We “must stop pretending that the behavior of the NDGOP is a shock,” says Dem-NPL Chair

Fargo, ND – In response to recent reporting regarding the NDGOP Executive Director’s social media posts, North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn released the following statement:

“There was a time when the moral rot that is now at the heart of the Republican Party was shocking, but after Trump’s Access Hollywood tape, his hush money payment to an actress in pornographic films while his wife was nursing their young child, to his being found civilly liable for the rape of E. Jean Carrol, the rest of us must stop pretending that the behavior of the NDGOP Executive Director is a shock. This is the Republican Party. At this point, the voters of North Dakota have a choice—voting for Republicans affirms this kind of behavior. North Dakotans who are disgusted by these vile comments have one choice: rebuke it at the ballot box.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 26, 2023

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

JoNell Bakke To Receive “Spirit Of The NPL” Award

Fargo, ND – Former State Senator JoNell Bakke, of Grand Forks, will receive the Spirit of the NPL Award at the 13th Annual Democratic-NPL Burdick Dinner. The dinner will feature keynote speaker, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Four & Four in Fargo.

Bakke was elected to the North Dakota Senate and served for 8 years. During that time, she served on the Education, Judiciary, Transportation, and Political Subdivisions Committees. During the interim, she served on Human Services, Higher Education, Long Term Care, Education, Judiciary, and WSI. She served on the Juvenile Justice Reform Committee, Governors Youth Council, K-12 Commission, DPI Truancy Committee, Teacher/Administrators Evaluation Committee, and the State High Education Accreditation Review Committee. She is currently serving as a Governor appointee to the Brain Injury Advisory Committee as Vice Chair.

North Dakota Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan said, “My friend JoNell has such a strong passion for children and families. As a lifelong educator, she’s been a fierce advocate for children in her classroom and in the legislature. She was often the voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. She helped colleagues in the Senate to consider other viewpoints on complex issues.”

North Dakota House Minority Leader Zac Ista remarked, “JoNell Bakke has made our party and our state better in countless ways, and I could not be more grateful for her friendship and mentorship. From the classroom to the Senate floor, JoNell has shown us all how to put our values into action. For all she’s done–and all she continues to do–I congratulate Senator Bakke on this achievement.”

In addition to her service in the North Dakota Senate, Bakke has been active in union work since the 1980s serving as the president of the Grand Forks Education Association for six years, on the negotiation team for 14 years, and on the NDEA Board of Directors. She is currently serving on the ND United Retirement Advisory Board. Bakke has been and continues to be deeply involved in the District 43 Democratic-NPL, the Northern Valley Democrat-NPL, and the North Dakota Democratic-NPL.

JoNell and her husband, Greg, were foster parents for eleven years and parented 37 children during that time. She has four children, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law, three grandsons, and three granddaughters.

Tickets to the 13th Annual Democratic-NPL Burdick are available at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/burdick2023.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 26, 2023

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

Dem-NPL rips Armstrong’s vote for extreme new Speaker of the House

Fargo, ND – Yesterday, the House GOP voted unanimously to elect Rep. Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. As more about Johnson’s past positions come to light, his extreme views are raising questions.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn admonished, “Mike Johnson will be the most extreme Speaker of the House in history. This is a man who worked nefariously behind the scenes to overturn the 2020 election, has advocated for locking up LGBTQ+ Americans, wants to criminalize abortions so women give birth to ‘able-bodied workers into the economy,’ and has fought to decimate Social Security and Medicare. On top of this, Johnson is now claiming to have a mandate from God to be House Speaker. Make no mistake—Kelly Armstrong is not a moderate. Johnson’s attacks on democracy and American freedoms are appalling, and Armstrong is now walking arm and arm with this man. Democrats believe that election results should be honored, and all Americans should be free to be who they are and live the lives they want. Republicans, led by Mike Johnson, don’t believe in that freedom.”

Here’s what national news outlets are reporting on Johnson’s previously little-known record:

How new House Speaker Mike Johnson spent years fighting against gay rights

Mike Johnson’s Ties to Christian Nationalism Revealed

What are new House Speaker Mike Johnson’s record and views on abortion?

