News from Headquarters

Yesterday's Legislative Council meeting at the state Capitol got a little heated. The group is the state Legislature's interim authority and research arm.

The only agenda item of the day was supposed to be the selection of a new council director. Jim Smith was picked to replace John Olsrud.

Toward the end of the meeting, Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, brought up the situation at Workforce Safety and Insurance. Committee member, Sen. Joel Heitkamp, D-Hankinson, recommended the appointment of a special WSI interim committee.

During the meeting Heitkamp said, "it seems to me there's a role in the legislative process for it."

House Democratic-NPL Leader Merle Boucher added, "the Legislative Branch does have a key role in this."

Carlson said, "this is a hard issue, and I'm not sure what to do."

Heitkamp also pointed out there is already an interim committee which has some WSI oversight. However, it is chaired by Rep. George Keiser, R-Bismarck.

A journal kept by a WSI employee cited secret meetings between Keiser and WSI executives earlier this year about correcting agency image problems. Some Democratic-NPL legislative members have said Keiser's close ties with WSI executives demonstrate favoritism.

Upcoming capital city events

Bismarck's District 30 Democratic-NPL invites you to "30 for 30."

The event starts at 7 p.m. tonight at the home of Alan and Susan Edwards, 843 Munich Dr. The cost is $30 per person. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP by emailing Tom Dahle: obydahle@bis.midco.net or by calling (701) 258-6996.

Join Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, announced gubernatorial candidate Sen. Tim Mathern, House Democratic-NPL leader Rep. Merle Boucher, Sen. Tracy Potter, Pat Schulz, Tom Dahle and Karen Oby for an evening of fun, friends, and food, as the district gears up to take back their legislative seats.

Next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., there will be a fundraising reception for Rep. Jasper Schneider, D-Fargo, candidate for insurance commissioner. The event will be at the home of Sarah Vogel, 1203 2nd St. N., Bismarck. It will be catered by Char McLaughlin and the music will be performed by Ben Suchy. Please RSVP by emailing: info@jasperschneider.com or by calling (701) 232-1433 by Dec. 3.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

If you haven't noticed, online communication is becoming a huge part of campaigns these days. All Democratic-NPL statewide candidates had Web sites last election cycle. Many legislative candidates had them, too. The state party currently has a Web site, blog, Facebook page and daily e-newsletter.

Already, Sen. Tim Mathern and Rep. Jasper Schneider have started candidate Web sites for their statewide office bids. In addition, Schneider hosts a Facebook page and Mathern is planning on starting one soon.

Click here to check out Mathern's Web site and click here for Schneider's. Their sites are capable of accepting online contributions. Give them a few bucks to help them on the road to victory in 2008!

Going to Iowa

Both the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama North Dakota presidential campaigns are planning on helping out in Iowa this week.

The Clinton campaign plans on leaving for Sioux City tomorrow around noon to help out Friday evening and all Saturday.

If you're interested in going, contact: Dr. Nancy Vogeltanz-Holm, Grand Forks, at nancy.vogeltanz.holm@gra.midco.net or (701) 739-2986.

The Obama campaign plans on leaving for Iowa on Saturday. Departure from the Minnesota State University Moorhead Student Union will be at 8:30 that morning.

If you're interested in going, contact: Ben Hanson at mrpink@cableone.net or (701) 388-4947, or Matt Weinstein at mweinstein@barackobama.com or (701) 297-5167.

The Obama campaign will be sending volunteers to canvass in Iowa every weekend until Christmas. Housing will be available for individuals interested in longer term canvass opportunities, particularly the week between Christmas and New Years.

The Chris Dodd North Dakota presidential campaign is also planning on going to Iowa. I'll get you that information when the details are solidified.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

Every so often I throw an article on this blog from some sort of specialty publication. It spices things up a bit. Former Democratic-NPL Executive Director Jim Fuglie fancied the New Yorker and Rolling Stone, two of the best periodicals out there.

Ever read Vanity Fair? A recent article in that publication sent to me by a friend is perfect for this newsletter - a hat tip goes out to her. It is written by Columbia University Professor Joseph Stiglitz. He holds a Nobel Prize in economics. The article is dubbed "The Economic Consequences of Mr. Bush."

Here's a portion:

When we look back someday at the catastrophe that was the Bush administration, we will think of many things: the tragedy of the Iraq war, the shame of Guantánamo and Abu Ghraib, the erosion of civil liberties. The damage done to the American economy does not make front-page headlines every day, but the repercussions will be felt beyond the lifetime of anyone reading this page.

I can hear an irritated counterthrust already. The president has not driven the United States into a recession during his almost seven years in office. Unemployment stands at a respectable 4.6 percent. Well, fine. But the other side of the ledger groans with distress: a tax code that has become hideously biased in favor of the rich; a national debt that will probably have grown 70 percent by the time this president leaves Washington; a swelling cascade of mortgage defaults; a record near-$850 billion trade deficit; oil prices that are higher than they have ever been; and a dollar so weak that for an American to buy a cup of coffee in London or Paris-or even the Yukon-becomes a venture in high finance.

