Ticket Locations Announced for Upcoming Presidential Candidate Speeches

BISMARCK – The Democratic-NPL Party has announced four locations around North Dakota to pick up physical tickets to the upcoming presidential candidate speeches happening Friday at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

Here are the locations:

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

Fargo: Cass County Democratic-NPL Headquarters, 1137 19th Ave. N.

Grand Forks: Alerus Center Main Entrance

Minot: Cenex Convenience Store, 205 20th Ave. S.E.

Tickets will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1 and from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 at all locations.

Interested people without Internet access are encouraged to pick up tickets at the locations.

If event goers already received tickets online, they do not need to pick up physical tickets.

Sen. Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m. and Sen. Hillary Clinton is tentatively scheduled to speak at 8 p.m on Friday, April 4.

Tickets Available Online for Presidential Candidate Speeches

Click here to sign up for tickets to the upcoming events with Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Grand Forks.

Some physical ticket locations are still being finalized. We'll update you as soon as that information is available. Tickets are free of charge and are general admission.

As a reminder, Sen. Obama will be speaking at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Sen. Clinton will be tentatively speaking at 8 p.m. in the same place.

Attendees should enter the Alerus Center arena's southeast entrance number one and southwest entrance number two. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. You should allow some time to clear security. Also, it is requested the audience be seated 20 minutes prior to the speech.

Click here if you are interested in attending a reception with Sen. Obama earlier that day.

Sen. Obama's speech will be the keynote address for the upcoming 2008 Democratic-NPL Convention.

Click here for more information about the convention. See you there!

Hillary Clinton to Speak at Dem-NPL Convention

BISMARCK – The Democratic-NPL Party has announced that Sen. Hillary Clinton will be tentatively speaking at 8 p.m. Friday, April 4 as a part of the party’s state convention.

“We are very excited about Sen. Clinton’s visit to the Alerus Center in Grand Forks,” said Jamie Selzler, Democratic-NPL executive director. “Having two Democratic presidential candidates attend our state convention is historic.”

Tickets for Sen. Barack Obama’s speech at 5:30 p.m. can be used to attend the Clinton event.

The Democratic-NPL Party’s convention starts Friday and ends Sunday afternoon.

News from Headquarters

Five days and counting until the start of our 2008 State Convention in Grand Forks! The excitement all over our state is building greatly, and I suspect that we're going to see one of the most exciting conventions in the history of our Party. We're close to filling up our delegate and alternate slate, but there may be openings in your District. Please click here to find your District and here to contact your District Chair.

As you know, Senator Barack Obama will be our keynote speaker on Friday. As a delegate or alternate to the convention, you are guaranteed a floor seat for the speech, and do not need a separate ticket. If you would like to attend a reception with Senator Obama, being held before the speech, we're providing an opportunity to do so. Tickets are $100 each, with all funds raised going to the State Party.

We will keep you up to date on the latest convention news, and I look forward to seeing you at the end of this week!

Jamie Selzler, Executive Director
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party

Tickets Available Online for Obama Event

Here's the big news everyone has been waiting for:

Click here to sign up for tickets to the upcoming event with Sen. Barack Obama in Grand Forks. After signing up, a ticket will be sent to you via email.

For those without Internet access, physical ticket locations are still being finalized. We'll update you as soon as that information is available.

Tickets are free of charge and are general admission.

As a reminder, Sen. Obama will be speaking at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.

Attendees should enter the Alerus Center arena's southeast entrance number one and southwest entrance number two. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. You should allow some time to clear security. Also, it is requested the audience be seated 20 minutes prior to the speech.

Click here if you are interested in attending a reception with Sen. Obama earlier that day.

Sen. Obama's speech will be the keynote address for the upcoming 2008 Democratic-NPL Convention. Click here for more information about the convention.

See you there!

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

There's a lot of excitement in the air about the upcoming events in Grand Forks with Sen. Barack Obama! We're receiving tons of phone calls and emails here at Democratic-NPL Headquarters.

As a reminder, Sen. Obama's 5:30 p.m. speech on April 4 in the Alerus Center arena will be free of charge. Tickets will be available very soon. We'll be posting those details just as soon as they are finalized. The ticket process will be posted on our Web site, www.demnpl.com. Stay tuned!

