Further developments regarding Poolman

Via The Forum's Web site...

Insurance policy changes sought
By Dale Wetzel, Associated Press

BISMARCK – Consumer spokesmen want a national group of insurance regulators to toughen its conflict-of-interest policies, in part because of questions raised by last month’s resignation of former North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman.

Poolman’s departure is the latest instance of a top regulator leaving to work for the insurance industry, the representatives said in a letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ executive committee. Poolman is a former vice president of the association, which is based in Kansas City, Mo.

One of letter’s signers, Don Morrison, of Bismarck, said the issue was being discussed at an association meeting in Washington, D.C., on Saturday.

“This problem of close ties (between state insurance regulators and industry) is more the norm than the exception. It’s been going on for some time,” Morrison said Saturday. “That does not instill confidence that insurance regulators are working for the public interest.”

Read on...

Senate adopts Dorgan amendment on hundreds of thousands of vanished weapons in Iraq

Via a press release from Sen. Dorgan's office...

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- More than 110,000 U.S. supplied AK-47 rifles and 80,000 pistols have vanished in Iraq, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) wants to make sure it never happens again.

Late Thursday, the U.S. Senate approved Dorgan’s amendment to require the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to set up an accountability system for weapons supplied to the Iraqi Army and other Iraqi security forces or face a cut off of further arms shipments to the government of Iraq.

The amendment was added to the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Authorization bill now under consideration in the Senate.

Dorgan said he offered the amendment after reading what he described as a “shocking” report by the GAO. The report concluded that DOD cannot account for hundreds of thousands of pistols, rifles and other equipment it supplied to Iraqi security forces. Few – and often no – records were kept of individuals or even units receiving the weapons.

“There was no supporting documentation to show what individuals or even what Iraqi units received the weapons and equipment,” Dorgan said. “As a result, the Defense Department cannot account for 110,000 AK-47 rifles and 80,000 pistols. This level of sloppiness and this lack of accountability make it very likely American soldiers are being shot at by insurgents with weapons paid for by U.S. taxpayers.”

The DOD agreed in July with the GAO’s recommendations to establish accountability procedures for weapons it sends to Iraq, but Dorgan noted “it is almost October and they have not yet done so. This is a problem that requires urgent action and months have gone by and nothing has changed.”

“My amendment will either force needed action, or stop the flow of U.S. weapons to Iraq that no one is securing and tracking and which, as a result, may now be turned on U.S. soldiers.”

News from headquarters

The big news of the day is the Associated Press story about potential Democratic-NPL governor candidates. You can read about that below. It's a solid list, and there may be more names on the way.

Not plain old chips

Yesterday, party Executive Director Jamie Selzler called on Gov. John Hoeven to encourage President George W. Bush in signing the State Children's Health Insurance Program bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Bush has threatened to veto the legislation.

Selzler said Hoeven should use his influence as the leader of the North Dakota Republican Party to persuade the president on SCHIP.

"This legislation would help out thousands of children in North Dakota," Selzler said. "It's contingent upon President Bush if we see this help. Gov. Hoeven needs to step up to the plate here."

The entire congressional delegation has supported recent SCHIP legislation.

According to a Sept. 25 press release from Rep. Earl Pomeroy's office:

6,300 low-income children in North Dakota will continue to have health insurance coverage and an additional 6,100 uninsured children will now be covered. The House and Senate each previously passed their own versions of SCHIP reauthorization bills, and today's legislation represents a bipartisan, bicameral compromise that is supported by over 270 organizations. The SCHIP Reauthorization Act of 2007 passed by a wide, bipartisan margin of 265 to 159.

Clinton organizational meeting

'Team Hillary' is holding an organizational meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11 at Atomic Coffee, 222 Broadway N., Fargo. It will be a great opportunity to meet more Clinton supporters and learn about the campaign's plan for North Dakota.

Please RSVP for the event at www.hillaryclinton.com. If you don't RSVP, please feel free to attend anyway.

Obama interns wanted

Barack Obama's presidential campaign is looking for a few interns to help them out in North Dakota. The job description includes: writing field plans; recruiting, training and managing volunteers; and tracking opposition and media activity. Interns will plan and execute outreach to grow and manage relationships with allies, organizations and supporters to build a grassroots movement.

Send resume and cover letter to asova@barackobama.com.

-Rick

Associated Press story on possible Dem-NPL candidates for Gov.

Via The Forum's Web site...

ND Democratic lawmakers consider run for governor
The Associated Press

North Dakota's Democratic House leader is among a group of legislators considering a run for the party's endorsement for governor.

Rep. Merle Boucher, D-Rolette, sought the endorsement to run against Republican incumbent John Hoeven in 2004. State Democratic convention delegates instead picked Bismarck businessman Joseph Satrom, a former Bismarck state senator. Hoeven won his second term with 71 percent of the vote.

Boucher said some of the activists who are asking him to run for governor supported Satrom in 2004, which he called "a good sign." He hasn't decided whether to make the race but said, "I do feel good about the fact that where these overtures are coming from are people who are solid."