And it gets worse. After almost seven years of this president, the United States is less prepared than ever to face the future. We have not been educating enough engineers and scientists, people with the skills we will need to compete with China and India. We have not been investing in the kinds of basic research that made us the technological powerhouse of the late 20th century. And although the president now understands-or so he says-that we must begin to wean ourselves from oil and coal, we have on his watch become more deeply dependent on both.

Up to now, the conventional wisdom has been that Herbert Hoover, whose policies aggravated the Great Depression, is the odds-on claimant for the mantle "worst president" when it comes to stewardship of the American economy. Once Franklin Roosevelt assumed office and reversed Hoover's policies, the country began to recover. The economic effects of Bush's presidency are more insidious than those of Hoover, harder to reverse, and likely to be longer-lasting. There is no threat of America's being displaced from its position as the world's richest economy. But our grandchildren will still be living with, and struggling with, the economic consequences of Mr. Bush.

Click here to read the whole article. It's four pages, so fill up your coffee cup before reading.

-Rick

Outlook Bleak for Republicans

Via the Washington Post's Web site...

GOP Comeback Climb Is Increasingly Steep
By Chris Cillizza
washingtonpost.com
Staff Writer

Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott's resignation announcement on Monday was the latest in a wave of retirements to hit congressional Republicans, making an already difficult 2008 electoral landscape even more complicated for the minority party.

Party officials insist that the retirements -- 17 members of the House and six senators -- are simply the result of individual decisions and not indicative of a broader negative sentiment within the party. "I don't hear a drumbeat that 'We're not effective and I don't like it here anymore,' " said National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.).

But with so many lawmakers -- including a large number from competitive states and districts -- heading for the exits, it's hard not to point to the GOP's newfound minority status in Washington, the turnover in party leadership and the perilous political environment heading into 2008 to explain the exodus.

Another surprise yesterday came from Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), who was toppled from the speaker's chair by Republican losses in 2006 and had said in August that he would not run for reelection. Hastert revealed that he is leaving Capitol Hill immediately, allowing Illinois to hold a special primary election for his seat Feb. 5.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Last night was the first blast of real winter weather to hit the area. That means Old Man Winter is settling in. It's time political junkies get that cup of joe, hot chocolate or whatever your fancy and hit the Internet.

Here's a good suggestion for a local political Web site to visit.

As you probably have read in these emails, Reiten Television has started a Web site dedicated to North Dakota politics. It's called DakotaPolitics.com. Go to it by clicking here.

Besides having a wealth of information, it also hosts a weekly poll. You can vote by clicking here. The poll covers a variety of offices, 2008 races and issues facing our state. It's a good way to make your voice heard.

Reiten Television owns the CBS stations everywhere in the state except the Red River Valley.

Us and them

The Democratic National Committee sent me some interesting information yesterday which contrasts the Democratic presidential candidates with the Republican candidates on some major issues.

Here are some of the points:

-Iraq: All of the Democrats want to bring the war to a responsible end. None of the Republicans (except Ron Paul) would change direction in Iraq.

-SCHIP: All of the Republicans supported President Bush's decision to veto health care for 10 million children. Every Democrat supported the bill.

-Fiscal Responsibility: Every Democrat promises to restore fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C. All of the Republicans would extend President Bush's reckless tax cuts. Under Bush, the federal debt has ballooned near $9 trillion.

-Culture of corruption: All of the Democrats want to end the Republican culture of corruption in Washington, D.C. All of the Republicans thought commuting Scooter Libby's sentence was a good idea.

If there was more space in this newsletter, more points could be made - energy independence, health care, national security and terrorism just to name a few.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Rep. Vig weighs in on fuel prices

Via the Jamestown Sun's Web site...

N.D. government must stand up for all of its constituents
State Rep. Benjamin A. Vig; Aneta , The Jamestown Sun

As the weather is getting colder and many combines and tractors are shutting down for the year, we tend to reflect on this year of farming.

This year’s harvest went down as a ‘balancing the books’ for many farmers with prices for commodities at record levels. A thought is that we can make a buck or two. Instead of reaping any large profits, fuel costs have hit us square in the pocket book.

While friends are busy at the grain elevators handling our state’s important cash crops, and Main Street is looking forward to a bountiful holiday shopping season, in the back of everyone’s mind is that the top executives of the gas and oil companies will most definitely be taking their share. Unfortunately, the monopolized oil companies and their executives are the ones reaping the most benefits on a successful year like this. With gas and diesel fuel well over three dollars, it will not only be difficult to fill our tanks on the farm, but there will be more efficient or maybe even less trips to town this holiday season.

Even though our economy depends on oil and gas, we see the most success in our economy when the farmers do well. This is proven every time.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Rep. Jasper Schneider held press conferences in Fargo and Bismarck yesterday officially announcing his bid for insurance commissioner. He was introduced by Congressman Earl Pomeroy at those events. Lots of you came out to cheer them on, which was greatly appreciated. See below for the press release.

If you're in Minot or Grand Forks today, Schneider would appreciate your support. He is holding news conferences in those places himself. The times and places of the events are below.

When: 12:30 p.m. in Minot and 4:30 p.m. in Grand Forks

Where: Minot - Minot Public Library (1st Floor - North Community Room), 516 2nd Ave. S.W.

Grand Forks - Grand Forks Public Library (2nd Floor Meeting Room), 2110 Library Circle

For more information about Schneider, click here.