The party has also scheduled a special reception with Sen. Obama earlier that day at 4:30 p.m. in the Alerus Center's Ballroom. The cost is $100 per person to RSVP. You can click here to pay online. You can also call headquarters (701) 255-0460. After paying, the party will add you to an admittance list.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

As you would expect, the interest in our State Convention increases by the day! We continue to receive a large number of calls and e-mail messages from people all over the region. Senator Obama's keynote address will be incredibly well-attended, and that means good things for our Party, our candidates and North Dakota.

We still expect to announce a general public ticketing process this week. Please keep an eye on our website for news. We've committed that the tickets for the general public will be free, and we'll do everything we can to allow everyone who wants to go the chance to do so. The best way to get guaranteed floor seating is as a delegate or alternate to the convention. There are still some slots available in many districts. You can check out our convention information page here.

We're also happy to announce that Senator Obama will be appearing at a State Party fundraiser prior to his speech. Tickets for this event are $100 each, and can be purchased through our information page found here. This event, being held in the Ballroom of the Alerus Center starting at 4:30 pm on Friday, April 4th, will feature a short speech from Senator Obama for those in attendance.

We hope to see you at the Convention, and we'll continue to update you on a regular basis regarding Convention plans!

Jamie Selzler, Executive Director
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party

News from Headquarters

The last 6 days have certainly been interesting in North Dakota politics! The announcement of Senator Barack Obama as our State Convention keynote speaker is causing a huge amount of interest in our Convention and our Party. We at the Kennedy Center have received hundreds of phone calls and e-mail messages, and I know our District Chairs and Legislators have received even more.

We still expect to announce a ticketing process this week. Keep in mind that our delegates and alternates get guaranteed tickets to the Obama speech, and will receive floor seating. If you aren't yet a delegate or alternate and are interested in becoming one, you can check out the info on our website here.

I'm also happy to announce that we'll have some great entertainment at our convention banquet as well. The banquet, being held at 7:30 pm on Saturday, April 6th, will feature a speech from former Attorney General and candidate for Governor Heidi Heitkamp. Heidi is an incredibly inspirational speaker, and she'll help make for a great night and Convention. Job Christianson and Friends will be performing a cabaret- themed show for us, as well. Job, originally from Grand Forks, has performed in numerous Broadway plays and musicals, and you won't want to miss this great performance. If you haven't purchased a ticket to the banquet yet, you may do so by contacting headquarters at 701-255-0460 or people@demnpl.com. Tickets are each $30 now, but will increase to $40 if purchased after March 28th, including those sold at registration or at the door.

We'll continue to update you on Convention activities throughout the next 10 days. I hope that you'll be able to attend this historic event in our Party!

Jamie Selzler, Executive Director
North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party

More bad news for Republicans

Via the Politico's Web site...

GOP state parties are in dire straits
By DAVID PAUL KUHN & CHARLES MAHTESIAN
Politico

At a time when the GOP presidential nominee will need more assistance than ever, a number of state Republican parties are struggling through troubled times, suffering from internal strife, poor fundraising, onerous debt, scandal or voting trends that are conspiring to relegate the local branches of the party to near-irrelevance.

In some of the largest, smallest, reddest and bluest states in the nation, many state Republican organizations are still reeling in the aftermath of the devastating 2006 election cycle, raising questions about how much grassroots help the state parties will be able to deliver to presumptive GOP nominee John McCain.

The state party woes are especially ill-timed since McCain will face a Democratic nominee who may be considerably better funded and organized, and since Republicans will be facing an energized Democratic party that is shattering primary election turnout records.

Read on...

Small Support for Sand?

Via The Forum's Web site...

Political notebook
Janell Cole and Don Davis, Forum Communications Co.

Campaign kick-off

Usually when one walks into the North Dakota Republican headquarters in Bismarck for a candidate's campaign kick-off announcement, it's hard to get past the front door.

The building is always packed with throngs of GOP legislators, elected state officials and their deputies and various party pooh-bahs and activists.

They were missing Thursday afternoon when Duane Sand announced that he'll run against U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy for the second time in four years. The few who were there included Sand's wife, Holly, and two children; three young men working for his campaign; another who works for Sand's employer, Americans for Prosperity, and a few Republican women who work at the GOP office most days.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Today I thought I'd share with you some of the comments from the press release officially announcing Sen. Barack Obama as the 2008 Democratic-NPL State Convention keynote speaker.

