News from Headquarters

It's Feb. 29. That means it's Leap Day, an event happening every four years.

The reason for the day according to Wikipedia:

Although the modern calendar counts a year as 365 days, a complete revolution around the sun takes approximately 365 days and 6 hours. Every four years, an extra twenty-four hours have accumulated, so one extra day is added to that calendar to keep the count coordinated with the sun's apparent position.

Birthdays falling on Leap Day can really make for some good conversation. And it was recently brought to my attention that a giant of the Democratic-NPL Party technically turns 22 years old today. Former Congressman and long-time state Senator Rolland "Rollie" Redlin is a Leap Day baby. He was born on this day in 1920. Happy birthday Rollie!

Redlin was also a founder of the Kennedy Memorial Center here in Bismarck (Democratic-NPL Party Headquarters).

District conventions reminder

This is just a reminder there are many district conventions coming up, including events in Bismarck and Minot on Saturday. Click here for a schedule.

Statewide candidates will be attending many of these events, including the gubernatorial candidates.

At these conventions, district activists will endorse legislative candidates in even-numbered areas, pass resolutions and choose state convention delegates.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Bismarck Tribune Interview with Rep. Merle Boucher

News from Headquarters

The Democratic-NPL Party has announced the appointment of its 2008 State Convention committee chairs. The following party leaders have been selected to the corresponding committees.

Committee on Committees: David Strauss; Permanent Organization Committee: Mary Wakefield; Credentials Committee: Carol Sawicki; Rules Committee: Nancy Sand; Platform and Resolutions Committee: Chad Nodland and Rep. Kari Conrad; Presidential Electors Committee: Renee Pfenning

The Committee on Committees appoints State Convention committee leaders.

The Permanent Organization Committee appoints presiding State Convention officials.

The Credentials Committee certifies State Convention delegates and alternates.

The Rules Committee oversees State Convention procedures.

The Platform and Resolutions Committee holds meetings prior to the State Convention to gather input regarding issues relevant to the Democratic-NPL Party. Ultimately, they present a draft state party platform to the State Convention for approval.

The Presidential Electors Committee recommends three names to the State Convention which appear on the General Election ballot regarding North Dakota's Electoral College.

Committee meetings

The first gathering of the 2008 Democratic-NPL Rules Committee will meet by conference call on Monday, March 3rd at 5:30 p.m.; the Credentials Committee will meet by conference call on Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m.; and the Platform and Resolutions Committee will meet by conference call on Wednesday, March 5th at 5:30 p.m.

If you would like to be a part of these meetings, email Kathi at Democratic-NPL Headquarters: kathi@demnpl.com.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Zaiser Statement Regarding Berg News Conference

FARGO – Rep. Steve Zaiser, D-Fargo, issued the following statement regarding the press conference Rep. Rick Berg, R-Fargo, held today about Workforce Safety and Insurance.

Zaiser is a member of the interim legislative Industry, Business and Labor Committee and is a member of the standing House of Representatives Industry, Business and Labor Committee.

Statement from Zaiser on 2/27/08:

Rep. Berg’s proposal would be an improvement, because there’s still a culture of corruption within WSI’s upper management.

However, it’s just a stop-gap measure. There needs to be long-term, sustainable changes at WSI. The agency needs to be held accountable by placing it under the sight of an elected official.

I fought for major changes like this last legislative session. Unfortunately, the Republican majority killed those efforts.

Dorgan Statement Regarding Obama Endorsement

BISMARCK - The presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama released the following statement today from U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND).

STATEMENT OF ENDORSEMENT BY SENATOR BYRON DORGAN (D-ND) FEEBRUARY 27, 2008

As a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August, I will cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama for our party’s nomination for President.

Four of my Democratic colleagues in the Senate have sought the Presidency this year. All of them are talented and dedicated public servants.

Early in this contest, I indicated that I would support a candidate who demonstrated the ability to inspire and motivate the American people to move our country in a new direction.

In the past several months, Senator Barack Obama has done just that. His message of hope and optimism, and a belief that we can make America a better place if we work together, is something I believe can unite our country.

Senator Obama has also shown a strong commitment to reversing the disastrous trade policies of the past years and moving forward with a progressive agenda that puts American workers first. He has proven his commitment through a lifetime of fighting for American families – from his time as a community organizer in Chicago to his work in the United States Senate.

Senator Obama has also demonstrated an ability to attract support in what have been traditional “red states” in Presidential elections. He won the North Dakota Caucus with an impressive 62 percent of the vote.

America needs and deserves new leadership to meet some significant challenges. I believe that Senator Obama has demonstrated the ability and experience to provide that leadership.

The strong, positive response to Senator Obama’s campaign is an affirmation by the American people that this election must be about the future. He is calling on the best in all of us to work together to put America back on track toward a better and brighter future.

For those reasons, I enthusiastically endorse Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States.

News from Headquarters

The Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to remind 2008 State Convention goers that the room block cut off for most of the Grand Forks hotels is March 4.

When making hotel reservations, make sure to tell the receptionist you are with the Democratic-NPL Party. We have negotiated some group rates.