Hitting the road

Some of the presidential campaigns in North Dakota are hitting the road to Iowa to help out before the big caucuses.

Here are the details:

Hillary Clinton - Supporters will be traveling to Sioux City, Iowa on Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 to campaign in the crucial days before the Iowa caucuses. Volunteers will meet up in Fargo and travel to the campaign office in Sioux City, arriving Friday afternoon/early evening and returning on Sunday Dec. 2. If you are interested in the trip or want more information, please contact Nancy Vogeltanz-Holm, Grand Forks, nancy.vogeltanz.holm@gra.midco.net (701) 739-2986 or Gorman King, Fargo, gormanking@mac.com (651) 491-6499.

Chris Dodd - They are planning two Sioux City, Iowa trips in December for volunteer activities - no dates set yet. They are also planning a trip a few days before the caucuses to include caucus night - probably in Des Moines. If you're interested in going to Iowa, please contact Brad Handlin, North Dakota state coordinator: brh701@yahoo.com or (701) 491-0611.

John Edwards - If interested in volunteering in Iowa, sign up by clicking here.

Barack Obama - A group is leaving for Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8:30 a.m. and will be back around 9:30 p.m. Right now, they're set up to meet at the CMU at Minnesota State University Moorhead at 8:15 a.m. and leave at 8:30 a.m that day. They'll be driving to Sioux City and canvass for about four hours and head back. It should be noted that the Obama campaign will pay for the trip/gas but not for food. Area Obama supporters have helped campaign in Iowa a few times before. Contact Ben Hanson if interested (701) 388- 4947 or hansoben@mnstate.edu.

Rick Gion, Communications Director

Jasper Schneider Announces Bid for Insurance Commissioner

Fargo / Bismarck, ND – Pledging to put consumers and North Dakota families first, Rep. Jasper Schneider (D-Fargo) today announced his candidacy for North Dakota Insurance Commissioner at rallies in Fargo and Bismarck.

“North Dakotans should have access to the best insurance coverage around and be certain that they will receive the protection they pay for,” Rep. Schneider said. “That's where my focus will be as Insurance Commissioner. Whether it is strengthening laws that protect consumers, promoting policies that help our seniors live independently, or increasing access to health care for our state's children, we can be doing more to make insurance work for North Dakota families.”

Rep. Schneider, who currently represents downtown Fargo's District 21 in the North Dakota House of Representatives, has significant experience working with insurance-related issues in the Legislature. During the 2007 Legislative session, for example, Schneider helped lead the fight to defeat legislation that would have allowed insurance companies to increase their rates without first receiving approval from the Insurance Commissioner.

Apart from his legislative duties, Schneider is also the owner of two small businesses. As an attorney at the Schneider Law Firm in Fargo, Schneider specializes in labor and employment law. Additionally, Schneider is the owner of Sudhian Media, an information technology company. Since Sudhian's creation in 2000, the company's website has received over 10 million visitors.

Joining Rep. Schneider at his announcement was U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy, who was elected to two terms as North Dakota's Insurance Commissioner and served as the President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners before being elected to Congress in 1992.

“Jasper is smart, talented, and has the legislative and private sector experience that it takes to be a very effective Insurance Commissioner,” Pomeroy said. “Between his efforts in the Legislature and his work as an attorney, Jasper has shown that he is not only extremely capable, but also deeply committed to helping North Dakota's working families. That's exactly the kind of person you want running the Insurance Department.”

Rep. Schneider is the son of Lois and the late John Schneider, who represented District 21 for over ten years in the North Dakota Legislature before being appointed North Dakota's United States Attorney. Jasper and his wife Kimberlee make their home in Fargo with their 2 and a half year-old son, Jack.

Schneider to Officially Announce Intentions Regarding Insurance Commissioner's Race Today

Jasper Schneider will officially announce his intentions regarding the insurance commissioner's race today at news conferences in Fargo and Bismarck. He will be introduced by Congressman Earl Pomeroy.

Schneider is a state representative from Fargo's District 21. He served on the Human Services, Government and Veteran's Affairs and Constitutional Revision Committees during the last legislative session. He is also an attorney at the Schneider Law Firm, an adjunct professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead and a small business owner.

More information about Schneider can be found by going to: http://www.jasperschneider.com/.

News conference details:

When: 11:15 a.m. in Fargo and 2:30 p.m. in Bismarck on (today) Monday, Nov. 19

Where: Fargo - Fargo Parks Building (Main Ave. Depot) west room, 701 Main Ave.

Bismarck - Executive Air, 2301 University Dr. (just north of Bismarck Airport terminal)

News from Headquarters

There are all sorts of fun Democratic-NPL events going on around the state this weekend. Here's a short rundown.

Saturday, Democrats around the state will be holding house parties to celebrate the one-year out mark of the 2008 election. You're invited to attend. Please RSVP by calling Berrett Gall at (701) 255-0460 or email gallb@dnc.org.

Here's the list of house parties:

Fargo - 1 p.m., Cass County Dem-NPL Headquarters, 1137 19th Ave. N.

Dickinson - 1 p.m., Home of Connie Kooren, 331 5th Ave. W.

Bismarck - 1 p.m., Kennedy Center, 1902 E. Divide Ave.