The comments are from our congressional delegation:

"Senator Obama is a person of rare quality, and his message of can-do optimism and hope is one that I believe resonates in North Dakota. He shares our Midwestern values, and he can unite this country," said Senator Conrad. "Senator Obama has shown that he has what it takes to win in states like North Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming. He's drawn more people to the democratic process, and that can only be good for the country."

Senator Dorgan said: "Senator Obama has an extraordinary ability to inspire and motivate people throughout the country, and it is wonderful that he is planning to attend North Dakota's state Democratic Convention. Like many other states, North Dakota has responded to Senator Obama's message of hope and optimism by giving him an impressive 62 percent of the vote in our caucus this year. His presence shows that he intends to compete nation-wide for the Presidency, which is good for the country, democracy, and North Dakota."

"North Dakota Democrats showed their strong support for Senator Obama on February 5th, and I'm thrilled to have the potential Democratic presidential nominee as the keynote speaker at our convention," Congressman Pomeroy said. "Senator Obama has a powerful message of hope and change that resonates across party lines and across the country. I look forward to hearing him deliver that message to North Dakota Democrats at our convention in April."

Our delegation members aren't the only folks excited about the Obama visit to the Alerus Center in Grand Forks on April 4. We've received many calls and emails here at headquarters regarding tickets for the event. For your information, details of this event are still being worked on. We'll keep you posted on further developments. As soon as we finalize these details, they will be posted on our Web site: www.demnpl.com. Be sure to check there early next week. You can find much information about the convention by clicking here.

See you there!

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Jamie Selzler's News from Headquarters

Fellow Democrats,

Great news! As you've likely heard by now, Senator Barack Obama has agreed to be the keynote speaker for our state Democratic-NPL Convention, being held in Grand Forks on April 4-6. A big "thank you" goes to Senator Kent Conrad, who as the first Senator outside of Illinois to endorse Obama, was able to extend the invitation and highlight the value of visiting fellow Democrats in North Dakota. Senator Obama will be speaking at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4th.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be releasing information about how you can attend this great event. The best way to attend, and the only way to get up-front floor seating, is as a Delegate or Alternate from your District. Keep an eye on our website later this afternoon for a list of those Districts (and contact information for their Chair) where there are still spots. While attending the Convention, we invite you to join us for our banquet on Saturday night. For those 30 years old or younger, you are welcome to participate in the "Democratic Leadership Institute", which is a convention-within-a-convention designed specifically for young people. We'll have details on our website for everything this afternoon.

For those who would like to attend Senator Obama's speech as a spectator, we'll announce a process next week to do that. Keep an eye on our website, and we'll also announce it to the media, and via this column, as well.

Have a great day,

Jamie Selzler, Executive Director

Obama to be Dem-NPL Keynote Speaker

Grand Forks – Senator Barack Obama will bring his message of hope and optimism to North Dakota as the keynote speaker during the Democratic-NPL nominating convention this April in Grand Forks. Senator Obama will help open the convention with a speech on Friday, April 4.

North Dakota Democrats delivered an overwhelming victory for Senator Obama in their Feb. 5th caucuses; Obama won 62 percent in the Super Tuesday voting. Senator Obama has since held the lead in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Senator Obama said, "Record numbers of North Dakotans turned out to caucus for change on February 5th, and I am proud that so many new people became a part of this process. I thank Senators Conrad and Dorgan and Congressman Pomeroy for inviting me back to the state and look forward to continue working with the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party to strengthen our party and achieve victory in November.”

Senator Obama was invited to the Dem-NPL convention by Senator Kent Conrad, who had endorsed Obama in December, prior to Obama’s surprising victory in the Iowa caucuses. Obama has since won the endorsement of Senator Byron Dorgan, Rep. Earl Pomeroy, and three other North Dakota super-delegates.

“Senator Obama is a person of rare quality, and his message of can-do optimism and hope is one that I believe resonates in North Dakota. He shares our Midwestern values, and he can unite this country,” said Senator Conrad. “Senator Obama has shown that he has what it takes to win in states like North Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming. He’s drawn more people to the democratic process, and that can only be good for the country.”