Hoeven said this week he intends to run for a third term as governor. No one in North Dakota history has been elected to three four-year terms in the job, although Democrat William Guy was governor for 12 years, from 1961 to 1972. Guy's first two terms were for two years.

Democratic state Sen. Tim Mathern of Fargo has set up an exploratory committee to look into a possible candidacy. Another state senator, Joel Heitkamp, D-Hankinson, and state Rep. Kari Conrad, D-Minot, are considering campaigns of their own.

Read on...

KFYR TV scoop

Via KFYR TV's Web site...

Exclusive: Possible Dem Governor Candidates Revealed
Brandi Powell
9/27/2007

The North Dakota Democratic NPL Executive Director, Jamie Selzler, has announced three other possible Democratic gubernatorial candidates exclusively to KFYR-TV.

Selzler says the Democrats have three party members who are considering running for Governor next year.

Selzler says Minot Representative Kari Conrad in looking into it.

Reached on the phone in Washington D.C. Conrad says she`s seriously considering a run.

Selzler says Hankinson Senator Joel Heitkamp hasn`t closed the door on the option. Selzler also says House Minority Leader, Rolette Representative Merle Boucher, is also considering a run next year.

"They have people they need to talk to about determining what their next steps are, whether that be an exploratory committee or whether that be a full out announcement of they may decide that next year isn`t the time for them and they want to focus on something else," says Jamie Selzler, the ND Dem-NPL Executive Director.

Selzler says they`re very seriously considering running.

Fargo Senator Tim Mathern has already formed an exploratory committee.

We`ll have much more on this later today.

Quick link...

Conrad champions farm policy for N.D.

Via FarmPolicy.com...

“Analysis from Washington”- By Dan Morgan- Senate Debate
Categories: "Analysis from Washington"- by Dan Morgan
Senate Debate

By Dan Morgan- Dan is a special correspondent of The Washington Post and a Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. “Analysis from Washington” is posted exclusively at FarmPolicy.com.

Senate Agriculture Committee Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is a nice guy. A liberal populist, he fights for good causes and often wins battles on behalf of the disabled, women, workers and the hungry.

But is he too nice to get what he wants from the bruising struggle taking place behind the scenes in the Senate over the next farm bill?

In 2001 and 2002, when Harkin also chaired the committee, Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) grabbed control of the legislation and put their stamp on it.
Conrad often acted as if he was chairman, meeting with House Agriculture Committee chief Larry Combest (R-Texas) and cutting deals.

This time around, Conrad is once again a blur of activity, working with the committee’s ranking Republican, Saxby Chambliss (Ga.), and with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to line up support for a farm bill title setting aside big money for farmers hit with crop failures or weather-related disasters.

Read on...

News from headquarters

In addition to Republican Rep. Al Carlson's new-fangled Budget and Finance Committee, I thought I'd cite some more examples of apparent rifts between North Dakota Republicans.

Perhaps the best examples would be public criticism that has come from former Republican Gov. Ed Schafer.

Here's some stuff from a Jan. 22 Associated Press article regarding Workforce Safety and Insurance:

Former Gov. Ed Schafer, who was stripped of his power to run North Dakota's workers compensation agency a decade ago, says fellow Republican Gov. John Hoeven isn't trying hard enough to get the authority back.

"You've got a governor that's not standing up for what should be done for the rights of injured workers, and for the people of North Dakota," Schafer said of Hoeven.

Schafer intends to speak today at a Senate Industry, Business and Labor Committee hearing for legislation, sponsored by Sen. Joel Heitkamp, D- Hankinson, that would restore the governor's power to hire the state's workers compensation director.

"I think he should be testifying, and twisting arms," Schafer said of Hoeven. "I think he should be doing everything he can. He is not doing enough."

That's pretty terse.

In addition, the host of North Dakota's most popular conservative blog doesn't think Gov. John Hoeven should run for a third term. He said he's "disappointed" with Hoeven's decision.

Here's more of what he had to say in a post from Sept. 25:

And since our state government (thankfully) can't run a deficit in the budget, that means tax hikes.

This is the position Governor Hoeven has led us to, and because of that I think he shouldn't be re-elected. At the very least he should face a strong primary challenge from a principled conservative (which Hoeven is not) to at least scare him back to the principles he's given lip-service to in the past.

Those are pretty strong words too.

-Rick

The Forum points out tough times for GOP

Via The Forum's Web site...

Forum Editorial: Republican landscape looks bleak
The Forum

The latest national samplings of the opinions of independent voters should make Republicans nervous. Combined with the results of the November 2006 election and field of presidential candidates that elicits more ho-hums than wows, the polling trends are glum news indeed for GOP faithful.

It’s not just one poll. Data from three separate surveys taken in July, August and this month reveal deep dissatisfaction with President Bush’s job performance, foreign policy and the war in Iraq. Among independents, only three in 10 approved of the president’s job on domestic issues. Only one in four backed his Iraq policy and said the nation is moving in the right direction.