Jamestown - 7 p.m., Home of Dean Remboldt, 702 10th Ave. S.E.

Minot - 7 p.m. Home of Cindy Wilhelm, 801 4th St. S.E.

Join other local Democrats for fun and snacks. Talk about issues and how you can help bring victory in 2008!

Also, the District 19 Democratic-NPL is hosting a turkey dinner fundraiser on Saturday. A social starts at 5 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. It's being held at the Larimore American Legion, 113 E. Main St. They are asking a reasonable $25 per person for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

In addition, Districts 25 and 26 are hosting a "Fire in the Valley Chili Feed" at 5 p.m. on Sunday. It will be held at the Mooreton Community Center. For directions or more information, please call Dan (701) 439-2419. Sen. Byron Dorgan and Ag Commissioner Roger Johnson will be the guests of honor. Free will offerings appreciated.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Conrad Works to Break Deadlock on Farm Bill

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

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad worked to jump-start stalled negotiations on the 2007 Farm Bill today and urged his colleagues to put partisan differences aside and reach agreement on the national agriculture legislation.

“This is a good Farm Bill. This is a bipartisan bill that emerged from the Senate Agriculture Committee without a single vote of opposition. Unfortunately, it has now fallen victim to partisan politics,” Senator Conrad said. “Some of my colleagues don't think the Farm Bill is important and have stopped this bill in its tracks. But their games could have real consequences for America’s farmers and ranchers.”

After quick and overwhelming bipartisan approval in the Senate Agriculture Committee, the Farm Bill has been bogged down in partisan disputes in the Senate. Senator Conrad — a senior member of the Agriculture Committee and one of the bill's authors — has been negotiating with Democratic and Republican leaders to try and bridge the partisan divide and reach agreement on Farm Bill debate.

“My colleagues are trying to make this a debate about the Alternative Minimum Tax, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, medical malpractice and immigration. I'm working to keep the focus on agriculture and the Farm Bill itself,” Senator Conrad said.

The bipartisan legislation — which Senator Conrad helped shape — builds on the success of the 2002 Farm Bill and significantly improves commodity, nutrition, conservation and rural development programs. It also creates a disaster program for family farmers and ranchers and invests in new priorities, such as making America more energy independent.

Few bills in Congress are as important to North Dakota as the Farm Bill. Agriculture is the largest sector of the state’s economy, a $4 billion a year industry that employs about one in every five North Dakotans.

Senator Conrad will be returning home to North Dakota this weekend to brief farmers, ranchers and business leaders on the status of the 2007 Farm Bill.

Editorial by Rep. Chris Griffin, D-Larimore

Via The Forum's Web site...

Other views: The right policies crucial
By Rep. Chris Griffin,

With the recent retirement of the first official baby-boomer in the United States occurring about a month ago, attention needs to be drawn to the effect this trend is going to have in North Dakota.

A recent study by the North Dakota State Data Center indicates that in 2006, for every 100 working-age residents in North Dakota, there were 53 nonworking-age residents. Due to baby boomers aging out of the work force, 2020 projections indicate that this ratio will rise to 71 nonworking-age residents for every 100 residents of working age.

This trend may not be surprising to many, however, it should be closely watched by policymakers. The demographics of a population have an immense impact on both the revenue side and expenditure side of the state budget.

When a state’s population has a large percentage of working-age residents, tax collections go up and expenditures on state services go down. When this trend is reversed, as is projected in North Dakota, the opposite happens. Revenue collections go down, as fewer residents are paying income tax, and expenditures go up, as the demand for state services by the elderly increase.

As many are aware, North Dakota has had a significant budget surplus for the past few years. This surplus is derived primarily from increased oil tax collections but also by the favorable demographics in the state and the strong farm economy.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

A report from the U.S. Congress' Joint Economic Committee has some alarming news about the costs of the Iraq war. Click here to see the whole thing.

Here are some of the details:

· Even assuming a moderate drawdown in troop levels, total economic costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (with the vast majority of funds going to the war in Iraq) would amount to $3.5 trillion between 2003 and 2017. This is over $1 trillion higher than the recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) federal cost forecast for the same scenario, which counted only direct spending and interest paid on war-related debt.

· The total economic cost of the war in Iraq to a family of four is $16,500 from 2002 to 2008. When the war in Afghanistan is included, the burden to the American family is $20,900. The potential future impact on the family of four skyrockets to $36,900 for Iraq and $46,400 for Iraq and Afghanistan from 2002 to 2017.

Here's a different point: Under President Bush, the federal budget debt has ballooned to near $9 trillion. Careless Republican spending will have to be paid by young workers. It's good to know I will be paying a debt other than my car payment, credit cards and student loans.

Questionable numbers

In his announcement tour Tuesday, Gov. John Hoeven took credit for 25,000 new North Dakota jobs. His numbers seem a little fishy. Sen. Tim Mathern pointed this out in a press release Tuesday.

Here's what Mathern said:

"He claims 25,000 new jobs have been created on his watch. Questions need to be asked here, because the population has stayed stagnant during his tenure.

"Do his statistics include the fact that some people may have lost jobs and gained new ones?

"Are his policies draining rural North Dakota to serve the employee needs of the large cities?

"Are folks needing multiple jobs because they can't pay the bills?"