Click here to see a list of hotels.

Getting involved

All district officers and legislators should encourage young folks between the ages of 18-30 to participate in the upcoming Democratic Leadership Institute happening at the 2008 State Convention. The theme is "Be the Change."

This is a great opportunity for young people to get engaged with leaders of the Democratic-NPL Party and the convention process. Financial assistance may be available.

The DLI was first held during the 2002 State Convention. Since then, it has grown and has produced many young Democratic-NPL leaders.

If interested in being a participant, contact your district chair about signing up. If you have questions, contact Rep. Pam Gulleson by calling (701) 724-3657 or by emailing pam26@drtel.net.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Dorgan Questions Department of Energy on the Drive to Fill Strategic Petroleum Reserve

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

(WASHINGTON, DC) --- The Department of Energy faced sharp questions at a committee hearing in Washington Tuesday from Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), who wants them to stop taking oil off the market and putting it underground in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“At $100 a barrel it makes no sense for the Administration to be putting 70,000 – 80,000 barrels of oil a day underground in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That puts upward pressure on both oil prices and gas prices,” Dorgan said. “One of the expert witnesses, who previously testified before the Energy Committee, today estimated that taking oil off the market, especially light sweet crude; these actions have increased the price of oil by as much as $10 a barrel."

“I believe the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is important to our economy and to our energy security but when prices are this high, oil should be available to consumers rather than underground in a way that increases gas prices.”

The Administration is attempting to “top off” the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is already nearly 97 percent full.

Dorgan is the lead sponsor of bi-partisan legislation currently in Congress that would require a pause in filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for the rest of this year.

“People are having difficulty paying the increased costs of gas prices and I don’t think the federal government should be making things worse by taking oil supplies off the market. We ought to be trying to make things better by investing more aggressively in homegrown sources of energy.”

Dorgan questioned the Department of Energy officials during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee hearing on the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fill and inventories management policies.

News from Headquarters

There are many district conventions coming up this week. Click here to see a list.

Tonight, Districts 12 and 29 will be holding events in Jamestown. Rep. Merle Boucher and Sen. Tim Mathern are scheduled to speak.

Bismarck and Minot will be holding similar events this coming Saturday. Democratic-NPL statewide candidates will be attending.

Also at these events, legislative candidates will be endorsed in even-numbered districts, State Convention delegates will be chosen and resolutions will be approved to be sent to the state party's Platform and Resolutions Committee.

Last weekend, conventions were held for the Fargo and Grand Forks area districts. My sources told me there was record turnout.

Knowing the facts

I've received a lot of interesting email messages regarding Sen. Barack Obama over the last few weeks. I'm sure many of you know what I'm talking about. The messages try to smear Obama by questioning his patriotism and religion.

A page on Obama's campaign Web site titled "Know the Facts" is devoted to setting the record straight. Click here to check it out.

If you receive similar smear emails about Sen. Hillary Clinton, click here for a fact check.


-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Lawmakers Announce Legislation Regarding North Dakota Oil Production

OIL COUNTRY, N.D. - Today, a small group of western North Dakota legislators announced several bill drafts to benefit oil-impacted counties, oil companies and surface owners in the western oil producing counties. They will be introducing the bills next legislative session.

Rep. Kenton Onstad, D–Parshall, will be introducing legislation called the Surface Owner Protection Fund.

Rep. Shirley Meyer, D-Dickinson, will be introducing legislation to increase funding for the Impact Aid Fund for townships, cities, counties and other government entities impacted by the exploration of oil.

Rep. Dorvan Solberg, D-Ray, will be introducing legislation to extend the tax holiday for new wells drilled in the Bakken Formation.

“The drilling incentives have increased the amount of drilling, and the development has been a real positive for area communities as well as oil companies,” Solberg said. “I would like to see this activity continue. The benefits for the state are well-documented and that includes my own District 2.”

The legislation passed in 2007 had a sunset clause to end the holiday. Solberg’s legislation would drop the sunset and give a tax holiday on the first 75,000 barrels, an exemption to the extraction tax the state collects.

“Our counties are hurting,” Meyer said. “While this oil is wonderful for the economy and fantastic for the state’s general fund, some of the counties such as Dunn, Mountrail and Williams are rapidly reaching a breaking point. They have no money left for road or bridge repair. They do not have the dollars to compete with construction companies for equipment operators. Their emergency services are stretched too thin. Water supplies are short, and many people are worried that when the frost goes out, the roads will become nearly impassable. We have an oil impact fund, but it is grossly inadequate.”

Currently, the impact office is capped at $6 million per biennium. This money is given out in the form of grants to counties adversely affected by oil development. During the 2005-2007 biennium, local governments made requests of $72 million and received $5 million. Meyer’s bill would raise the cap from $6 million to $40 million. She hopes to receive bi-partisan support for the bill. Meyer says legislators that toured the area, and those that attended the Williston Basin Summit in Williston this winter, are well aware of the urgent need.