The shift of voters who identify themselves as independent – those not routinely aligned with the Republican or Democratic parties – is significant. Only five years ago, independents broke 48 percent to 45 percent for Republicans. In 2006 congressional elections they tilted heavily, 57 percent to 39 percent, to Democrats. The shift into the Democratic fold has been sustained, the latest polling shows.

Read on...

Jamie Selzler's news from headquarters

By now you've probably heard the news that Governor Hoeven is running for re-election next year. When this news broke yesterday, the first question many started to ask him was whether or not he'll promise to serve all four years should he be re-elected. From all we've seen in the interviews he's done, he hasn't promised to serve out a possible 3rd term.

I think the Governor of this state, when asking to be re- elected to a third term, owes it to the people of North Dakota to be honest and open with his intentions, or to promise to serve the full term.

As you know, we've seen a pattern among Republican state officeholders who have left during their terms for personal gain. I hope that voters and the media alike ask all candidates for Governor this question, and I think we'll learn a lot about those candidates based on their answers. It's unfortunate that we need to second-guess Republican state officeholders' commitment to their terms, but apparently it needs to happen.

That said, there are many other reasons that North Dakota should elect a Democratic-NPL Governor in 2008. We've seen property taxes skyrocket over the last 10 years, and have watched as tuition for our public colleges has increased at astronomical rates. We've seen a culture of corruption at Workforce Safety & Insurance - call into question whether we can trust the head of a state agency. The arrogance of power shown by Republicans in our state couldn't be more obvious. From defending a rogue state agency to changing the rules so that someone who hasn't stepped foot into a classroom can become the state's top teacher, Republicans have showed their true colors. There is clearly gridlock among the Republican majority in the state Legislature and between the Governor, and in the end, it's North Dakotans who are paying the price.

We can do better than this. We need to do better than this. It's time for a change, and giving the Governor a third term isn't the way to do it.

Jamie Selzler, Executive Director

Selzler Statement Regarding Hoeven Campaign News

BISMARCK - Democratic-NPL Executive Director Jamie Selzler sent out the following statement today regarding the news of Gov. John Hoeven's campaign for a third term.

“Gov. John Hoeven has a duty to the public to promise that he will serve out the full four years if he is successful in a bid for a third term, or to be honest now and let North Dakotans know he may leave early. He needs to announce that immediately. There has been a pattern of Republican state officeholders leaving during their term, and North Dakotans need to know if the governor plans on continuing that trend.

"Gov. Hoeven also needs to answer for a lot of mistakes during his tenure as North Dakota's governor. Property taxes have skyrocketed on his watch and tuition has gone up dramatically since 2001. He also needs to answer to the fact of why he did not do anything to address the questionable behavior at Workforce Safety and Insurance. And, contrary to what Gov. Hoeven crows about, wages here are still some of the lowest in the country.

"In addition, Gov. Hoeven is the leader of a political party that has demonstrated an arrogance of power and culture of corruption in North Dakota. He's going to need to answer these things as his campaign progresses.

"Sitting governors don't run for third terms too often in North Dakota. The state has seen some real problems while John Hoeven has been governor. Do North Dakotans want four more years of the poor leadership Gov. Hoeven has demonstrated?"

America prefers the Democratic Party

Via Gallup Poll's Web site...

Democratic Party Maintains Solid Image Advantage Over GOP
by Lydia Saad
GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

PRINCETON, NJ -- Public attitudes toward the two major political parties have not changed much in recent months. That's good news for the Democratic Party, which moved into a superior image position when compared to the Republican Party more than a year ago. Americans not only continue to view the Democratic Party more favorably than the Republican Party in general terms, but they also choose the Democratic party as the preferred party for maintaining the nation's economic prosperity. And, in a departure from recent history, Americans see the Democrats as the political party better able to protect the country from terrorism.

According to Gallup's annual Governance survey, conducted Sept. 14-16, 2007, the Democratic Party enjoys a 15-point lead over the Republicans in overall favorability, 53% vs. 38%.

Read on...

News from headquarters

Forum Communications has reported that the North Dakota Republican Party is holding a presidential straw poll at a gathering on Oct. 26.

The results will definitely be interesting, considering support for their candidates is pretty mum in many parts of this country. Click here and here for proof.

Friendly ghostwriting?

Chet over at the North Decoder blog has reported that Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, "gave a speech at an insurance trade conference" recently. It went on to say: "According to today's issue of the Life Settlements Report, Kasper's speech was written by a trade group." The blog post is from Sept. 20.

To see the whole blog post, click here.

Kasper is probably best known for his quixotic Internet poker escapades. Remember, he was the one who spearheaded the "Antigua Five" trip in October, 2005, for himself and four other Republican House members. The trip was paid for by the Antiguan government and was not publicly disclosed until The Forum of Fargo/Moorhead broke the story. Kasper said the trip was for trade negotiations. The Antiguan government said it was for talks regarding Internet gambling.

Speechwriting is commonplace in politics, but having a special interest group fabricate one for you is quite curious.

-Rick

More turmoil in the GOP

Via the Politico's Web site...