Hoeven also took credit for a tax cut he didn't author. His property tax relief plan was shot down during the last legislative session.

-Rick

Tribune Story About Insurance Commissioner's Race

Via the Bismarck Tribune's Web site...

Schneider says 'I'm in'
By Jonathan Rivoli
Bismarck Tribune Column

State Rep. Jasper Schneider, D-Fargo, will be officially announcing his candidacy for state insurance commissioner early next week.

Schneider, who had been rumored to want the post and said last month that he was considering a run, told the Tribune that his mind is now made up.

"I've gotten a lot of support from a lot of the people I've talked to," he said. "I've done a lot in my life to put myself in a position to take this step and I think I'd make a great insurance commissioner."

Schneider, 28, is a partner in his family's Fargo law firm. He runs a computer hardware review Web site that he started in college and was elected to his first term in the state House in 2006.

He said the insurance commissioner's post would give him a platform from which to help handle the state's troubled Workforce Safety and Insurance agency and to make sure healthcare insurance providers are treating their customers fairly.

"People are crying out for leadership," he said.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Today, Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani will be in Fargo for a private noon time fundraiser. A luncheon and photo op will run you a measly $1,000. Just the lunch will run you a mere $250. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. and be held at Rose Creek's Seasons restaurant.

Does Giuliani share North Dakota's interests? Well, you decide.

Giuliani agrees with President Bush's Iraq policies, supports the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, and is for trade policies that aren't good for our farmers.

In addition, Giuliani has been in some hot water lately because of his ties to disgraced former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik. Kerik has recently been indicted on corruption charges. Click here for more on that.

Also, Giuliani's own daughter is not supporting him for president. Click here for that story.

No more Hoeven

Yesterday, Sen. Tim Mathern and party Executive Director Jamie Selzler sent out statements about Gov. John Hoeven's bid for re-election.

Here are some highlights:

Mathern:

"Under Hoeven, North Dakota ranks one of the highest in the country with workers holding multiple jobs. This is because North Dakota ranks almost dead last in wages.

"Health care, energy prices, property taxes and tuition are through the roof. Folks are having a hard time paying the bills. Addressing these factors is why a new administration is needed."

Selzler:

"John Hoeven is going around the state doing press conferences today while more turmoil mounts at a government agency. John Hoeven has practically done nothing to solve problems at Workforce Safety and Insurance. The situation is sad for this state and is unfair to injured workers.

"On this governor's watch, property taxes and college tuition have skyrocketed. He continually boasts about his expensive economic development policies, but North Dakota wages still rank at some of the lowest in the country."

Update: There will be a media opportunity for Giuliani today in Fargo.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Mathern Statement About Hoeven Announcement

FARGO – Democratic-NPL gubernatorial candidate Tim Mathern has released the following statement regarding the official announcement of Gov. John Hoeven's campaign for governor.

Statement from Mathern:

"I congratulate the Republican Party for having another candidate to seek their endorsement for governor. In choosing their candidate, I ask them to look closely at the numbers John Hoeven is boasting about today.

"He claims 25,000 new jobs have been created on his watch. Questions need to be asked here, because the population has stayed stagnant during his tenure.

"Do his statistics include the fact that some people may have lost jobs and gained new ones?

“Are his policies draining rural North Dakota to serve the employee needs of the large cities?

"Are folks needing multiple jobs because they can't pay the bills?

"Under Hoeven, North Dakota ranks one of the highest in the country with workers holding multiple jobs. This is because North Dakota ranks almost dead last in wages.

“We must not forget we are not an island; other states are making progress at a pace beyond ours.

"Health care, energy prices, property taxes and tuition are through the roof. Folks are having a hard time paying the bills. Addressing these factors is why a new administration is needed.

"I celebrate with Gov. Hoeven the positive things that have helped some North Dakotans and some cities. Building a bright future for all North Dakotans is my goal. We need bold leadership to make that happen. A Mathern Administration is the change we need."

Selzler Statement Regarding Hoeven Official Campaign Announcement

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

Statement from Selzler:

"John Hoeven is going around the state doing press conferences today while more turmoil mounts at a government agency. John Hoeven has practically done nothing to solve problems at Workforce Safety and Insurance. The situation is sad for this state and is unfair to injured workers.

"On this governor's watch, property taxes and college tuition have skyrocketed. He continually boasts about his expensive economic development policies, but North Dakota wages still rank at some of the lowest in the country.

"Speaking of rankings, under Hoeven North Dakota nationally ranks one of the highest with citizens holding multiple jobs. North Dakota also ranks next to last in teachers' salaries nationally.

"Contrary to his promises, Hoeven hasn't really fixed these issues. In 2000, he actually campaigned to bring teacher's salaries out of the doldrums. Their wages are still near the bottom nationally.

"In addition, 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.

"Hoeven should tell us right now if he will complete his full term if elected. It's not unreasonable to ask if he's going to quit. Quitting in the middle of a term seems to be a theme with Republican statewide office holders lately.

"Sitting governors don't run for third terms too often in North Dakota. The state has seen some real problems while Hoeven has been governor. Do North Dakotans want four more years of the poor leadership and do-nothing attitude Gov. Hoeven has demonstrated?"

N.D. GOP Posts False Information on Official Party Blog

Via the GF Herald's Web site...