Onstad is sponsoring a companion bill for the negative impact to surface owners. The Surface Owner Protection Fund would create a funding mechanism for surface owners that do not have mineral royalties under their property. Funding would allow annual payments for reoccurring damages that impact their day-to-day operation. Today, surface owners will receive an initial one-time payment for damages. Those damages are for exploration and for taking a small portion of property out of production, usually 5-6 acres. Service roads are put in place; pipelines and electrical distribution lines soon follow any producing well site.

What is not known is how long the well will be producing. The Surface Owner Protection Fund would allow annual payments to surface owners for the life of a well as long as it produces oil.

All three legislators are asking for comments regarding their proposed legislation and the impacts of oil production.

News from Headquarters

I apologize for the lack of posts a few days this week. The flu is going around, and yours truly happened to catch it.

Before the weekend hits, I'd like to remind you of the district conventions in Fargo and Grand Forks tomorrow.

Here are the details:

Fargo: Districts 11, 13, 21, 22, 27, 41, 44, 45 and 46 will meet at noon on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Ben Franklin Middle School, 1420 8th St. N.

Grand Forks: Districts 17, 18, 19, 42, and 43 will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Schroeder Middle School, 800 32nd Ave. S.

Most Democratic-NPL statewide candidates are scheduled to attend the Fargo and Grand Forks events.

At these events, legislative candidates will be endorsed in even-numbered districts, state convention delegates will be chosen and resolutions will be considered.

Click here to find your legislative district. Click here to find a district map. Click here to see a list of upcoming conventions.

Running again

The Democratic-NPL Party's national committeewoman has announced a re-election bid for the post. In the last few days, Renee Pfenning has sent a letter to district leaders making her intention known. The election for this position will be held at the upcoming state convention.

Here's an excerpt from her letter:

I currently have the privilege of serving as your National Committeewoman and it has been a most rewarding experience. This position has required me to draw upon the knowledge gained in various positions that I have held within the Dem-NPL Party. These include SW Regional Representative on the State Dem-NPL Executive Committee, District Chair, Legislative Campaign Manager, and District Treasurer. In addition to my duties as National Committeewoman and member of the State Party Executive Committee, I continue to be active in my District as Co-Chair of the Candidate Search Committee and Treasurer of the Bismarck Democrats.

As national committeewoman, Pfenning serves as a conduit between the state party and the Democratic National Committee. She is also a superdelegate.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Sanstead to Seek Re-election for Superintendent of Public Instruction

BISMARCK – America’s senior state school chief has announced he will seek re-election for North Dakota’s superintendent of public instruction.

Dr. Wayne Sanstead held a news conference in the state’s capital city today to make it official.

Sanstead has held the position for 23 years and says his accomplishments are many, but there’s more to do.

“During my tenure, I have demonstrated the commitment to step forward and provide leadership to tackle issues head on,” he said. “We still face many challenges within North Dakota’s K-12 system. I am running again, because I feel my experienced leadership is absolutely critical to lead our state into a bright future.”

Sanstead cites some of his major achievements during the job as: increased equity and adequacy for school funding, higher teacher pay, technological advancements for schools, expanded literacy programs and increased distance education programs.

He says when elected for a seventh term, his main goals will be continuing to advocate for higher teacher pay, increased school funding and technology upgrades.

“Our teachers are the best in the country, and they need to be compensated properly for their great work,” Sanstead said. “And, to ensure our children have the latest tools they need to succeed, funding for K-12 education will be a big priority for me in future legislative sessions. My philosophy in this role has always been kids first.”

Sanstead is a long-time public servant. Prior to serving as North Dakota’s superintendent of public instruction, he held office for eight years as the state’s lieutenant governor, two years as a state senator and eight years as a state representative.

Sanstead received his bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College, master's from Northwestern University and doctorate from the University of North Dakota.

He is married to wife Mary Jane. They have two sons.

Sanstead to Announce Intentions Today

BISMARCK - Dr. Wayne Sanstead, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, will formally announce his intention regarding the superintendent’s race at 9:30 a.m. today (Monday, Feb. 18) in Bismarck. The news conference details are below.

Sanstead has held the post for 23 years. He has also served as North Dakota’s lieutenant governor and in the state Legislature.

Details below:

Who: Dr. Wayne Sanstead

What: Announcement regarding the superintendent’s race

When: 9:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18

Where: Kennedy Memorial Center, 1902 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck

GF Herald Editor Discusses 2008 State Senate Races

Via the GF Herald's Web site...

MATTERS AT HAND: N.D.'s biggest election prize may be control of state Senate
Mike Jacobs

Even in this supercharged election year, in North Dakota there's a tendency to shrug and sigh about politics. Presidential politics just aren't competitive here. There's no U.S. Senate race this year. The governor seems unbeatable. And the lower offices - well, they are lower offices.

This means the biggest stakes are legislative. Control of the state Senate is in play. Democrats need a gain of three seats to form the Senate majority.

For an indication of political interest in this prospect, look to District 42, which includes the UND campus. A clash of titans is developing there.

First, the background.

Seats in even-numbered legislative districts are on the ballot. That's a total of 23 state Senate seats are on the ballot. Democrats are defending seven seats and Republicans 16.