Senator Dorgan said: “Senator Obama has an extraordinary ability to inspire and motivate people throughout the country, and it is wonderful that he is planning to attend North Dakota’s state Democratic Convention. Like many other states, North Dakota has responded to Senator Obama’s message of hope and optimism by giving him an impressive 62 percent of the vote in our caucus this year. His presence shows that he intends to compete nation-wide for the Presidency, which is good for the country, democracy, and North Dakota.”

“North Dakota Democrats showed their strong support for Senator Obama on February 5th, and I’m thrilled to have the potential Democratic presidential nominee as the keynote speaker at our convention,” Congressman Pomeroy said. “Senator Obama has a powerful message of hope and change that resonates across party lines and across the country. I look forward to hearing him deliver that message to North Dakota Democrats at our convention in April.”

News from Headquarters

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War's beginning. The United States will now embark on its sixth year occupying the country.

Here's a list of interesting points the Democratic National Committee sent me yesterday regarding the war:

$50-60 Billion: Bush Administration's pre-war estimates of the cost of the war. [New York Times, 12/31/02]

$12 Billion: Direct cost per month of the Iraq War. [Washington Post, Bilmes and Stiglitz Op-Ed, 3/9/08]

$526 Billion: Amount of money already appropriated by Congress for the War in Iraq. [Congressional Research Service, 2/22/08]

$3 Trillion: Total estimated cost of the Iraq War. [Washington Post, Bilmes and Stiglitz Op-Ed, 3/9/08]

Some of those numbers are pretty astounding.

Now, Sen. John McCain shares many of the same 'stay the course' philosophies of President George W. Bush. McCain has said we could be in Iraq for "maybe a hundred" years. Obviously, both Bush and McCain have no plan to bring our courageous troops home. Instead of going in a new direction, a McCain presidency would be like electing Bush to a third term.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

Many weekend news articles shed further light on questionable practices over at Workforce Safety and Insurance. Basically, the articles cited more problems with the Sandy Blunt administration and chided the current CEO for whistle-blower firings.

I felt the articles also reinforced the flaccid leadership we've seen from Gov. John Hoeven and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem lately. The WSI issue just keeps going and going while Hoeven and Stenehjem have been slow to move. These improprieties in our government should not be tolerated this long by state "leadership." Last week, a Hoeven aide actually said the governor approves of the whistle-blower firings. Hmmm.

Last week, members of the interim Legislature's Administrative Rules Committee voted to draft legislation to dissolve the state's Racing Commission. Lawmakers would then vote on the bill during the 2009 legislative session. Reasons for the move: infighting within the commission and questionable money transfers.

And, remember the tumult within the Board of Higher Education in the summer of 2006?

What's going on here? Troubled government seems to be becoming a pattern in North Dakota.

Republicans dominate our state government. These debacles have happened on their watch. And, it seems they never end.

It's time for a new direction.

Candidate announcement

Mitch Vance of Bismarck will formally announce his intention regarding a run for state treasurer on Wednesday, March 19 in Fargo and Bismarck. The details are below. Please come out and cheer him on!

Press conference details:

Fargo: 10 a.m. at the Fargo Parks Depot Building (West Board Room), 701 Main Ave.

Bismarck: 2:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Memorial Center, 1902 E. Divide Ave.

There will be a short reception following the Bismarck press conference at the Kennedy Center. Coffee and cookies will be served.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Bush/McCain: Lockstep

Dem-NPL Executive Director Op-ed About Bush Third Term

Via The Forum's Web site...

McCain’s promise: 3rd Bush term
By Jamie Selzler, The Forum

Across the country, Americans are setting records for turnout in Democratic presidential caucuses and primaries. It is clear that Americans are seeking a new direction for the country – a change from the misplaced priorities and reckless policies of President George W. Bush.

Sen. John McCain, who locked up the delegates needed to gain the Republican endorsement for a presidential bid, has a record of being in lock step with Bush. Whether he’s advocating an Iraq war with no end, or calling for privatization of Social Security, electing McCain would be like electing Bush to a third term.

On the war, McCain recently said the United States will have a presence in Iraq for “maybe a hundred” years. That is an extension of the policy of Bush, who five years after waging his misadventure in Iraq, still has no strategy to bring our brave troops home. Instead of breaking with a failed policy, McCain offers business as usual.

On health care, McCain doesn’t have a plan for the uninsured. This is striking for someone who seeks the presidency because it shows a profound indifference to the 47 million Americans who don’t have health insurance. Likewise, Bush has no strategy to ensure access to affordable health care. Again, McCain offers business as usual.