N.D. POLITICS ROUNDUP
By Janell Cole, State Capitol Bureau

Don't believe all that you read

Democrats were having a good time Friday after the Democratic-leaning “northdecoder.com” political blog reported that North Dakota Republicans' blog - http://ndgopblog.blogspot.com/ - contained a hoax or urban legend, posted the same day by “ndgop.”

The Republican post was an unattributed “report” about Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi alleging she wants a stock market windfall profits tax to help “12 million illegal immigrants in our country who need our help. . .”

As northdecoder.com's “Chet” writes, the Pelosi piece is more than a year old and has been thoroughly debunked by the hoax-busting site Snopes.com.

See it at www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/pelosi.asp.

We checked another site that tracks down hoaxes and urban legends, which said the same thing - the piece was satire and not true.

See http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/government/a/nancy_pelosi.htm.

A check of http://ndgopblog.blogspot.com/ late Sunday showed a note at the top of the Pelosi piece that, “apologies are in order . . . this was not checked out and is not true,” and the reference to her alleged windfall profits tax plan benefiting illegal immigrants was taken out.

Quick link...

Giuliani Ties with Kerik Questioned

Via the NY Times' Web site...

Indicting Mr. Kerik
NY Times Editorial
Published: November 10, 2007

Bernard Kerik’s indictment on fraud and corruption charges is disturbing on its own, but it also raises broader issues. It is sobering to think how close Mr. Kerik came to becoming secretary of the Homeland Security Department, and it is also troubling that Rudolph Giuliani, a leading candidate for president, has been so close to him for so long, as a friend, boss and business partner.

Because of Mr. Giuliani’s role in Mr. Kerik’s life, the nation has a compelling interest in learning more about the former police chief’s misdeeds.

Mr. Kerik has been accused of accepting renovations to his Bronx apartment from a company that was suspected of having ties to organized crime and was seeking a license from the city. He allegedly used his office to help the company obtain the license. Mr. Kerik also has been accused of hiding the renovation income on his tax returns, along with more than $200,000 in rent payments on an Upper East Side apartment that a developer allegedly paid on his behalf.

Read on...

Economy is Bad Issue for GOP

Via the LA Times' Web site...

If it is the economy, GOP may be in trouble
By Peter Nicholas, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
November 9, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Republican strategists are beginning to fear that a deteriorating economy will pose serious obstacles for their party's presidential candidates, who may ultimately have to answer for rising gas prices and a slumping housing market.

For most of the year, the campaign has been dominated by dueling positions on the war in Iraq, national security, immigration and healthcare. But with gas prices topping $3 a gallon and home foreclosures a deepening concern, the struggling economy could trump other issues in next year's general election campaign.

President Bush is in his second term and can't face reprisal at the polls. So to the extent there is a voter backlash, it would be aimed at the president's party -- chiefly the Republican candidates vying to succeed him, GOP consultants said.

Economic forecasts are worsening: On Thursday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said he expected a "sluggish" economy in the coming months. With millions of sub-prime mortgages due to be reset over the next 14 months, he said, more homeowners are at risk of default. The stock market has been volatile, dropping more than 393 points over the last two days.

"Any economic pain comes out of the hide of the Republican Party," said Don Sipple, a Republican strategist based in California.

"It's one more advantage for the Democrats."

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Next Saturday (Nov. 17), Democrats around the state will be holding house parties to celebrate the one-year out mark of the 2008 election. You're invited to attend.

Here's a list of events:

Fargo - 1 p.m., Cass County Headquarters, 1137 19th Ave. N.

Dickinson - 1 p.m., Home of Connie Kooren, 331 5th Ave. W.

Valley City - time: TBA, location: TBA

Bismarck - 1 p.m., Kennedy Center, 1902 E. Divide Ave.

Jamestown - 7 p.m., Home of Dean Remboldt, 702 10th Ave. S.E.

Minot - 7 p.m. Home of Cindy Wilhelm, 801 4th St. S.E.

For all these events, RSVP to Berrett Gall: GallB@dnc.org or call (701) 255-0460. If you would like to hold an additional house party, also contact Berrett.

There may be more events announced later on. Go to our Web site next week to check them out.

District 27 Legislative Forum to be Held

The District 27 Democratic-NPL will host a legislative forum focusing on property tax relief legislation passed in the last session. The forum will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Mozart Room, Ramada Suites on 42nd St. S. in Fargo.

The principal presenter will be Sen. Constance Triplett, D-Grand Forks. She is a member of the Finance and Taxation Committee and made significant contributions to what the final property tax relief bill said. Many Fargo Democratic-NPL legislators will also be attending.

The event is free and open to the public.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Conrad Shifts Focus to Energy in Farm Bill

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

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad was joined by Senate colleagues and national energy leaders today to call for passage of the new Farm Bill, national legislation that includes key provisions to encourage the production of domestic and renewable sources of energy.

“While commonly known as the Farm Bill, the official name of this legislation is the Food and Energy Security Act. That is an important distinction because America’s greatest opportunity for economic expansion in this bill is in the area of energy,” Senator Conrad said.