NRCC chair threatens to resign
By: John Bresnahan and Patrick O'Connor
Politico

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) is trying to force out the top two staffers of the National Republican Campaign Committee — leading to a threat of resignation from the NRCC by Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) if it happens, said GOP insiders.

In a recent meeting in the minority leader’s office, Boehner told Cole that he was displeased at how the NRCC is being run. Republican sources say Boehner wants to replace Pete Kirkham, the NRCC’s executive director, and Terry Carmack, its political director, with more “aggressive” people with a more “realistic” view on next year’s elections, sources said.

Boehner has not yet directly asked Cole to replace the two men, although his intention to do so is well known in House leadership circles. Cole has refused to consider the move and has privately declared, “I will resign before I fire those two,” said sources familiar with the dispute.

Neither Boehner nor Cole’s offices would comment on the meeting or struggle, but Boehner spokesman Brian Kennedy did say the two leaders have “very frank and candid conversations” about regaining a Republican majority.

Read on...

Independents leaning left

Via the NY Times' Web site...

Independent Voters Tilt Toward Democrats
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Michael Brooks is exactly the kind of voter the Republican Party can ill afford to lose. But in a foreboding omen for 2008, it may have already done just that.

The auto parts store worker from St. Charles, Mo., says he used to be a Republican but felt abandoned and is now an independent.

''For some reason or other, they didn't seem to be for the masses anymore,'' said Brooks, 59, citing a lack of help for middle-income earners. He said he voted for George W. Bush in 2000, thinking the Republican was ''more middle of the road, for the people. Obviously I was incorrect.''

Brooks is not alone. From coast to coast, independent voters tilt tellingly toward Democrats in their opposition to the Iraq war, their displeasure with Bush and their feeling that the country is moving in the wrong direction, according to data from recent Associated Press-Ipsos polls.

That could be decisive in next year's contests for the White House and Congress, starting with the crucial early presidential primaries in New Hampshire.

Read on...

News from headquarters

A recently formed interim legislative committee has fallen under a great deal of scrutiny lately.

Rep. Al Carlson's new-fangled Budget and Finance Committee was abruptly formed and announced Sept. 13. According to a letter sent to Legislative Council members from Carlson on Sept. 13, the purpose of this group is "to review the state revenues and spending during the 2007-09 biennium, to review preliminary revenue estimates, and to develop preliminary spending benchmarks for the 2009-11 biennium."

For those not familiar with Carlson, he is chairman of legislative council, the state's interim legislative authority. He is also a conservative Republican from Fargo.

There are two big issues surrounding this committee.

The first is an obvious lack of trust between some Republican legislators and North Dakota's Republican governor concerning the state's budget. During the last legislative session, there was much wrangling over how to best utilize the state's budget surplus. Is it continuing into the interim?

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, sent out a statement Friday regarding this matter:

"Republicans in the Legislature don't seem to think the governor is up to the task of preparing the budget, so they obviously want to step in and usurp the governor's traditional roles," Mathern said in the statement.

"Much of the responsibility concerning the state's budget is under the purview of the Executive Branch during the legislative interim," he said. "Is this another sign that the North Dakota Republican Party has some major rifts?"

In addition to the sentiments from Mathern, the Democratic-NPL legislative leaders had some thoughts of their own distributed Friday. Sen. David O'Connell, D-Lansford, and Rep. Merle Boucher, D-Rolette, have a beef with the process of the formation of Carlson's committee.

"From what we've been told, many committee members were not asked to serve until its announcement - and legislative leaders were not updated from both political parties," said O'Connell and Boucher in a joint statement. "Also, no legislation was passed during the last legislative session to allow this committee. That is the traditional method."

Curious, eh?

In addition, there are some other issues worth noting. Interim committees are already set up to look at the state's budget. Two come to mind: the Budget Section and Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review. Also, many of the Budget and Finance Committee's duties duplicate what the state's Office of Management and Budget does. Keep this in mind too: Committee members will get paid for their efforts.

As you can see, the reasoned impetus for Carlson's committee is about as leaky as a watering can with holes in it. Are we starting to see the rifts in the North Dakota Republican Party become more apparent?

-Rick

News from headquarters

Sen. Kent Conrad received some national press yesterday regarding a request he made to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. That request asks for a cost estimate concerning a long-term presence of American forces in Iraq.

Here's what the official press release from his office said on this topic:

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today released a report, requested by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND), showing that the cost of maintaining a 'Korea-like' presence in Iraq over the next 50 years could exceed $2 trillion. The report found that even after a significant drawdown of U.S. forces, it could cost up to $25 billion each year - more than two-thirds of our nation's homeland security budget - to keep a military presence in Iraq similar to that now on the Korean peninsula.

"President Bush has repeatedly drawn an analogy between the Iraq and Korean wars and his administration has suggested that our ongoing presence in Korea could provide a model for Iraq," said Senator Conrad. "The American people deserve to know that they are going to be handed a multi- trillion dollar bill from this President to cover the cost of his misguided policy in Iraq."