McCain has also voted against helping more children get health care through the state-run health insurance program. Bush vetoed the same proposal. Once again, McCain offers business as usual.

Read on...

Web Video From N.H. Dems Says no to Bush Third Term

More Republican Corruption?

Via the Washington Post's Web site...

NRCC Says Ex-Treasurer Diverted Up to $1 Million
By Paul Kane
Washington Post Staff Writer

The former treasurer for the National Republican Congressional Committee diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars -- and possibly as much as $1 million -- of the organization's funds into his personal accounts, GOP officials said yesterday, describing an alleged scheme that could become one of the largest political frauds in recent history.

For at least four years, Christopher J. Ward, who is under investigation by the FBI, allegedly used wire transfers to funnel money out of NRCC coffers and into other political committee accounts he controlled as treasurer, NRCC leaders and lawyers said in their first public statement since they turned the matter over to the FBI six weeks ago.

Read on...

Senate Approves Conrad Budget

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

Washington – The United States Senate voted 51-44 early this morning to pass a federal budget resolution, authored by Senator Kent Conrad, that will spark the national economy while putting America back on a solid fiscal course.

“This budget takes immediate action to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and make America safer,” Senator Conrad said. “It responds to the current economic downturn by providing additional stimulus for the economy and tax cuts for middle class families. And it creates the building blocks for future economic growth by making needed investments in energy, education, infrastructure, and health care.”

The Conrad budget provides extensive tax relief for America’s middle class families. It extends marriage penalty relief, the child tax credit, the 10 percent bracket, and estate tax reform. It also offers relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax. Additional tax breaks in this budget help make health care, college tuition and energy more affordable.

Further, the Conrad budget invests in repairing and improving our nation’s infrastructure, which will help spur economic growth and create good-paying jobs here in America.

The Conrad budget also continues to support America’s troops and fully funds the President’s defense and war request. And Conrad’s budget increases veterans’ funding by more than $3 billion over the President’s budget.

The Conrad plan is also fiscally responsible. It reduces debt and spending as a share of the economy. As a result, the plan leads to budget surpluses in 2012 and 2013 and begins to put America back on a sound fiscal path.

Overall, the budget proposed by Senator Conrad will:

-Lower taxes.

-Invest $3.5 billion more than the President’s plan to develop clean, domestic and renewable energy sources to curb the nation’s addiction to foreign oil.

-Increase the President’s proposal for the Department of Education and Head Start by more than $5.7 billion.

-Make crucial investments in the nation’s infrastructure by fully funding highway and transit projects while fixing the Highway Trust Fund shortfall.

-Hold the line on overall spending. Spending as a share of the economy actually goes down every year after 2009.

-Help provide increases to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Boost veterans’ funding, including medical care, by over $3.2 billion more than the President’s plan.

-Restore all funding cut by the Administration from the COPS law-enforcement program. The COPS plan has put more than 250 police in North Dakota since its inception in 1994.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved their own budget plan. The House and Senate will now iron out differences between their bills.

News from Headquarters

Democratic-NPL legislative candidates keep creating Web sites for their campaigns.

The newest pages are being hosted by District 14 Senate candidate Jim Long and District 30 House candidate Casey Skovran. Click here to see Long's and click here to see Skovran's.

Click here to see Mac Schneider's site. It's been up for awhile now. He is a Senate candidate in District 42.

Many of our statewide candidates also have Web sites. Click here to see Tim Mathern's. Click here to see Jasper Schneider's. And click here to see Cheryl Bergian's.

They all are accepting online contributions.

Fun GF event

District 42 is holding their St. Patrick's Day Dinner at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 (tomorrow) at the Ramada Inn.

The dinner will start at 6 p.m. as a convenience to hockey fans.

Sen. Ryan Taylor, D-Towner, will be the guest speaker. His performance is always fun and insightful.

For more information, contact District 42 Chair Sherryl Weisenberger at (701) 772-3190.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Editorial on the Budget by Sen. Kent Conrad

Via the GF Herald's Web site...

Budget can strengthen America
By Kent Conrad, Grand Forks Herald

WASHINGTON — The weakening economy is forcing everyday Americans to tighten their belts. The economic downturn comes as the Congress works to reverse the reckless fiscal policies of the administration that have exploded the federal debt from $5.8 trillion in 2001 to $9 trillion at the end of last year.

