‘Neither Armstrong nor Miller actually want to secure the border’ says Dem-NPL Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 29, 2024

FARGO, ND – As the Republican Gubernatorial Primary grows increasingly negative, a new ad from Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller falsely claims a cartel attack happened under President Biden’s watch. In reality, Donald Trump was president at the time, and it didn’t even occur in the United States.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “People’s lives and livelihoods hang in the balance at the US-Mexico border, but neither Armstrong nor Miller actually want to secure the border or help the people of our border regions. If they did, they would have supported the Senate Bipartisan Border Deal. These two are more interested in playing political games than solving real problems. The Democratic Party stands ready with real solutions to real problems while the Republicans continue to play political games with real people’s lives.”

In February, House Republicans and Donald Trump sank the bill to secure the border. This prompted US Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), who’d negotiated the bipartisan agreement took to social media to say, “The border is a money making grievance machine for Republicans. That’s all. Period. Stop. Keeping it a problem raises them money, drives ratings, helps them win elections. They don’t want to fix it. That’s why they killed the bipartisan border bill.”

During President Biden’s 2024 State of the Union, he remarked, “’That bipartisan bill would hire 1,500 more security agents and officers, 100 more immigration judges to help tackle the backlog of two million cases, 4,300 more asylum officers, and new policies so they can resolve cases in six months instead of six years now. What are you against?” The key Republican negotiator on the bill US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) was seen saying, “That’s true” and nodding his head.

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Democratic-NPL announces more in-person locations for Democratic Presidential Primary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2024

FARGO, ND – The North Dakota Democratic-NPL will host three in-person voting locations for the Democratic Presidential Primary on Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30.

Because of an influx of resources and volunteers, the Dem-NPL is excited to make three more in-person locations available to North Dakota voters.

The polling locations will be open:
Friday March 29 from 4-7 pm
Saturday March 30 from 8-11 am

Bismarck
Gateway Fashion Mall — Rock’n 50’s Cafe Entrance
2700 State St., Bismarck

Fargo
North Dakota Democratic-NPL office
1325 23rd St S., Fargo

Grand Forks
Archives Coffee House
3012 University Dr S., Grand Forks

North Dakota will send 19 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This vote will determine the proportion of delegates pledged to each presidential candidate.

Delegates to the National Convention will be elected at the North Dakota Democratic-NPL State Convention in Fargo on April 4-7. North Dakota Democrats interested in becoming delegates to the National Convention should complete this form.

Voters who have questions can contact the Dem-NPL at 701-255-0460 or [email protected].

North Dakota is one of just five states where the political parties run the presidential primary process. The North Dakota Democratic-NPL is working with the Merriman River Group to facilitate the primary.

Any qualified North Dakota voter or any person who will have met all the qualifications of a voter at the next general election, and who has completed a form declaring they wish to participate as a Democrat is qualified to vote in the Party-Run Primary.

Candidates who will appear on the ballot are:
Joseph R Biden Jr
Eban Cambridge
Stephen P Lyons
Jason Palmer
Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato
Dean Phillips
Cenk Uygur
Marianne Williamson

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Riggleman, Kleeb to speak at Dem-NPL convention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2024

FARGO, ND – Today, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL announced two speakers for its State Convention in Fargo on April 4-7 2024: Former Republican Congressman and Advisor to the January 6th Committee Denver Riggleman, and Nebraska Democratic State Party Chair Jane Kleeb.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “Jane Kleeb and the Nebraska Democratic Party have set a phenomenal precedent for other rural state Democratic parties to follow. Through extensive and passionate grassroots organizing, the number of Democrats elected in Nebraska has grown from 500 in 2016 to over 900 now.”

Since December 2016, Kleeb has served in a volunteer capacity as Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, and serves on the Executive Committees of the Democratic National Committee and the Association of State Democratic Committees.

For her years of work in rural communities, Kleeb was named a Climate Breakthrough awardee in 2023, the highest honor in the climate change field. She is setting out to create a new project called Energy Builders that works with rural communities to change the economic model of large-scale clean energy projects to benefit the people who live on the land that is creating America’s next 100 years of energy.

Kleeb is the author of Harvest the Vote: How Democrats Can Win Again in Rural America, published in 2020. Kleeb worked for MTV as their Street Team reporter in 2007 and has been a regular contributor on Fox News, MSNBC and CNN.