Read on...

Bismarck Tribune Says Hoeven Should do More About WSI

Via the Bismarck Tribune's Web site...

WSI board: Time to get cracking and correct the mess
Bismarck Tribune Editorial

When will it end? Not until someone takes control of a sticky state situation that seems to get uglier and uglier by the day.

That someone is the Workforce Safety and Insurance Board of Directors. And if they won't do something, then the members should resign in toto for doing nothing.

It must be declared loudly once again that the majority of employees at WSI are valuable and professional people. But the agency continues to fester because of the actions of a few, some who have agendas and loyalties that aren't based upon injured workers or employees. They should be banished.

It is foolish and a waste of time and money for the board to wait for study after study, analysis and review ad hominem and ad nauseam. Could anyone who has followed the months-long soap opera not believe that serious action - including administrative restructuring - needs to take place now?

There is enough blame to go around, but this is not a blame game. Sometimes it is best to start over, and the management culture and structure at WSI must be changed. The agency directors are the only ones who can do it.

The North Dakota Century Code is clear: "The board shall appoint the director of the organization. The director is subject to the supervision and direction of the board and serves at the pleasure of the board."

This is where Gov. John Hoeven also is involved. More from the Century Code: "The governor shall make the necessary appointments to ensure the term of office of members (of the board) ... ."

While there doesn't seem to be a mechanism for the governor to fire members of the board, he needs to strongly encourage them (or continue to do so) to take action that will stop the juvenile nonsense at WSI. If they don't listen, he should ask them to resign (even demand it). After all, who would want to continue in such an appointment without the governor's support? If the governor doesn't use all the leverage he has to resolve the issues, then his selection of appointments could be viewed as mistakes in judgment, something he doesn't need in this mean (political) season.

Read on...

Gallup Poll Says Dems are Fired up About Presidential Candidates

Via Gallup's Web site...

Democrats Much More Enthused About Their Candidates
by Jeffrey M. Jones
Gallup Poll

PRINCETON, NJ -- Clearly the 2008 presidential election will be remembered for the historic Democratic nomination battle between a female candidate and a black candidate. But beyond those distinctions, Democrats currently view the election as historic in terms of the quality of their leading candidates -- 6 in 10 say both Obama and Clinton are better than most presidential candidates who have run during their lifetimes. In contrast, most Republicans view John McCain as neither better nor worse than prior candidates, and barely half of the party's supporters say they would be satisfied if he won the party's presidential nomination. It is unclear how this gap in candidate enthusiasm may play out in the general election, given that McCain is closely matched with both Democrats in Gallup's latest trial heats.

The Feb. 8-10 USA Today/Gallup poll asked Americans to size up the leading presidential contenders against "all the people who have run for president during your lifetime." The results show a substantial difference by party affiliation. Most Democrats say Clinton (62%) and Obama (60%) are better than most presidential candidates who have run during their lifetimes, including 12% who rate each as the "best presidential candidate." In stark contrast, only about half as many Republicans (34%) rate McCain as better than most candidates. The majority of Republicans, 52%, believe McCain is not much different from prior candidates.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Remember that district conventions start next week. Two big ones are being held Saturday in Fargo and Grand Forks.

I've made a few changes to the list on the party's Web site including adding a few more of these events. Click here to see the new list.

Click here to find what district you live in and here for a district map.

Like I've said before, attending your area district convention is one of the best ways to get involved on the local level.

New candidate Web sites

Both Public Service Commission candidate Cheryl Bergian and District 42 Senate candidate Mac Schneider have launched new Web sites.

Click here to check out Bergian's site. Click here to check out Schneider's site.

Both sites accept online contributions, so it's easy to give them a few bucks.

I'll be linking the two sites on our Web site and blog soon.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

Both Sen. Byron Dorgan and Congressman Earl Pomeroy sent out press releases in response to the economic stimulus package signed into law yesterday.

Here are some quotes:

"Senior citizens and disabled veterans not only need the rebates and are among the most likely to spend them, they have also earned them," Dorgan said. "I'm glad we were able to add them to the package and that the president today has accepted that action."

"I'm pleased that Congress and the president were able to work quickly and in a bipartisan manner to bring relief to our sagging economy and help prevent further downturn. I believe this economic stimulus law is going to be just the shot in the arm our economy needs," Congressman Pomeroy said. "This bill will put hundreds of dollars directly into the hands of North Dakota's families, seniors and disabled who need it."

However, Dorgan did add that more needs to be done to improve the economy:

"There are some longer term, more fundamental issues we need to deal with, and the sooner we get to them, the better," Dorgan said. The nation's trade and fiscal policies still need to be reformed, he said, and financial regulators, who allowed the subprime loan mess to develop, still need to "wake up and do their jobs."

It's official

Today, Mac Schneider will announce a run for North Dakota Senate. Yes, he's related to Rep. Jasper Schneider. They are cousins.

Here are details of the news conference according to Mac's media advisory:

On Thursday, February 14th at 11:00 a.m. in the Presidents Room at the UND Memorial Union, Grand Forks resident Mac Schneider will be joined by UND students and supporters in discussing his intentions to run for the North Dakota Senate in District 42.