CBO has previously projected that war costs could reach $1 trillion over the 2009-2017 period, assuming a gradual drawdown to 75,000 deployed U.S. troops. Based on CBO's new report, which projects the annual cost of permanently maintaining 55,000 U.S. troops in Iraq (roughly the equivalent of the U.S. commitment in South Korea), it could cost another $1 trillion (in constant FY '08 dollars) for operations in Iraq over the 2018 to 2057 period. In other words, taken together, CBO's reports show that the long-term presence in Iraq envisioned by the Bush administration could cost $2 trillion over the next 50 years. And this cost comes on top of the approximately $567 billion already appropriated and requested for Iraq through 2008.

This is just another example of why Conrad is recognized as one of the best budget policy experts in Washington, D.C.

ND4Obama

The FargObama group has launched a Web site to build support for Sen. Barack Obama's 2008 presidential candidacy. Click here to check it out.

The Web site is currently under some construction, but has been publicly launched. As it further develops, the site should be a great place for keeping Obama supporters informed regarding events both here and on the national level.

You can contact the FargObama group by emailing: ND4Obama@yahoo.com.

Rummage sale

There will be an end of the summer rummage sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow at the Kennedy Center, 1902 E. Divide Ave. in Bismarck.

Items for sale include: political odds and ends, office equipment, kitchen items, gardening items, office furniture and other great bargains! They will be displayed on the west side of the building.

-Rick

AP picks up story on Sen. Conrad's request to CBO

Via Fox News' Web site...

Future Annual Iraq Tab $10 Billion Plus
By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — The cost of a long-term U.S. military presence in Iraq similar to the peacekeeping role American troops have played in South Korea would range from $10 billion to $25 billion a year, the Congressional Budget Office said Thursday.

A Korea-like presence of 55,000 troops would cost about $25 billion a year in a "combat" scenario similar to the current mission, the nonpartisan CBO said in a report.

Keeping the troops protected at established military bases and out of combat would lower the cost to about $10 billion annually. One-time costs for base construction or additional equipment could reach $8 billion, the CBO said.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., requested the study after President Bush likened America's future in Iraq to the peacekeeping role U.S. troops play in South Korea, where they have been stationed for some five decades.

Congress has already appropriated $412 billion for the Iraq mission, CBO says, with costs for operations there and in Afghanistan expected to require an almost $200 billion additional appropriation for the budget year beginning Oct. 1.

"The Bush administration has been trying to hide the cost of this war every step of the way," Conrad said. "Now the president is considering a significant ongoing presence in Iraq, long after he leaves office."

Read on...

President’s Plan for ‘Korea-Like’ Presence in Iraq Will Cost Trillions

Via a news release from Sen. Conrad's office...

Washington, DC – The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today released a report, requested by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND), showing that the cost of maintaining a ‘Korea-like’ presence in Iraq over the next 50 years could exceed $2 trillion. The report found that even after a significant drawdown of U.S. forces, it could cost up to $25 billion each year – more than two-thirds of our nation’s homeland security budget – to keep a military presence in Iraq similar to that now on the Korean peninsula.

“President Bush has repeatedly drawn an analogy between the Iraq and Korean wars and his administration has suggested that our ongoing presence in Korea could provide a model for Iraq,” said Senator Conrad. “The American people deserve to know that they are going to be handed a multi-trillion dollar bill from this President to cover the cost of his misguided policy in Iraq.”

CBO has previously projected that war costs could reach $1 trillion over the 2009-2017 period, assuming a gradual drawdown to 75,000 deployed U.S. troops. Based on CBO’s new report, which projects the annual cost of permanently maintaining 55,000 U.S. troops in Iraq (roughly the equivalent of the U.S. commitment in South Korea), it could cost another $1 trillion (in constant FY ‘08 dollars) for operations in Iraq over the 2018 to 2057 period. In other words, taken together, CBO’s reports show that the long-term presence in Iraq envisioned by the Bush administration could cost $2 trillion over the next 50 years. And this cost comes on top of the approximately $567 billion already appropriated and requested for Iraq through 2008.

“The Bush administration has been trying to hide the cost of this war every step of the way,” said Senator Conrad. “Now the President is considering a significant ongoing presence in Iraq, long after he leaves office. Yet, he gives no indication of the cost or how it should be paid for, except to throw it all on the charge card and continue to run up the nation’s debt.”

News from headquarters

I guess the big news today is the announcement of Duane Sand's exploratory group for a possible U.S. House bid.

I know, I know, it's giving you all flashbacks of past elections. I bet they're not very rosy either.

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Jamie Selzler late yesterday sent out the statement below that sums it up well:

"The people of North Dakota twice rejected Duane Sand in his bids for Congress for good reason. His interests are out of touch with North Dakota.

"Duane Sand is affiliated with an out-of-state interest group in favor of privatizing Social Security and the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

"It's Sand's right to start an exploratory group, however, he's probably wasting his time. A June 3 editorial by The Forum called his past losses "landslides." In a June 12 editorial, The Forum also said that Sand has "no clue about North Dakota's priorities."

"In addition, Sand brought Grover Norquist to North Dakota who has called many of our farmers "welfare bums." 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 super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff and indicted former House Leader Tom Delay.

