corporate tax rate. It would cost the state $280 million over two years, according to Americans for Prosperity.

To get this idea on the ballot, supporters will have to collect at least 12,844 signatures by March 11, 2008, according to the Secretary of State's Web site.

North Dakota's state income taxes vary from 2.1 percent for those who make less than $30,650 to 5.54 percent for those who make more than $336,550, according to the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C. based tax research group. In terms of overall state and local tax burden, North Dakota ranks 37th, according to the group.

During his show yesterday, Heitkamp brought up the fact that property taxes are probably the most egregious financial levy on North Dakotans. The Grand Forks Herald this morning opined that income tax rates in North Dakota are fairly low.

The Legislature did pass a property tax relief bill in the 2007 Legislative Session. The legislation gave a 10 percent break to residential, commercial and agricultural property owners.

Democrats first pointed out the need for a property tax reduction. If memory serves me right, Brent Edison, our 2006 candidate for tax commissioner, first promoted property tax relief. Sen. Tracy Potter, D-Bismarck, proposed the largest tax break during the last session. In fact, all of our legislators advocated for property tax relief in the last session.

However, property taxes have gone up a lot more than 10 percent in the last five years in many areas. This was mostly due to the Republican legislative majority not funding K-12 education properly. I am guessing there will be more property tax relief bills during the 2009 Legislative Session.

-Rick G.

Forum blasts Americans for Prosperity

Via The Forum's Web site...

Forum Editorial: Norquist no friend of N.D.
The Forum
Published Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Grover Norquist’s Sunday visit to North Dakota was a nonevent, unless you were one of the 50 or so Republican faithful who came out in Bismarck to bask and grovel in his anti-North Dakota shadow. Norquist, who heads up Americans for Tax Reform, was in the state at the invitation of Americans for Prosperity-North Dakota and its director, Duane Sand. The state group is advancing an initiated ballot measure to cut state income taxes.

It was a curious invitation at best, an insult to most North Dakotans at worst. Norquist’s presence pretty much put the lie to the claim that Sand’s campaign is a grass-roots North Dakota initiative.

Norquist is so far out-of-step with North Dakota’s interests, it’s a wonder he would even visit the state. The fact that Sand and his allies invited him suggests they have no clue about North Dakota’s priorities. Norquist, after all, is on the record as steadfastly opposed to most of the major federal programs that are vital to North Dakota’s economic health.

It’s not hard to find out about Norquist and his Americans for Tax Reform. He’s one of the architects of one leg of Republican conservatism but not necessarily the leg upon which most North Dakota Republicans stand. He’s against farm programs, would shut down Social Security as we know it, and said in a magazine article in 2003 that “bipartisanship is another name for date rape.” A year later he said in a newspaper article that the Greatest Generation (the World War II generation) “voted for the creation of the welfare state and obligatory military service. They are the base of the Democratic Party. And they are dying.” Do Sand and his tax-cutting pals agree with that?

And this about family farmers: “A farmer on subsidies is part welfare bum.” Do the Republican legislators who cozied up to Norquist share that sentiment?

Read on...

News from headquarters

The first meeting of the Correctional Facility Review Committee will take place at 1 p.m. today in the Harvest Room of the state Capitol. If you're interested in going, it's open to the public.

This committee is made up of three state senators and three state representatives - four Republicans and two Democrats. They will be forming an opinion on what to do with the current state of corrections in North Dakota and passing it on to other powers.

According to the meeting notice, the agenda today will focus on a:

Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a background memorandum on the committee's responsibilities, and committee consideration of a draft request for proposal and a listing of potential consultants to assist in the committee's study

Be ready for some news on this topic later today.

Not from Sesame Street

The Forum of Fargo/Moorhead really had some things to say about out-of-state political activist Grover Norquist this morning. Be sure to read their editorial above.

If you read yesterday's news briefs, you know that Norquist was hosted by Americans for Prosperity at an event in Bismarck on Sunday. That group is headed by Duane Sand.

Norquist is for ending Social Security as we know it and ending the safety net in the Farm Bill. His list of political cohorts includes Jack Abramoff and Tom DeLay.

He sure isn't like the Grover I'm familiar with!

-Rick G.

News from headquarters

Yesterday, Bismarck played host to Washington, D.C., political firebrand Grover Norquist for an event at the Ramkota Inn.

Norquist was invited by Americans for Prosperity, a special interest group headed by twice-rejected, Republican federal candidate Duane Sand. Several Republican lawmakers joined Norquist, despite the fact that Norquist's policy recommendations would deprive elderly, children and farmers.

Norquist has garnered much national attention for his outlandish comments and extreme views on issues such as Social Security, farm policy, trade and taxes. He is also linked to a pair of disgraced Republican leaders in Washington, D.C.: convicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff and indicted former House Leader Tom Delay. Ever heard of the 'K Street Project'? It's been reported he was part of that, too.