If you're in Grand Forks today, please come out and cheer him on.

Mac was a former press secretary and legislative aide for Congressman Pomeroy. He also was a star player on UND's 2001 championship football team.

He now attends UND's School of Law.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Dem-NPL Director Issues Statement about Hamm's Announcement

BISMARCK – Democratic-NPL Executive Director Jamie Selzler has issued the following statement regarding Adam Hamm's announcement for a bid for insurance commissioner. Hamm was appointed to the post last October.

Statement from Selzler 2/13/08:

"This announcement really isn't much of a story considering Adam Hamm said he would run for election when he was appointed just a few months ago. He also said he would be running when Rep. Jasper Schneider announced his bid for the post in November.

“What is news is that since taking office, Hamm has allowed an insurance company to raise health-care premiums on working families by nearly 10 percent and re-hashed Schneider's ideas about using the Insurance Department to reform WSI.

“North Dakota can do better. Rep. Jasper Schneider has advocated for more accountability at Workforce Safety and Insurance in the state House of Representatives. He pays workers' compensation premiums as a small business owner and has represented injured workers who have been unfairly treated by WSI. He also was a strong advocate for insurance consumers last legislative session.

“On the other hand, much of Hamm's background is party politics. He spent years as chairman of the Cass County Republicans organization, helping Republican legislators who were against more accountability at WSI. These legislators also voted for a $50,000 agency slush fund last legislative session.

“There is no question Jasper Schneider is more experienced and would be a better advocate on WSI reform and protecting insurance consumers than his opponent.”

Pomeroy Announces Tax Rebate Checks Headed to North Dakotans

A press release via Congressman Pomeroy's office...

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Earl Pomeroy announced today that North Dakotans will be receiving tax rebate checks beginning in May after the president signed the bipartisan economic stimulus package into law this afternoon. The $151 billion economic stimulus package will provide one-time checks to individuals and families and tax incentives to businesses aimed at stimulating the economy.

Approximately 300,000 households in North Dakota will be receiving rebates of an average of $1,000 per household, bringing roughly $300 million to the state.

“I’m pleased that Congress and the president were able to work quickly and in a bipartisan manner to bring relief to our sagging economy and help prevent further downturn. I believe this economic stimulus law is going to be just the shot in the arm our economy needs,” Congressman Pomeroy said. “This bill will put hundreds of dollars directly into the hands of North Dakota’s families, seniors and disabled who need it.”

The Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008 will do the following:

Couples with taxable income will receive a one-time check of ten percent of the first $12,000 of their taxable income ($6,000 for individuals), meaning $1,200 ($600 for individuals), plus $300 per child.

Those with qualified income of at least $3,000 will receive a rebate of $600 for a couple ($300 for individuals) plus $300 per child. Social security payments and Veterans Administration disability payments are included as "qualifying income,” allowing seniors, disabled veterans and widows of disabled veterans to qualify for rebate checks.

Both rebates would be subject to a phase-out beginning at $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples filing jointly) of adjusted gross income (AGI). The phase-out rate would be five percent of income above that level. A family of four would receive no further rebate when their AGI exceeds $186,000. The amount of the rebate, based on the 2007 tax return, would be sent in a check this year.

Businesses would be provided with 50 percent bonus depreciation, meaning they can write off 50 percent of the investments they make. Businesses will also be allowed to expense $250,000 of equipment purchases, double the current level of $125,000.

News from Headquarters

North Dakota's budget hawk sent out this press release yesterday regarding the increasing costs of the Iraq war:

Washington - Senator Kent Conrad today pressed Pentagon leaders for greater transparency about escalating costs of the Iraq war and whether the Administration's current fiscal policies are undermining America's readiness to take on other potential threats.

"Under the President's request, defense spending for 2009 will skyrocket to the highest levels since World War II. And that leaves out most of the funding for Iraq. The Administration continues to conceal the real costs of this war from the American people" said Senator Conrad. "The President's fiscal irresponsibility and mismanagement of this war has weakened our military and made America more vulnerable to future threats."

Senator Conrad, the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, questioned Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and General James Cartwright, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, today as part of a hearing on the President's proposed defense budget for Fiscal Year 2009.

The President's 2009 budget requests $537 billion for national defense, but that doesn't include the cost of the war in Iraq. The President has requested an additional $70 billion for 2009 war costs. Senator Conrad said the President is understating ongoing war costs under his policies, noting that Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently testified that the real 2009 war cost is likely to be closer to $170 billion.

In addition, the President did not include war spending for 2010 or any year after that in his budget. However, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that ongoing military operations could cost $616 billion from 2009 through 2013.

"We will provide our troops with everything they need. However, this Administration needs to be honest with the American people. The cost of this open-ended war is eating away at both our economic and national security," Senator Conrad said. "Our troops have been overextended; too many have been placed in harm's way without the proper equipment; and when they leave the service, their veterans' care has been underfunded. Our troops deserve better than that."