"Sand's agenda is anathema to North Dakota's interests."

How could I forget?

A big issue I missed yesterday regarding Gov. John Hoeven's "leadership" was the huge tuition increases during his tenure.

Here's what I'm talking about:

UND's 2001-02 tuition for in-state students: $2,754

UND's 2007-08 tuition for in-state students: $6,130

-Rick

Fallout from Republican fiscal irresponsibility

Via CBS' Web site...

Treasury: U.S. To Hit Debt Limit By Oct. 1

(AP) Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson told Congress on Wednesday the government will hit the current debt ceiling on Oct. 1.

He sought quick action to increase the limit, saying it was essential to protect the "full faith and credit" of the country, especially at a time of financial market turmoil.

The limit is $8.965 trillion. Unless Congress votes to raise it, the country would be unable to borrow more money to keep the government operating and to pay debt obligations coming due.

The United States has never defaulted on a debt payment but the decision on whether to raise the debt ceiling often means a prolonged battle in Congress.

Paulson wrote congressional leaders that according to data now available, the Treasury expects to reach the ceiling on Oct. 1 — the first day of the new budget year.

Read on...

Conrad Supports More Time at Home for Troops

Via a press release from Sen. Conrad's office...

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad voted today in favor of legislation to give troops as much time at home as they have been deployed — a measure seen as necessary to restoring national military strength.

“These extended deployments are taking a serious toll our soldiers and their families,” Senator Conrad said. “This amendment would provide our troops with the precious time they need to rest and recover and, in many cases, make families whole again.”

The legislation, an amendment to the 2008 defense authorization bill, requires the Pentagon to give active-duty troops at least as much time at home as they spent on deployments, and mandates that National Guard and Reserve members get to stay home for three years following their one-year deployments. Army units now generally deploy for 15 months at a time with 12 months at home. National Guard and Reserve units can serve longer terms, which have placed significant strain on their supplies and readiness at home.

The amendment includes waivers that President Bush could invoke in the event of an emergency posing a threat to vital national security interests.

“Our men and women in uniform are the best in the world, hands down. But more than four years of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are taking a toll and wearing them out,” Senator Conrad said. “We must ensure that our troops have adequate time at home between deployments. This amendment would strengthen our soldiers, our military and our national security.”

The bipartisan amendment was originally drafted by Senator Jim Webb, Democrat of Virginia, and Senator Chuck Hagel, Republican of Nebraska. The amendment was ultimately defeated by a vote of 56 - 44.

News from headquarters

Last week, Rep. Kari Conrad had a letter to the editor in many North Dakota daily newspapers regarding Gov. John Hoeven's lack of leadership. A few articles appearing recently in the state's papers reflect that sentiment.

First, the issue of high property taxes. They have plagued North Dakotans for years now. In fact, former Democratic-NPL Lieutenant Gov. Lloyd Omdahl has recently said "since 1993, school district taxes have risen 95 percent; county and city levies have gone up 75 percent." The quote came from a column in The Forum titled: "Property taxes still on agenda."

Omdahl didn't point this out, but the Republican dominance in state government started around that time.

Although the Legislature passed a form of property tax relief in April, it's still rising in many parts of the state. A recent story from the Sept. 17 edition of the Grand Forks Herald said if you're an average homeowner there "you can expect your (property) tax bill to be 5.4 percent higher."

Also, a recent Bismarck Tribune online poll ranked the issues of wages and property taxes as paramount in the area. We already know that property taxes are high in urban parts of North Dakota. On the opposite end, North Dakota is in the doldrums regarding pay. It's a duo for disaster on the old pocket book.

Another big issue is the fact that North Dakota holds the first place title for gas prices in the lower 48 states.

A recent column by Bismarck Tribune reporter Crystal Reid said:

As of last Thursday, the state was in day 22 of posting the highest gas prices in the lower 48 states, despite a small drop in prices at the pump in Bismarck-Mandan.

In fact, the state was in the 16th day of posting the second highest prices in the entire nation, bumping over Alaska a little more than two weeks ago.

The state averaged $3.16 a gallon for regular unleaded, compared to the national average of $2.80, according to AAA fuel gauge reports. The reports are compiled by averaging the last ticket sale of the day of participating gas stations across the state and nation.

It's comforting to know we are leading in one area - oh, wait, I don't think that's what Conrad had in mind.

Now, Stan Stein, the state Republican vice chairman, is coming to Hoeven's defense. He had a letter to the editor in The Forum this morning. It's curious that a Republican appreciates the "leadership" of a governor who has let property taxes skyrocket, let North Dakota fall behind in renewable energy production, let a rogue state agency get away with questionable practices, let wages slip to the bottom of the barrel and let gas prices be the highest in the lower 48.

I think Conrad was right to question Hoeven's "leadership."

-Rick

Pomeroy Recognized For Leadership on Agriculture Issues

Via a press release from Rep. Pomeroy's office...

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Earl Pomeroy has been awarded the National Farmers Union’s highest honor for government service, The Golden Triangle Award, for his commitment to rural America. The award is given annually to members of Congress in recognition of outstanding leadership on issues affecting rural America.