The American people deserve a federal budget built on fiscal responsibility — and they are getting one in the budget resolution approved March 6 by the Senate Budget Committee.

Our budget proposes to reduce the federal government’s annual deficit and bring the budget back into balance — and actually provide a surplus — within four years. It reduces debt and federal spending as a share of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, from 69.6 percent in 2009 to 64 percent in 2013.

It does all this without raising taxes on those working Americans who face the tough realities — lost jobs, sagging home values, higher food and fuel prices — of a softening economy.

Simply put, the Senate Democratic budget is a blueprint to putting our nation’s fiscal house back in order.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Oh brother. The saga over at Workforce Safety and Insurance just never ends. If you haven't heard by now, three whistle-blowers were fired yesterday. And they didn't get a Sandy Blunt sized severance package either.

Where is Gov. John Hoeven? Where is Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem? A Hoeven staffer actually said the governor approves of the firings. Huh?

According to a story from KXMB TV: "North Dakota law says a state employee who raises concerns about possible agency wrongdoing can't suffer retaliation. But it's up to that person to hire a lawyer and try to enforce his or her employment rights."

Gee, that's comforting. You have to hire your own lawyer. Shouldn't a state agency be able to assist a whistle-blower if their story has merit? Maybe the state auditor's office?

District 14 Senate candidate Jim Long said in a statement from yesterday that these firings send "a clear message to every state employee in every agency that if they witness illegal or unethical acts, they had better keep quiet or risk losing their job." Long is one of the three fired WSI whistle-blowers. He exposed questionable practices by agency bosses to law enforcement.

Well, to fix this situation, state Sens. Tim Mathern and Tracy Potter both have proposals to strengthen the state's whistle-blower laws. Click here to see the Mathern plan and click here to see Potter's.

To immediately address the problem, Rep. Merle Boucher has called for some WSI board members to step down.

Good for them. The Republican "leadership" in North Dakota sure isn't helping these whistle-blowers out. It's just another piece in this ongoing debacle.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Mathern Blasts Whistleblower Firings and Releases Bill Draft

Via a press release from Sen. Tim Mathern's campaign...

FARGO – Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, says today’s firing of whistleblowers at Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) sends a chilling message to public employees.

“We need to know more about what went wrong in order to do things right in the future, this is the time to give more protection to employees not less,” he said. This is not good for taxpayers either. Taxpayers won’t get the information they need from many state agencies he said.

Mathern said. “We need to change the law regarding whistle blowers, and today I am releasing a bill draft to do just that. The bill requires investigation of a report made and requires state auditor involvement.” (bill posted at http://www.mathern.org/)

In December 2006, as a member of Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, Senator Tim Mathern said the findings of the just completed audits “are a wake up call. They tell me more needs to be done to oversee the agency’s activities. Most of the suggestions should be implemented;”

Mathern said had these recommendations been implemented then we would not have the mess we do today. He said it is time the Governor stop payment on former CEO Sandy Blunt’s ongoing payroll/benefit checks.

Mathern has served as a North Dakota state senator since 1986. He is a candidate for Governor.

Bush Attack Dogs Gear Up for Third Bush Campaign

Via a press release from the DNC...

Days after President Bush endorsed John McCain and promised that McCain offers "no change," some of President Bush's top campaign strategists are jumping aboard the McCain double talk express. According to the Politico, Bush-Cheney campaign manager Ken Mehlman "is now serving as an unpaid, outside adviser to" McCain, and Karl Rove gave McCain political advice in a recent "private conversation." Other leading Bush staffers, including former Bush communications expert Dan Bartlett and former White House political director Sara Taylor, "are eager to provide any assistance and advice possible to McCain." [Politico, 3/8/08]

Mehlman, Rove, Bartlett and Taylor are reuniting with two other prominent elements of President Bush's 2004 campaign team. As the Politico notes, "Steve Schmidt, Bush's attack dog in the 2004 election, and Mark McKinnon, the president's media strategist, are performing similar functions for McCain now." [Politico, 3/8/08]

In joining the McCain campaign, these Bush loyalists are lending a helping hand to a candidate who has never shied away from helping President Bush's agenda. According to the Washington Post, a Congressional Quarterly analysis showed that John McCain voted to support President Bush's agenda 90 percent of the time. [Washington Post, 3/10/08]

"John McCain has already cast aside his 'maverick' image to pander to the right wing of his party, so it makes perfect sense for the candidate who promises a third Bush term on everything from Iraq to the economy to bring in the President's attack dogs to run a third Bush campaign, too," said Democratic National Committee Press Secretary Stacie Paxton. "President Bush said it best himself, a vote for John McCain is a vote against change."