Riggleman represented Virginia’s 5th District from 2019 to 2021. He is the only Republican Congressman to speak out on the floor against QAnon conspiracy theories and the threat they pose to the American people. Riggleman served as a senior technical advisor for the United States House Select Committee’s investigation on the January 6 Attack of the U.S. Capitol.

He is currently CEO of Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group (RIIG) supporting technology development in the domestic counter-terrorism space, chief strategist for the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) where he supports predictive analysis and disinformation tracking, co-owner of the award winning Silverback Distillery and The NY Times best-selling author of THE BREACH-The Untold Story of the Investigation into January 6th.

“North Dakota Democrats aren’t afraid to hear different perspectives and different voices,” said Goldwyn, “The North Dakota Republican Party will gather across town to bend the knee to the leader of the January 6 insurrection, a man who to this day will not acknowledge he lost a free and fair election. We will hear what the perils our precious democracy faces and how we can protect it.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Davis, Finley-DeVille push NDHSAA to address instances of racial taunting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 18, 2024

ROLETTE, ND – Today, Representative Jayme Davis (D-Rolette), wrote to Matthew Fetsch, the Executive Director of the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA), calling on the organization to step up enforcement of their zero-tolerance policy for racial taunting.

Davis wrote, “The Bismarck Tribune article published today, March 18, 2024, sheds light on a distressing pattern of behavior that not only tarnishes the integrity of high school athletics but also deeply impacts the well-being and dignity of student-athletes, their families, and communities. It is disheartening to learn once again, about instances of racial taunting, discriminatory conduct, and the failure to uphold respectful behavior in the stands at these sporting events.”

Davis specifically called for the NDSHAA to:

1. Conduct a thorough review of its current policies and procedures concerning fan behavior, racial taunting, and disciplinary actions, with a focus on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.

2. Enhance educational initiatives aimed at promoting cultural understanding among students, coaches, officials, and spectators.

3. Foster meaningful partnerships with communities, schools, and organizations to address systemic issues of racism and discrimination within the realm of high school athletics.

4. Provide clear channels for reporting incidents of racial taunting and discriminatory behavior, ensuring that victims and their families feel supported and empowered to speak out against these offenses.

Last week, Representative Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-Mandaree) wrote a letter to newspapers in North Dakota describing an incident from Feb. 9 when students from Wilton called players for the Mandaree Warriors basketball team derogatory names and racial slurs.

Finley-DeVille said, “In response to the racism, I am calling on the North Dakota High School Athletic Association to act against racism, bias, and bullying in sports. It is not enough to create rules that are not enforced. As a parent and grandparent and District 4A representative, I unequivocally condemn these behaviors. It is antithetical to the values of respect, inclusion, and fairness that we are taught to uphold. There is no place for racism in North Dakota.”

Former Dem-NPL Lawmakers pay tribute to late State Senator and UND associate dean Judy DeMers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 18, 2024

GRAND FORKS, ND — Former Democratic-NPL lawmaker associate dean for student affairs and admissions at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences Judy DeMers passed away last week. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, Representative Earl Pomeroy, Agriculture Commissioner Sarah Vogel, and Representative Lois Delmore expressed their grief and celebrated their memories of DeMers.

Senator Heidi Heitkamp remarked, “Judy was a force. When she sunk her teeth into an issue, there was no stopping her, particularly when it meant protecting her beloved profession, nursing. For decades, she was the voice for so many people who did not have a voice. She was a legislator that the Democratic-NPL will always be proud to say ‘she was one of us.’”

Congressman Earl Pomeroy said, “Judy DeMers was a leader in improving North Dakota health care for more than 40 years. I worked with her as a fellow legislator and later as an Insurance Commissioner and Congressman. I found her knowledge and counsel to be incredibly helpful as she applied her medical background to creating sound health policy. Judy was selfless, funny and hugely talented. Her impact will long be felt in North Dakota health care. We are all better for her life’s work.”

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Sarah Vogel noted, “When Judy was in the legislature, she stayed at my house for several sessions. I saw her work ethic first hand. The minute the day’s session was done, Judy hauled suitcases of reading materials relevant to the next day’s session and committee meetings to her room, and she stayed up until she had mastered the issues. Then she wrote her testimony – for or against – in short, clear, statements. Then she went to sleep for a few hours, to repeat the next day. On the weekends, she went back to Grand Forks to meet with her constituents. Not only the citizens of Grand Forks, but all citizens of North Dakota were well represented by Judy. She was brilliant and she was the hardest working legislator I have ever known.”