“I am honored to receive this award from the National Farmers Union,” Congressman Pomeroy said. “Family farmers and ranchers deserve a strong voice in the U.S. Congress, and I am proud to fight for issues important to rural America. This year has produced big wins for family farmers and ranchers, as we have won long-overdue disaster assistance and a strong farm bill that will keep family farmers at the heart of our nation’s food production.”

Pomeroy is being recognized for his leadership in addressing many of the challenges facing the nation’s farmers and ranchers. The National Farmers Union is recognizing Congressman Pomeroy for his leadership on the House-passed farm bill, implementing mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL), the promotion and production of fuels from the farm, protecting the nation's food supply, and support for emergency weather-related disaster assistance.

The Golden Triangle Award, a triangle symbolizing “legislation” and “cooperation” based on “education,” was first awarded in 1988 and is the highest award bestowed by the National Farmers Union.

The National Farmers Union is a general farm organization representing nearly 300,000 family farmers and ranchers nationwide. National Farmers Union serves its members by providing education and support for farmer-owned cooperatives, and by presenting the organization's policies to lawmakers at the local, state and national level.

Conrad Recognized As National Ag Policy Leader

Via a press release from Sen. Conrad's office...

Washington - Senator Kent Conrad today received the National Farmers Union’s most prestigious honor, the Golden Triangle award, in recognition of his leadership in securing relief for producers affected by natural disasters.

“North Dakota farmers and ranchers are the hardest working people I know," Senator Conrad said. "I am honored by the faith they have shown in me. I will continue to do all I can for family farmers in North Dakota and across the nation."

As Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture and Finance Committees, Senator Conrad was recognized by the Farmers Union for his role in the fight to deliver assistance to North Dakota farmers hurt by flooding and drought in recent years. In addition, the award honors the Senator for fighting for fair trade deals for America's farmers and for his leadership in constructing national farm legislation that works for the family farmer.

"I am pleased to yet again present this honor to Senator Conrad in recognition of his tireless work on behalf of family farmers and ranchers not just in North Dakota, but across the nation. I commend Senator Conrad's dedication to securing disaster assistance for producers affected by the challenges of Mother Nature and his commitment to rural America," National Farmers Union President Tom Buis said.

The disaster assistance package Senator Conrad authored will mean roughly $150 million for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, allowing many producers who might otherwise be forced off the land to continue to farm. Unlike previous attempts to secure agriculture disaster relief, the White House signed the bill into law.

In the lead-up to consideration of the 2007 Farm Bill, Senator Conrad organized a series of community meetings with farmers, ranchers and business leaders to gather their input.

“The Farm Bill doesn’t just affect North Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers. It matters to Main Street businesses in every North Dakota town,” Senator Conrad said. “I’ve heard from people across North Dakota and will be working to make what is already a good Farm Bill even better.”

Senator Conrad has been awarded a total of 15 Golden Triangle awards.

News from headquarters

There are a whole slew of things going on in the Red River Valley this week. Plus, Fargo's District 44 has a great opportunity to get involved in local politics and pick up some extra money.

Here's a rundown:

-At 5:30 p.m. today, the Cass County Democratic-NPL is hosting an open house at their headquarters located at 1137 19th Ave. N. in Fargo. It will be a celebration of the reopening of their headquarters after some remodeling. For more information, call (701) 235-9000.

-At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the first Chris Dodd for President planning/organizational meeting in North Dakota is being held in the West Acres Mall Food Court in Fargo. Attendees will meet just to the left of the entrance. Topics will include: volunteer activities and planning a trip to Sioux City, Iowa, to help with the efforts there. If you can't attend but are interested in going down to Iowa, please contact Brad with that or any other questions (701) 491-0611 or e-mail: brh701@yahoo.com.

-The Grand Forks Democratic-NPL is holding a citywide meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Eagles Crest. That's the restaurant inside the King's Walk golf course club house.

-The NDSU College Democrats are holding a rally at 5 p.m. Wednesday on the NDSU campus near the fountain by South Engineering.

-District 44 is looking for some part-time canvassers. The hours are flexible, and the pay is good ($12.50 per hour). If you are interested, contact John Monzingo at cjmonzingo@i29.net or call (701) 232-3669. Positions will be open until filled.

-Rick

N.D. GOP leadership and higher taxes

Via The Forum's Web site...

Property taxes still on agenda
Lloyd Omdahl,

As far as the Legislature is concerned, local governments in North Dakota are still on the hook for the chronic rise in property taxes. While cities, counties and school boards are maneuvering to finesse public frustration, a legislative interim committee is strategizing options for the 2009 session.

Since 1993, school district taxes have risen 95 percent; county and city levies have gone up 75 percent. They all make townships look like slackers where the increase was only 35 percent. (Of course, townships have a smaller range of services to finance than the other governments.)

For residential property, these increases have brought taxes up to 2 percent of the market value. This means that the owner of a $200,000 home now has a tax bill of $4,000, something that is true in most of our major cities. North Dakota ranks eighth among states when property taxes are calculated as a percentage of home value.