With Senate debate on the Farm Bill underway, Senator Conrad was joined by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Colorado Senator Ken Salazar and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar to make the case for the Energy Title of the 2007 Farm Bill. These provisions call for greater production of renewable fuels, many of which are derived from crops grown on family farms in North Dakota and across the nation.

Energy production is the single greatest opportunity for agriculture and America’s rural communities and Senator Conrad has helped draft a strong Energy Title in the 2007 Farm Bill. The legislation devotes $2.5 billion to energy, which will help spur the nation toward developing and implementing domestic and renewable sources of fuel that will make America less dependent on foreign oil. Specifically, the five-year Farm Bill includes:

$160 million to assist farmers in planting, harvesting and transporting biomass crops;

$300 million in grants and loan guarantees to develop biofuel refineries;

$245 million for increased production of advanced biofuels;

$230 million for farmers and rural small businesses to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies;

$140 million in grants for research and development of advanced biofuels;

$1.5 billion in Finance Committee-approved rural energy credits.

“As gas prices skyrocket and unrest in the Middle East continues, pressure mounts to make our nation less dependent on foreign oil,” Senator Conrad said. “More than 60 percent of the oil consumed in this country is imported, from some of the most unstable regions in the world. We need to turn from the oil fields of the Mid East to the farm fields of the Midwest to meet America’s energy demands. This Farm Bill points America in the right direction.”

As both Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a senior member of the Agriculture Committee, Senator Conrad is playing a key role in Farm Bill negotiations. As a senior member of the Finance Committee, Senator Conrad played a central role in shaping the energy tax provisions.

District 27 Dem-NPL Legislative Forum to be Held

FARGO - The District 27 Democratic-NPL will host a legislative forum focusing on legislation passed in the last session concerning property tax relief.

The forum will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th, at the Mozart Room, Ramada Suites on 42nd St. S.

The principal presenter will be Sen. Constance Triplett, D-Grand Forks. She is a member of the Finance and Taxation Committee and made significant contributions to what the final property tax relief bill said. Many Fargo Democratic-NPL legislators will be attending.

The event is free and open to the public.

Legislative District 27 takes up much of southwest Fargo. Its Democratic-NPL legislators include: Sen. Jim Pomeroy and Rep. Lee Myxter.

News from Headquarters

A story from the Politico Web site yesterday reiterated what Congressman Earl Pomeroy discussed during his speech at Saturday's Policy Committee luncheon. Republicans in the House of Representatives are trying to re-brand themselves, but are having one heck of a time accomplishing it. You can read the Politico article below.

Here are a few things Republicans have been known for in the past, but aren't true anymore:

Fiscal responsibility - America had a national budget surplus right after former President Bill Clinton left office. Under President George W. Bush, we now have a $9 trillion debt.

Lower taxes - Property taxes have skyrocketed on Republican Gov. John Hoeven's watch.

National security - Democrats have been polling better than Republicans in this area lately. Democrats have recently pushed to strengthen border security and inspect shipping containers that enter this country.

Smaller government - Government has significantly increased under President George W. Bush and the previous Congress which was controlled by Republicans.

Terrorism - Democrats have also been polling better than Republicans in this area lately. Democrats have recently pushed to increase efforts to hunt down Osama bin Laden and shut down the Al Qaeda terrorist network.

My how things have changed for Republicans!

If you know a thing or two about marketing, you know branding a product and the framing behind it are very important to it being successful. When I think of Republicans, a few things come to mind: corruption and fiscal irresponsibility. In North Dakota, the Republican-controlled government has an arrogance of power. Yeah, there are a lot more, but I only have so much space in this column. I'm sure I'm not the only person that thinks of Republicans like this. They have their work cut out with a re-branding effort.

-Rick

Republicans Quarrelling Over Their Marketing Scheme

Via the Politico's Web site...

Republicans can't agree on new image
By: Patrick O'Connor

An effort by House Republicans to “re-brand” their battered party with a new agenda and a new strategy to sell it has fallen behind schedule as GOP leaders try to referee ideological and tactical disputes among their members.

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (Ohio) began the project to refurbish House Republicans’ scuffed public image at the start of the year, amid widespread expectations among lawmakers that the results would be ready for public rollout this fall.

As it now stands, according to members and well-connected staff aides, the debut could happen as late as next spring, after the presidential primaries.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

We've all read the many news stories about how low wages are in North Dakota and how our workforce is aging. I was sent two recent editions of the North Dakota State Data Center's "Population Bulletin" which further these points.

The August, 2007, edition discussed wages. Click here to read it. Three big things jumped out at me. First, North Dakota's average wage in 2005 was below 1998's average national wage. Second, the average 2005 wage in North Dakota was 24.4 percent below the national average. Lastly, North Dakota ranks fourth to last in average wage nationally.

The October, 2007, edition discussed North Dakota's aging workforce. Click here to read it.

Part of the report said:

According to 2006 population estimates released from the Census Bureau, for every 100 working-age residents in North Dakota, there were approximately 53 non working-age residents. In other words, there were approximately two workers providing for every one dependent. If the current age distribution patterns continue, 2020 projections indicate that this ratio will rise to 71 non working-age residents for every 100 residents of working age. In addition, 18 counties throughout the state are projected to have more dependents than workers by 2020. "This is a situation that should raise concern among policymakers. We have a limited window of opportunity to position ourselves for this reality, and I think the time to start planning is now," said Richard Rathge, Director of the State Data Center.