More Reason for Another Refinery

Via the Williston Herald's Web site...

ND gasoline prices continue to climb

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Gasoline prices have climbed to about $3.24 a gallon in parts of North Dakota - about a penny more than the national average - and an AAA North Dakota spokesman says he expects them to go higher over the next few weeks.

Automobile club spokesman Gene LaDoucer advises people planning summer vacations to budget for higher prices at the pump. The climb is blamed on record crude oil prices.

Read on...

News from Headquarters

Across the state, Democrats have already been very active this election cycle. It started with the Presidential Preference Caucuses on Feb. 5. A record 19,012 voters turned out that day.

Similarly, record numbers have been attending recent district conventions to endorse local legislative candidates. Over the weekend, I received a bunch of press releases announcing legislative endorsements.

Here's a summary:

On Friday in Mandan, District 34 activists endorsed Arnold Zins for Senate. Rob Tausend and Brent Veil were given the nod to run for House of Representatives.

District 34 covers most of Mandan.

On Saturday in Dickinson, District 36 activists endorsed Chuck Andrus for Senate and Todd Hall for House. Rep. Shirley Meyer received the nod for re-election.

District 36 covers all of Stark County and parts of Dunn, Hettinger and Morton Counties.

On Sunday in Wilton, District 8 activists endorsed Wes Weible for Senate. Ken Baker and Audrey Boe Olsen were given the nod to run for House of Representatives.

District 8 covers northwest Burleigh County and the eastern portion of McLean County.

A big congratulation goes to all these folks. Running for Legislature is hard work. This year the hard work could really pay off. Democrats only need to pick up three seats in the Senate and 15 in the House to gain majorities.

Fun Fargo event

The District 41 Democratic-NPL is holding its first ever St. Patrick's Day celebration. They are calling the event the "District 41 Pot of Dem Gold Night."

It will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Downtown Fargo.

There will be Irish food and music. Tickets are $25. For tickets call Brian at (701) 799-4134.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Conrad Budget Focuses on Priorities of ND and Nation

Via a press release by Sen. Kent Conrad's office...

Washington - Senator Kent Conrad was joined today by a recipient of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and a recent college graduate to discuss the priorities set forth in his proposed national budget for fiscal year 2009. Senator Conrad’s budget will cut taxes for working Americans and help to strengthen the nation’s struggling economy.

“Our budget puts the family first by lowering taxes and helping to make health care, college tuition, and energy more affordable,” said Senator Conrad, the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. “We make smart investments in education, clean renewable energy and infrastructure that will create jobs and spur economic growth.”

By adhering to the budget discipline that led to record budget surpluses in the late 1990s, Senator Conrad’s plan balances the budget by 2012. It would also breathe life into a stagnant economy, which lost more than 100,000 private-sector jobs in February alone, by making key investments in strengthening our energy, infrastructure and national security.

Senator Conrad said his plan stands in stark contrast to the budget put forth by President Bush last month that reflects the same misplaced priorities and fiscal irresponsibility that led to this economic downturn.

Senator Conrad’s budget, which emerged from the Budget Committee last week, is set to be considered by the entire Senate this week.

Conrad, Dorgan and Pomeroy Form Powerful Delegation

Via The Forum's Web site...

N.D. has 2nd most powerful delegation
Janell Cole and Don Davis, The Forum

North Dakota's congressional delegation is the second most powerful in the country, a congressional directory company says after analyzing all the states' delegations.

Congress.org, an arm of the Capitol Advantage publishing company, gave the state a combined score of 35.93, compared to the most powerful delegation - Nevada - which scored 36.79.

Nevada is home to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Read on...

New DNC Web Video About Bush and McCain

News from Headquarters

Two state-by-state polls by SurveyUSA show some interesting numbers regarding the presidential race.