Read on...

Former GOP senator leaves party

Via the Washington Post's Web site...

Former RI Sen. Lincoln Chafee Leaves GOP
The Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Former Sen. Lincoln Chafee said he has left the Republican Party because the national GOP has drifted too far from him on critical issues, including the war in Iraq, the economy and the environment.

"It's not my party anymore," Chafee, who represented Rhode Island from 1999 until 2007, told The Providence Journal in an article published Saturday.

Chafee said he is now an unaffiliated voter after leaving the GOP "in June or July."

He said he made the move because "I want my affiliation to accurately reflect my status."

Chafee was appointed in 1999 after his father, Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., died suddenly, but lost last November's election to Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse.

Read on...

News from headquarters

Apple? Peach? Lemon meringue? Latticed? Untopped? Whatever your sweet tooth fancies, last night's District 47 pie auction had a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the event was the celebration of Grace Link's 89th birthday. She is a former North Dakota first lady.

The auction started off with some very encouraging and optimistic speeches by Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and Sen. Byron Dorgan. Both spoke of potential gains for the Democratic-NPL Party. Everyone definitely has their eyes on the state Senate next election.

The auction ensued, and was led by Johnson and former state Sen. Steve Tomac. The two rivaled any comedic duo. They had everyone bursting with laughter. Auctioned pies were donated by the congressional delegation, former governors and other Democratic-NPL elected officials and activists.

Fetching the most dough was Grace Link's lemon meringue pie at a price of $165. She squeezed the juice for the filling herself. The pie even made it on TV. Click here to watch the story. At $165, you wouldn't want to put that pie on the windowsill. In third place for earnings was Sen. Kent Conrad's Juneberry pie at $100.

For those at the event, here's a plump thank you for coming. It was good seeing you. It was a fulfilling time - and I'm not talking about just the pies. District 47 is one of the reddest districts in the state. In pie talk: It ain't very sweet for Democrats. But that's going to change - and it all has to do with attending events like this.

Now, these events are important to attend, because they help fund legislative races. Your local districts are where a lot of it all starts. Please visit our events list to see what's going on in your area. You can do that by clicking here.

Again, celebrating Link's 89th birthday was very special. She has a big place in the Democratic-NPL Party and our state's history.

-Rick

Bismarck Dem-NPL event tonight

District 47's annual pie auction is being held at 5 p.m. in Bismarck's Jaycee Leadership Hall, 301 E. Century Ave.

Celebrity pie auctioneers will be Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and former state Sen. Steve Tomac. The pinnacle of the event is the auction of Grace Link's apple pie, which she has baked for this occasion for years. It also happens to be her 89th birthday. Grace is a former North Dakota first lady.

Sen. Byron Dorgan has also announced he will be at the event contingent upon any voting emergencies in Washington, D.C.

The menu includes: chili, hot dogs, chips and more.

Free will donations accepted.

For a directional map, click here.

News from headquarters

Media Matters, a progressive media watchdog group, has recently performed a study analyzing daily newspaper editorial pages throughout the country. Its goal: to see how biased editorial pages are toward conservatives. Guess what? They are - but keep in mind this study has to do with syndicated columnists only.

Here are a few of the findings:

· Sixty percent of the nation's daily newspapers print more conservative syndicated columnists every week than progressive syndicated columnists. Only 20 percent run more progressives than conservatives, while the remaining 20 percent are evenly balanced.

· In a given week, nationally syndicated progressive columnists are published in newspapers with a combined total circulation of 125 million. Conservative columnists, on the other hand, are published in newspapers with a combined total circulation of more than 152 million.

· The top 10 columnists as ranked by the number of papers in which they are carried include five conservatives, two centrists, and only three progressives.

· The top 10 columnists as ranked by the total circulation of the papers in which they are published also include five conservatives, two centrists, and only three progressives.

· In 38 states, the conservative voice is greater than the progressive voice -- in other words, conservative columns reach more readers in total than progressive columns. In only 12 states is the progressive voice greater than the conservative voice.

To see the results of North Dakota newspapers, click here. If the link doesn't work for you, I'll summarize it. Ten newspapers were analyzed and 48 columnists were found in the study. North Dakota newspapers print 23 conservative, 18 progressive and seven centrist syndicated columnists on a regular basis.

This study sure has some interesting points. The Associated Press even picked it up. Click here to read it.

I guess talk radio isn't the only sector of the media that heavily leans conservative. A recent study found that 91 percent of weekday talk radio slants to the right.

-Rick

Study finds 'liberal media' a myth with editorial pages

Via Editor and Publisher's Web site...

Study Finds Conservatives Rule Op-Ed pages -- With George Will as King
By Dave Bauder
Editor and Publisher

NEW YORK George Will's column runs in more newspapers than any writer in the nation, according to a new study by a liberal media watchdog group that concludes conservative voices such as his dominate editorial pages.

Will's syndicated column runs at least once a month in 368 newspapers with more than 26 million in total circulation, said the Media Matters for America. The organization surveyed 96 percent of the nation's 1,430 English-langu