In a nutshell, it means: If North Dakota doesn't retain its working youth, future funds may not be there to take care of its elders. It's very alarming.

Gov. John Hoeven often crows about his economic development policies. These two reports prove his boasting is not as justified as he thinks. Bold leadership needs to be shown to correct these issues. Hoeven is obviously running for governor again. Is he the right person to fix these problems? Voters had already given him plenty of time according to these two reports from the State Data Center.

Jail break

I just have a short comment about the State Penitentiary story yesterday. Does it mean that a new prison is the direction the state is headed?

It's a fact that most of the buildings comprising the current prison are less than 30-years-old. Also, architects have estimated a new State Penitentiary will cost well over $100 million.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Conrad Reacts to White House Veto Threat of Farm Bill

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

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad urged the White House today to back away from threats to veto the Farm Bill and wait for Congressional debate to be completed before making any final judgments on the legislation.

“This is a good bill that improves commodity programs, funds nutritional programs, and expands energy initiatives that will help reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” Senator Conrad said. “This Farm Bill makes major investments in the food and energy security for our nation.”

Acting Agriculture Secretary Charles Conner has said the Bush Administration would veto the current version of the Senate Farm Bill saying it is too costly. However, Senator Conrad argued that the Senate version of the Farm Bill is fiscally responsible and does not add to the nation’s deficit. “This bill is completely paid for,” Senator Conrad said.

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Farm Bill is fully paid for and saves $61 million over the five years of the bill.

Senator Conrad, who is chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, said the Administration is playing with the numbers to gain leverage in the negotiations over its proposals in the Farm Bill.

The Bush Administration has proposed dismantling the counter-cyclical program and the marketing loan program, and would make basic crop insurance more expensive for producers. The President’s proposal fails also to address the need for a permanent disaster aid title.

News from Headquarters

Today, I'm taking this opportunity to thank Brad Martin, Democratic National Committee northwest area director, Owen Shackelford, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee political director, and all of those who attended Saturday's Democratic-NPL events in Bismarck. The day was a huge success.

For the fifth time, Martin came out to North Dakota to train Dem-NPL activist, candidates and potential candidates. About 100 people showed up for his workshop, packing the Joe Hauer Theater on the University of Mary campus. I'm sure all who attended learned a few things about local politics. After all, Martin was executive director of the Montana Democratic Party for 12 years. There were many notable accomplishments during his tenure in that post.

After Martin's training, Congressman Earl Pomeroy gave an informative and energizing speech about the atmosphere in Washington, D.C., and issues facing North Dakota. It's always great to see Pomeroy. There's good reason why he was picked to help author the new farm bill in the U.S. House of Representatives and why he holds a position on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

It was the first time Shackelford visited North Dakota. In the morning, he spoke to a group of legislators. In the afternoon, he spoke to the Policy Committee. He explained how resources the DLCC has to offer will definitely help Dem-NPL legislative races next year. Please email me (rick@demnpl.com) if you are interested in those resources.

Thanks again to all who attended Saturday's events. It was good to see many of you and good to see the many new faces now part of the Dem-NPL.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Conrad Kicks Off Senate Debate on Farm Bill

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

Washington – As debate began in the U.S. Senate today on the new Farm Bill, Senator Kent Conrad took to the Senate floor to make the case for the legislation, saying it is crucial to the food and energy security for our nation.

“This Farm Bill represents a major investment in American agriculture,” Senator Conrad told his colleagues. “It will benefit our producers, our rural communities, our main street businesses, taxpayers, and consumers, particularly the most needy among us. It deserves the support of every Senator in this chamber.”

The new Farm Bill — officially known as the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 — overwhelmingly passed the Senate Agriculture Committee last month. The bipartisan legislation, which Senator Conrad helped shape, builds on the success of the 2002 Farm Bill and significantly improves commodity, nutrition, conservation and rural development programs. It also creates a disaster program for family farmers and ranchers and invests in new priorities, such as making America more energy independent.

Specifically, the five-year Farm Bill includes key provisions for farmers and ranchers, including an enhanced farm safety net and provisions to encourage the production of domestic and renewable sources of energy. The bill also includes Senator Conrad’s Open Fields legislation to preserve hunting and other outdoor recreation, as well as a Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) provision.

Senator Conrad — the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee — also noted that the five-year Farm Bill is fiscally responsible, fully paid for and does not add one dime to our nation’s debt.

Senator Conrad said he hopes the Senate will approve the Farm Bill drafted by the Agriculture committee by the end of this week. However, he noted there were still a number of hurdles to overcome.

“We could be in for a tough fight this week,” Senator Conrad said. “There are many people who don’t wish us well in farm country and we may still face a tough row to hoe.”

Bush: "The agriculture"

Via The GF Herald's Web site...

Our very own 'Bushism'

Janell Cole, Forum Communications

President Bush, in his Ed Schafer announcement Wednesday, said, "I'm proud to announce my nomination of Ed Schafer to be the next secretary of the agriculture."

Yes: "The agriculture."

Hear it for yourself. The video is at www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/ 20071031-9.html#

Quick link...

NY Times weighs in on GOP games with SCHIP

Via the NY Times' Web site...