Here are some facts on Norquist:

Norquist has called for the elimination of Social Security as we know it:

In an editorial appearing in the March 2004 edition of American Spectator, he said America should "move Social Security toward a fully funded, individually controlled, portable pension system."

Norquist has called North Dakota farmers "welfare bums":

In a July 5, 2003, issue of People's Weekly World Newspaper, he said, "a farmer on subsidies is part welfare bum."

In an April 15, 2005, Americans for Tax Reform press release, Norquist said about CAFTA, "This is the most important free trade agreement since NAFTA and shouldn't be brought down by a small group of elite sugar farmers, who would rather see the rest of the agricultural industry suffer, than compete in the market."

The bottom line is: This guy is an out-of-state activist with an agenda that's bad for North Dakota.

Two of the state representatives who showed up to be on a panel at the Bismarck event were Reps. Blair Thoreson, R-Fargo, and Dave Weiler, R-Bismarck.

Thoreson chairs a state legislative group affiliated with Norquist's organization, Americans for Tax Reform. Weiler has also bought into some of ATR's propaganda (although they spelled his first name wrong in the press release).

Do these Norquist affiliations mean Thoreson and Weiler share the same views on Social Security and farm policy?

Norquist's visit yesterday really solidifies the fact that Duane Sand is really out-of-touch with North Dakota. Remember when he brought Tom DeLay to Fargo in 2004?

-Rick G.

Letter to the editor by Rep. Pomeroy

Via the GF Herald's Web site...

VIEWPOINT : Sky's the limit on wind power
By Earl Pomeroy, GF Herald letter to the editor

WASHINGTON - As our nation urgently seeks alternative energy sources, it is exciting to see the new national respect given to something that is a part of daily life here on the high plains: the wind.

As we all know, this is one resource we've been blessed with in great abundance, and now the experts will back us up. According to the American Wind Energy Association, North Dakota is the windiest state in the country, with enough wind potential to supply 30 percent of our nation's electricity needs if wind power and transmission capability were developed to maximum potential.

One suspects those who first settled in this area would find all this modern excitement about windmills somewhat amusing. After all, they built windmills in the 1800s to power water pumps. These pioneers would have to respect, however, just how far technology and design have advanced this industry.

Read on...

News from headquarters

Yesterday, Ed Schultz took a big swipe at Gov. John Hoeven on his regional radio show "News and Views." It was in regard to the state prison debacle, which started during the 2007 Legislative Session.

Schultz was angry over the fact that the governor showed poor leadership by signing the bill to start the not-so-democratic process concerning the future of the State Penitentiary. Hoeven really hasn't weighed in on the issue lately. Sound familiar?

Schultz is right on the money.

Hoeven did practically nothing to help assuage the problems with Workforce Safety and Insurance when that was on the front burner. So much for the governor standing up for good government.

To me, this all plays into the Republican arrogance of power that has dominated North Dakota for over a decade.

By the way, Sen. Tracy Potter, D-Bismarck, just called for the governor to ask for a special legislative session to deal with the prison issue on "News and Views" this morning.

Good news

The Associated Press is reporting that Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is likely to be returning to his U.S. Senate post in September - at the latest.

Here's what they wrote:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., recovering from a brain hemorrhage he suffered last December, is likely to return to the Senate in September, if not earlier, Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday.

Reid, D-Nev., said Johnson undergoes physical and speech therapy five days a week and has recovered 90 percent of his speech, although his right side remains weak.

Our thoughts and prayers here at Democratic Headquarters have been with Johnson since he fell ill.

It will be good to see him return to the U.S. Senate soon.

-Rick

Letter to the editor by Sen. Kent Conrad

Via the GF Herald's Web site...

VIEWPOINT : Conrad: Budget does not raise taxes
By Kent Conrad, GF Herald op-ed

WASHINGTON - In response to the Herald's editorial, I stand by my statement that our budget does not raise taxes ("A budget 'big lie' or core truth?", Page 4A, June 6).

I can say that because it is true. There is no tax increase assumed or required in the budget. Period.

The confusion is caused because the budget does include a slightly higher revenue level than the president's budget over five years - 2.1 percent, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates. Although it is worth noting that the budget's five-year revenue total of $14.828 trillion is virtually identical to the president's level of $14.826 trillion, as estimated by his own administration.

Some critics, such as columnist Robert Novak, jump to the conclusion that a tax increase is the only way to make up that revenue difference. That is wrong. The other way to achieve this additional revenue is to go after the tax gap (the difference between what is owed and what is paid under current tax law), address offshore tax havens and shut down abusive tax shelters.

Our budget assumes that every effort will be made to raise revenue from these sources instead of increasing taxes on anyone.

According to IRS's latest estimates, the tax gap alone was $