The war in Iraq has already cost upward of $600 billion, more than 12 times the Administration's original estimate of $50 billion.

It's well-known that this war is costing American taxpayers over $10 billion per month. Senator Conrad is right on the money here. We need greater transparency with the fiscal policies concerning this war.

Here are some reasons why. This country's debt is sitting at $9.2 trillion. The federal budget deficit this fiscal year alone is projected to be over $400 billion. Sheesh!

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Bush Budget Neglects Nation’s Priorities, Senator says

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

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad and his Senate colleagues were joined today by seniors, college students and children to call attention to the misguided priorities in the President’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2009.

“The sad reality is that the President’s policies have exploded the nation’s debt. Instead of paying our bills now, the President has been running up the charge card. And he’s handing the bill to our children and grandchildren,” Senator Conrad said.

Last week, President Bush released his proposed budget for FY09. The $3.1 trillion budget establishes the White House’s priorities for the United States for the next fiscal year. Bush’s final budget proposes continued tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, while cutting domestic programs that benefit middle class families, such as Medicare, student loan programs, and first responders.

The President’s two-term fiscal record has resulted in an explosion of the nation’s debt. Senator Conrad noted that at the end of 2001, the year the Bush administration took office, gross debt was $5.8 trillion. Adding in the cost of Alternative Minimum Tax reform and ongoing war costs, gross debt will reach $10.4 trillion by the end of 2009.

This will translate into $34,106 in debt for each man, woman, and child in the country.

“The President has said that he wouldn’t pass on problems to future generations. But that is exactly what he is doing,” Senator Conrad said. “The debt buildup on his watch threatens our economic security and it threatens our children’s future. We can’t allow it to continue.”

Senator Conrad is the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He was joined at today’s press conference by Senators Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Bob Menendez of New Jersey.

News from Headquarters

I've added a few more district conventions to the Democratic-NPL Party's Web site. Click here to see the list.

As I've said before, attending your district convention is one of the most important ways to get involved on the local level.

Here are a few important things that will happen at these events:

1) The passing of resolutions
2) The election of state convention delegates
3) The endorsing of legislative candidates in even-numbered districts

MTV in North Dakota?

A few weeks ago, former Democratic-NPL Party Chairman Tom Dickson held a well-attended South Carolina presidential primary watch party at his home north of Bismarck.

A correspondent from MTV's "Choose or Lose" political Web site showed up and produced a short piece about the event. Click here to watch it. You'll see some familiar faces.

Interesting Numbers

While I was surfing the Internet for some political information yesterday, I stumbled across some interesting numbers on the Republican Governors Association's Web site. The North Dakota page says there are 61 Democratic-NPL legislators opposed to just 33 Republicans in the state House of Representatives. Click here to check it out.

Unfortunately, it should be the other way around. But, maybe it's a sign of things to come.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

WSI Editorial by Rep. Jasper Schneider

Via The Forum's Web site...

Insurance office can help WSI
By Rep. Jasper Schneider, The Forum

There have been few issues that have grabbed the headlines more than the turmoil at North Dakota’s Workforce Safety and Insurance. As a state legislator, I have been focused on bringing political accountability to WSI and restoring a system meant to help North Dakotans injured on the job site.

Thinking back to my first campaign, concerns regarding WSI once focused on the treatment of the injured worker. Since that time, WSI has experienced criminal indictments, talk of slush funds, employees asking for whistle-blower protection and the resignation or firing of many of their top executives and board members.

Enough is enough. It is clear that new leadership is needed now more than ever. For this reason, when I announced I was running for insurance commissioner last November, I stated that it was time to use the insurance department’s expertise in regulating private insurance to help right the ship at WSI.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Many Democratic-NPL district conventions have been posted on the party's Web site. Click here to see the list.

Attending a district convention is one of the most important ways to get involved locally. The goal of every district convention in even numbered areas this cycle is to endorse legislative candidates and choose delegates to the Democratic-NPL State Convention. Odd numbered districts will choose delegates to the state convention only. New officers will also be chosen in many districts.

To find your district, click here. To see a district map, click here.

If any district officers out there don't see their convention on the list and would like it added, please email me with the information: rick@demnpl.com.

Grand Forks Saturday Event

You're invited to District 17's Presidents Day event in Grand Forks.

The special guests will include gubernatorial candidates Merle Boucher and Tim Mathern.

The event is being held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn.

The cost is $28 per person and includes a stuffed pork chop dinner.

There will also be many auction items up for bid.

Contact C.T. Marhula for tickets by calling (701) 746-1569 or email: ctm@gra.midco.net.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

The Forum Praises Dem-NPL Caucuses

Via The Forum's Web site...

N.D. Dems broaden their base
The Forum

North Dakota Republicans ought to be just a bit nervous as they pore over the results of Tuesday’s presidential caucuses. Not only did they back a candidate who, at this writing, looks to be an also-ran, the turnout among GOP faithful was about half the turnout at Democratic caucuses.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won North Dakota, Minnesota and four other states, while Sen. John McCain was piling up enough big-state wins and delegates to put him on the brink of securing the GOP nomination. Endorsements by well-known North Dakota Republican office-holders did not help McCain, nor did a last-minute visit to Fargo of McCain supporters, Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating. Romney’s appeal to traditional, conservative, business-oriented Republicans carried him to easy wins in North Dakota caucuses and Minnesota’s straw poll.