Former Representative Lois Delmore remarked, “Senator Judy DeMers was a strong public servant in the legislature. She was an advocate for women and an inspiration for students at the University of North Dakota Medical School. She was a strong voice for Grand Forks and for the state of North Dakota. I was proud to serve with her and to call her my friend.”

DeMers served in the North Dakota House from 1983 to 1991 and the State Senate from 1993 to 2000. For 27 years, she was the associate dean for student affairs and admissions at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. After retirement in 2010, she moved to Arizona to be closer to her son Bob, daughter-in-law Dawn, and grandson Tyler. DeMers was a marvelous mentor to her grandson, who found his passion in law and will soon graduate from the University of Arizona Law School.

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Join us for the State and National Democratic Conventions!

With most of our Democratic-NPL District Conventions in our rearview mirror, it’s time to start thinking about both our Democratic-NPL State Convention and the Democratic National Convention! Don’t miss out on these important opportunities to participate in democracy!

Current and Former ND Democratic-NPL Chairs speak about Grace Link’s legacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12, 2024

BISMARCK, ND – Former First Lady Grace Link has passed away at 105.

“North Dakota lost an icon today,” remarked Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn, “Grace has been an inspiration to generations of Democratic-NPLers, especially women who were moved to get more involved because of her passion, and to whom Grace gave sage advice. She represented the best of our Dem-NPL to which she was so committed: integrity, respect, belief in democracy, and citizen activism.”

Bob and Marge Valeu, close friends of Grace and former Governor Link for over 50 years, commented, “Grace was a role model on what it takes to be a good and kind person. Grace embodied the spirit of North Dakota. An awesome lady, dedicated to community service. A North Dakota treasure who will be missed dearly.”

For many years, the Democratic-NPL has given the Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the political power couple, to North Dakotans who embody the same sense of service to their state and country. In November 2023, Link was named the Honorary Chair of Dem-NPL Century Club, a fundraising unit that supports the Democratic-NPL year-round work to build party infrastructure supporting candidate recruitment, local district and regional leadership, issue-based education, and tools for Dem-NPL success.

Link was also a phenomenal pie maker and keen fundraiser, her coveted lemon meringue pies would go for hundreds of dollars at local Democratic-NPL events.

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

ND Democratic-NPL Chair calls for immediate release of Stenehjem’s recovered emails

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 7, 2024

FARGO, ND – Today, North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn called for the immediate release of the late Wayne Stenejhem’s official emails.

Goldwyn remarked, “It was pretty difficult for most of us to stomach the decision that Mountrail County state’s attorney Wade Enget made not to pursue criminal charges after Troy Seibel and Liz Brocker ordered Wayne Stenehjem’s emails be deleted less than 24 hours after his death.

Now we’re learning that the statute of limitations has passed for Seibel and Brocker, and that Julie Lawyer, the Buliegh County States’ attorney (and new employer of Brocker) had limited the scope of Enget’s investigation.

Today’s revelation shows that we cannot let up on the pressure for thorough investigations into this matter. We need to see these emails immediately, they belong to the people of North Dakota. The Bismarck good ol’ boys club can’t keep us in the dark.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications and Digital Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Vote in the North Dakota Democratic Presidential Primary!

Have you requested your ballot for the North Dakota Democratic Presidential Primary? There’s still time to do so!

It was thrilling to watch primary results come in Tuesday night. And while many across the nation were focused on Super Tuesday, we couldn’t help but notice Monday’s NDGOP Presidential Caucus.

Despite their appearance of dominance in North Dakota politics, the NDGOP had fewer than 2,000 caucus-goers. This drew headlines like “The NDGOP held a presidential caucus and almost nobody showed up”

We think North Dakota Democratic-NPLers can do better! Request your ballot today to show that you are a reliable, excited voter in 2024!

Candidates who will appear on the ballot are:

Joseph R Biden Jr
Eban Cambridge
Stephen P Lyons
Jason Palmer
Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato
Dean Phillips
Cenk Uygur
Marianne Williamson

North Dakota is one of just five states where the political parties run the presidential primary process. The North Dakota Democratic-NPL is working with the Merriman River Group to facilitate the primary.

Ballots MUST be received by March 30th to be counted. To ensure your ballot is received and counted, request your ballot by March 15th.