The surveys pit Sen. John McCain in a head-to-head match-up against Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The findings of the poll show both Clinton and Obama would win in a potential race against McCain.

Click here to see Clinton's numbers.

Click here to see Obama's numbers.

District conventions reminder

This is just a quick reminder about the many upcoming district conventions being held including events in the Dickinson and Williston areas. Click here to see the list.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

Rep. Schneider: WSI Should be Regulated

Via a press release from Rep. Jasper Schneider...

Rep. Jasper Schneider, candidate for North Dakota Insurance Commissioner, issued the following statement in response to a report by Henry Neal Conolly concerning changes to the governing structure of North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance:

“There is a consensus building that the Insurance Commissioner should have a regulatory role over North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance. That is a good thing. I have advocated for increased political accountability for WSI in the Legislature. When I announced my candidacy last November, I said that the Insurance Department should use its experience in regulating private insurers to make certain that working people and small business owners are treated fairly by the agency.

“While providing the Insurance Department with the ability to regulate WSI would be a step in the right direction, the way the Commissioner goes about using this ability is going to make all the difference for the people WSI serves.

“Right now, there is evidence that injured workers are being denied benefits that they are entitled to at a time when the agency’s reserves are around $220 million higher than the law allows. The right Insurance Commissioner working within the right oversight role can change this for the better and prevent further problems at WSI.

“I’m looking forward to the day when North Dakotans can say that this politically unaccountable, unregulated monopoly is neither.”

Statement by Senator Kent Conrad on Budget Committee Passage of FY 2009 Senate Budget Resolution

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

Washington – Senator Kent Conrad, the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement today regarding approval of the Senate Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2009.

“I am very pleased that my budget resolution has been passed by the Budget Committee and sent to the Senate floor. I look forward to the full Senate taking it up next week.

“This budget will strengthen the economy, create jobs, and make America safer. It will allow for additional stimulus for the economy to respond to the current economic downturn. It provides tax relief for the middle class. It makes needed investments in energy, education, infrastructure, and health care. It supports our troops, cares for our veterans, and protects the homeland.

“And this budget is fiscally responsible. It reduces debt and spending as a share of GDP. And it returns the budget to surplus in 2012 and 2013. This budget begins to make the changes that are needed to put our nation back on a sound fiscal course.”

News from Headquarters

Sen. Kent Conrad has released a budget plan for the 2009 fiscal year.

Conrad is chairman of the U.S. Senate's Budget Committee. The group is likely to vote on the blueprint today.

Conrad's office sent out a press release yesterday outlining some details.

The document said the proposal will:

· Not increase taxes. There is a modest 2.6% difference between revenue levels in the President's budget and the Senate budget plan once middle class tax cuts and reform of estate tax are included. This remaining difference could be achieved by closing the tax gap and cracking down on off-shore tax havens and abusive tax shelters.

· Extend middle class tax cuts and reform the estate tax.

· Invest $3.5 billion more than the President's plan to develop clean, domestic and renewable energy sources to curb the nation's addiction to foreign oil.

· Increase by $5.7 billion the President's proposal for the Department of Education and Head Start.

· Make crucial investments in the nation's infrastructure by fully funding highway and transit projects while fixing the Highway Trust Fund shortfall.

· Reduce gross debt as a share of the economy.

· Hold the line on overall spending. Spending as a share of the economy actually goes down every year after 2009.

· Help provide increases to the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

· Boost veterans' funding, including medical care, by $3.2 billion more than the President's plan.

Sounds like a solid plan from North Dakota's budget hawk.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

You may have read that consultants have said it will cost $247.6 million to remodel North Dakota's penitentiary.

Here are a few thoughts:

The Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks cost just over $104 million to build. According to The Ralph's Web site, the facility boasts floors made of granite, seats made of leather and cherry wood, 48 luxury suites, two mini suites, two enormous club rooms and 3.2 miles of floor brass accents.

On a different note, there's much deferred maintenance on the state's 11 colleges and universities. According to a Dec. 7, 2006, Bismarck Tribune editorial, estimated costs were then over $100 million.

To some, the penitentiary is in need of repair and to others it isn't. At any rate, the $247.6 million price tag seems a bit high, and there are also other things in need of attention.

Last legislative session, Republicans first estimated that a prison remodel job would cost $42 million. Hmmm.

-Rick Gion, Communications Director

News from Headquarters

The Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visi