McCain finished a distant second in North Dakota, just a hair ahead of Libertarian Texas Congressman Ron Paul (running as a Republican) and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. The former Baptist minister won five Southern states with the help of evangelical Christian voters, but had little similar support in North Dakota or Minnesota. Apparently evangelicals in the Upper Midwest understand the nation is voting for commander-in-chief, not minister-in-chief.

North Dakota Democrats are wearing broad smiles. They should be. The turnout among Democrats was huge, relative to Republican numbers. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, riding enthusiastic endorsements from Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., handily bested Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. She’d been endorsed by former Gov. George Sinner (among others), but it wasn’t enough to overcome the excitement Obama generated among Democrats, especially young voters. Obama took more than 60 percent of the caucus vote.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

The Democratic-NPL Party has posted a Presidential Preference Caucus results breakdown on its Web site. Click here to check it out.

Also, since Barack Obama received 61 percent of Democratic-NPL caucus votes (11,625), he will receive eight North Dakota delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Since Hillary Clinton received 37 percent (6,948 votes), she will receive five delegates.

Tuesday's caucuses began the Democratic-NPL Party's delegate selection process. The state will have 21 delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. from Aug. 25-28. Thirteen of those delegates are pledged and were contingent upon Tuesday's caucus results. Seven are super delegates and can choose who to vote for. One is an add-on that is un-pledged.

We'll be giving you some information soon on how to become a delegate.

Time to go

Rep. Merle Boucher has called on Gov. John Hoeven to pressure Workforce Safety and Insurance board members who supported the Sandy Blunt regime to pack their bags.

Here's part of the press release:

"Some members of WSI's current board supported Sandy Blunt's regime while they were engaged in questionable practices," Boucher said. "These folks need to go. And, what adds insult to injury is many board members gave Blunt a huge severance package when he was sent packing."

"As long as these board members stay, Sandy Blunt is going to keep throwing in his chips to extort more out of WSI," he said. "If this is ever going to end, they need to go."

Blunt was also on paid leave for over 6 months after three felony counts were charged against him last April.

Boucher is not calling for board members Terry Curl and Ed Grossbauer to be fired nor any new members.

At the state Capitol today, the Legislature's interim Industry, Business and Labor Committee is meeting to discuss WSI. It's chaired by Rep. Rick Berg, R-Fargo. Berg was integral in killing dozens of Democratic-NPL bills last legislative session which would have helped correct problems at WSI.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Democratic-NPL Releases Caucus Site Results and Delegate Breakdown

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party has released a comprehensive list of Presidential Preference Caucus results by location and a delegate breakdown.

Click here for a caucus site list.

Since Barack Obama received 61 percent of Democratic-NPL caucus votes (11,625), he will receive eight North Dakota delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Since Hillary Clinton received 37 percent (6,948 votes), she will receive five delegates.

Yesterday’s caucuses began the Democratic-NPL Party’s delegate selection process. The state will have 21 delegates attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. from Aug. 25-28. Thirteen of those delegates are pledged and were contingent upon yesterday’s caucus results. Seven are super delegates and can choose who to vote for. One is an add-on that is un-pledged.

The party held caucuses at 125 different sites by district across the state yesterday. Locations ranged from hotel conference rooms to horse stables.

“It was a tremendous grassroots effort,” said party Executive Director Jamie Selzler. “Local Democratic-NPL activists set up successful caucus locations from Williston to Wahpeton.”

A record 19,012 people turned out to cast ballots in yesterday’s caucuses. Long lines were formed before some caucuses opened, especially at college locations.

In 2004, 10,508 voters cast ballots.

“Yesterday’s caucus results illustrate that North Dakotans want change,” Selzler said. “From the failed policies of President Bush to the arrogance of North Dakota’s Republican-controlled government, it’s clear people here want a new direction.”

Party officials say the results could be a harbinger. Turnout for Democrats was also high in the 2006 June Primary Election. The party picked up numerous legislative seats in the November General Election that year.

“The tremendous turnout for our caucuses could be a sign of things to come for the 2008 General Election in November,” Selzler said. “2006 was a great year for our party, and I think 2008 could be even better.”

Senators Give President’s Budget a Failing Grade

Via a press release from the senators' offices...

Washington – Senators Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan joined their colleagues today to unveil a “Rural Report Card,” a comprehensive report that illustrates the President’s neglect of domestic programs critical to rural America. North Dakota’s senators presented their assessments after reviewing the President’s annual budget proposal, which was submitted to Congress earlier this week.

Senator Conrad, the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, highlighted the impact of the President’s budget on programs important to rural America. In particular, Senator Conrad noted that the President continues to threaten to veto the Farm Bill, claiming the national agriculture legislation invests too much money in programs that benefit rural America.