You can mail the ballot back to us:

ND Democratic NPL
PO Box 9946
Fargo, ND 58106

DISTRICT 24 DEMOCRATIC-NPL PARTY ENDORSES LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES

VALLEY CITY, ND – The District 24 Democratic-NPL party endorsed a full slate of legislative candidates at their convention in Valley City Feb. 18. Nancy Farnham and Shawn Olauson were chosen as candidates for the N.Dak. House of Representatives. Knut “Pete” Gjovik was selected as candidate for the N.Dak. Senate.

District 24 includes Barnes and Ransom Counties.

Farnham and her husband Tom have lived in Enderlin for the past 32 years. In 2019 she retired after 27 years serving as administrator of Maryhill Manor in Enderlin.

“I am running for the House of Representatives because I care about North Dakota and its people. I believe that I can bring respect and compassion for all people, common sense, and a strong work ethic to this office,” she said. “Service to others is what my life has been about and I am ready to serve in our state legislature.”

Olauson is a Barnes County native, living with his wife Christy on his family’s home farm in Cuba Township. He has worked for a neighboring farmer for the past 25 years. Since 2019 he has served as a Barnes County commissioner. Olauson has also served on school, water, and township boards.

“The biggest issue for me is reforming property taxes, not getting rid of them,” he said. “Property taxes are how we retain local control of our townships, towns and cities, counties, and school, park, and fire districts.”

A native of Pekin, N.Dak., Gjovik joined the faculty of Valley City State University in 2008. He retired as an emeritus professor in technology in 2020. Prior to coming to Valley City, he had an extensive career in secondary and higher education, and with his wife Gail in the print and graphic design industry.

Gjovik believes his experience in building positive working relationships and finding solutions to problems would benefit District 24. “There is more that unites us than divides us politically,” he said. “I would like to put my experience to work for our district and state.”

All three candidates were endorsed for the June primary by unanimous ballot. District chair Bradley Edin said, “I can’t imagine a better ticket. We Democrats are looking forward to the 2024 campaign and the opportunity to elect people to the legislature who will actually represent and serve all the people of Barnes and Ransom Counties.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL reacts to Armstrong’s run for Governor

FARGO, ND – Not even an hour after Governor Burgum ended his final State of the State address, Kelly Armstrong announced that he will run for governor.

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL released this statement:

When Kelly Armstrong was elected, many hoped he’d bring North Dakota values to DC. Instead, Kelly got swallowed up by DC and became the ultimate insider. Under Armstrong, House Republicans have become extreme and completely ineffective. We can’t let him bring his DC values back home to North Dakota now.

During the chaotic Speaker of the House fight last year, Armstrong first voted for Steve Scalise who once said he voted for “David Duke without the baggage.” He then supported Jim Jordan who led efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, pushed for a costly government shutdown, and has repeatedly voted to slash Social Security and Medicare. In the end, he helped elect Mike Johnson who worked behind the scenes to overturn the 2020 election, has advocated for locking up LGBTQ+ Americans, wants to criminalize abortions so that women give birth to ‘able-bodied workers into the economy,’ and has fought to decimate Social Security and Medicare and has claimed to have a mandate from God to be House Speaker.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 23, 2024

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Legislative Leaders Respond to Burgum’s State of the State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 23, 2024

DICKINSON, ND — Today, Governor Burgum gave the State of the State address. This comes after dropping out of the race for U.S. President and announcing that he would not be running in the 2024 ND gubernatorial race.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan said, “North Dakotans are demanding more than just another income tax cut. They want real solutions to the workforce crisis, the childcare crisis, the housing crisis, and the mental health crisis—all of which have gone unsolved on Republicans’ watch. Democrats have been beating the drum for more investments in each of these areas for years. But the outgoing administration’s focus on the things that will really improve the lives of everyday North Dakotans was too little and too late. North Dakotans also want to see our state supporting public employees, public education, and fully-funded school lunches, and I don’t think we saw that in this speech.”

House Minority Leader Zac Ista remarked, “The Governor should have used his final State of the State Address to bring North Dakota together. Instead, he recycled the same stale talking points that didn’t work for him on the presidential campaign trail. The truth is this: the Biden Administration has invested billions of federal dollars into North Dakota’s infrastructure, housing, and broadband internet. Inflation is down. Unemployment is down. Gas prices are down. Consumer confidence, wages, and the stock market are up. And under Joe Biden, America is producing more oil than any country in history. It’s time for the Governor to reboot his language to match reality.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]