“The Farm Bill is the single greatest piece of legislation we could pass to invigorate rural America. For reasons beyond understanding, the Bush Administration has grown increasingly hostile to the interests of rural America and the family farmer,” Senator Conrad said. “We now need to send a clear message to the Administration – do not veto this Farm Bill.”

Senator Dorgan said the budget would also be devastating to health care in rural areas. The President called for a $150 million, or 86 percent, cut in rural health programs. He also proposed a cut of $186 billion over the next five years in the Medicare program, which is relied on by many North Dakota seniors. The cut could prompt health care providers to limit the number of Medicare patients they see, or drop out of the program altogether, Dorgan said.

“In North Dakota, one of our most difficult issues is ensuring everyone has access to the health care they need. This is no time to make deep cuts to programs that help us achieve that goal,” Senator Dorgan said. “If we can find more than $800 million to rebuild health care facilities in Iraq, we should be able to find the resources to ensure rural communities in our own country have access to quality health care.”

The Rural Report Card reviews the President’s annual budget proposal. While it is essential to reduce the government’s deficit, Senators Conrad and Dorgan believe the burden shouldn’t rest disproportionately on the back of rural America.

Senators Dorgan and Conrad were joined today by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.).

The Report Card can be viewed at: www.democrats.senate.gov/dpc

Rick Gion's News from Headquarters

Yesterday was quite a day. Record numbers of Democrats turned out in North Dakota to support their choice for president on "Super Tuesday." Presidential preference caucus goers came out in droves. In total, 19,000 people voted. The number in 2004 was 10,500. It truly was a super Tuesday here and demonstrated that North Dakotans want change.

The Democratic-NPL Party held 125 caucus sites across the state. Locations ranged from hotel conference rooms to horse stables. I even saw caucus sites held at farm houses on the list.

Ultimately, North Dakotans chose Barack Obama as their favorite Democrat to be president. He received 61 percent of the statewide tally. Hillary Clinton came in second and received 36 percent. Others received a small amount of votes (Joel Heitkamp received one write-in vote in Fargo).

Nationally, both Clinton and Obama did well yesterday.

A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who made these events happen throughout the state. Your hard work and dedication proves the Democratic-NPL Party is stronger than ever. It was a great grassroots effort.

Also, a big thank you goes out to all who braved the cold weather to vote. Roads were icy in many parts of the state and temperatures were in the single digits.

Yesterday's record turnout for the Democratic-NPL caucuses proved folks are excited about change. It truly was a super Tuesday for our state.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

P.S. As a side note, the June state primary election in 2006 saw high numbers of folks voting for Democrats. Could the outcome of yesterday's caucuses be a harbinger for 2008?

Democratic-NPL Releases Final Caucus Results

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party has released its final Presidential Preference Caucus results.

With all caucus locations reporting, these Democratic candidates have received the following numbers:

Hillary Clinton: 6,948 – 36.55%

John Edwards: 283 – 1.49%

Mike Gravel: 31 – 0.16%

Dennis Kucinich: 72 – 0.38%

Barack Obama: 11,625 – 61.15%

Other: 53 – 0.28%

Final results have been posted on the party’s Web site. The site’s address is: www.demnpl.com.

The Democratic-NPL Party set up 125 caucus locations throughout the state.

Edwards and Kucinich were left on the ballot, because their campaigns have presently been suspended.

These caucuses began the delegate selection process in North Dakota. The state will have 21 delegates attending the national Democratic convention in Denver, Colo. Thirteen of those delegates are pledged and contingent upon today’s caucus results. Seven are super delegates and can choose who to vote for. One is an add-on that is unpledged.

Democratic-NPL Party Caucus Results

Caucus results with 100% of sites reporting:

Hillary Clinton: 6,948

John Edwards: 283

Mike Gravel: 31

Dennis Kucinich: 72

Barack Obama: 11,625

Other: 53

Super Tuesday Voting Reminder

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party is reminding everyone to get out and vote for their favorite Democratic presidential candidate in the Presidential Preference Caucuses on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Click here for a voting location list. Click here for a rules summary.

Polls will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Voters can cast a ballot at any location in the state. Voters need to be at least 18 years old on Feb. 5. People can cast a ballot if they voted for a Democrat in the last general election or plan to in the next general election. Voters need to be a resident of North Dakota for at least 30 days prior to Feb. 5.

We'll see you at the polls!

Democratic-NPL Adds More Caucus Sites

BISMARCK - The following locations have been added to the Democratic-NPL Party’s Presidential Preference Caucus list:

Grafton - Walsh County Courthouse, Farmers Room (600 Cooper Ave., Grafton)

Park River - Walsh County Extension Office (101 County Road 12B, Park River)

Ft. Yates - Sitting Bull College, Science & Technology Center, Room 101

This brings the statewide caucus location total to 125 spots. Grafton and Park River are in North Dakota Legislative District 16. Ft. Yates is in District 31.

Caucus sites are open from 2 to 8 p.m. CT. All interested Democrats are invited to participate in the caucus, which is part of “Super Tuesday” – the single day when the most caucuses and primaries are conducted around the country. Twenty-two states will be holding events.

These caucuses begi