House Speaker Mike Johnson played a key role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 26, 2023

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

Democrats will continue to fight for real solutions to ND workforce crisis, say Minority Leaders as Special Session concludes

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Legislature has adjourned its special session which began on Monday to remedy the crisis created when the OMB budget bill which had passed during the regular was ruled unconstitutional by the ND Supreme Court.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan and House Minority Leader Zac Ista released the following statement:

Today, the North Dakota Legislature completed its work for the special session. We are pleased that the assembly limited its work to the task at hand: re-adopting the laws ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Going forward, we must conduct our legislative business with transparency, public participation, and fair processes.

While the work of the 68th Legislative Assembly is now complete, the 2025 session is not far off. North Dakota still faces significant challenges, perhaps none more urgent than our workforce crisis. The GOP’s only solution is more and more tax cuts. But we know families in today’s economy demand more. That’s why investments in childcare, healthcare, education, school meals, and housing must continue to be prominent in our workforce conversation. That’s exactly what Democratic-NPL legislators and candidates will fight for in the 2024 election.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 25, 2023

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

Lindermans of Carrington to receive award at Dem-NPL Dinner featuring keynote speaker Governor Walz

Fargo, ND – Charles and Ellen Linderman of Carrington will receive the Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th Annual Democratic-NPL Burdick Dinner. The dinner will feature keynote speaker, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Four & Four in Fargo.

Charles Linderman grew up on a farm near Carrington, ND. He got bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering from ND State University. Ellen Hiedeman Linderman grew up on a dairy farm near Wheaton, MN. She attended Moorhead State University. Ellen and Charles were married 55 years ago. After five years with USDA Agricultural Research Service in Nebraska, Charles had the opportunity to move back to Carrington where they have been farming for 48 years.

Charles served in four sessions of the North Dakota Legislature (1983, 1985, 1987, 1991) as Representative from District 14, which consisted of Foster and Wells Counties. Charles was a director on a local cooperative board for over thirty years, was a director on the ND Soybean Council, and is currently County Farmers Union President and Treasurer for District 29 Democratic NPL.

Ellen began her work with Democrats in Lincoln, NE, and continued when she moved to North Dakota. She was appointed chair of the ND State Committee of USDA Farm Service Agency during the Clinton administration. She was appointed by the Senate Ag Committee to the Payment Limitation Commission. During the Obama administration, she served on the Federal Crop Insurance Board as one of four active farmers. Ellen was a district director of North Dakota Farmers Union and Farmers Union Mutual Insurance for 12 years. She was a candidate for the ND House of Representatives and got within 100 votes of winning. As a fifty-something adult, Ellen went to NDSU to finish getting a college degree. Ellen made national television when she was chosen to sit next to Michelle Obama as President Barack Obama addressed Congress about the Affordable Care Act.

Ellen and Charles have a son and two daughters. They and their spouses are Democrats. They have six grandchildren (also Democrats)!

Tickets to the 13th Annual Democratic-NPL Burdick are available at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/burdick2023.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 24, 2023

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

Democratic-NPL Senate Leader reacts to Former Lt. Gov. Myrdal’s death

Fargo, ND – North Dakota’s former lieutenant governor Rosemarie Myrdal passed away Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan remarked, “This is such heartbreaking news. Rosemarie was a gracious and hospitable woman. She had a deep love of children, and she was passionate about any children’s issues that arose in our state. Rosemarie was fun, whip-smart, and easy to work with. It was an incredible privilege to call her my friend.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 12, 2023

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

District 8 Democratic-NPL Chair says Prichard’s comments do not “reflect North Dakota values”

Bismarck, ND – Rep. Brandon Prichard (R-Bismarck) has expressed extreme views on his social media accounts, claiming non-Christians shouldn’t serve in political office. This assertion flies in the face of American values. Does Representative Prichard plan to pass legislation requiring a religious test for potential candidates and serving members who do not identify as Christians?

District 8 Democratic-NPL Chair Al Stanek said, “Rep. Prichard’s remarks are deeply undemocratic and unconstitutional. His strange social media posts are now bringing unwanted national attention to our community. He’s an absolute embarrassment, who seems to thrive on the negative attention he receives.

The United States has always been a nation of immigrants with a variety of beliefs—that’s the way our founders intended it. I hope his colleagues and the rest of the NDGOP will speak out against these comments. Prichard does not reflect North Dakota values.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 4, 2023

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

Prichard’s Posts “Uninformed, Unpatriotic, And Un-American,” Says Democratic-NPL Chair

Fargo, ND – Over the weekend and continuing through today, Rep. Brandon Prichard (R-Bismarck) has made bizarre social media posts including some claiming non-Christians shouldn’t serve in political office.

On Sept. 29 Prichard tweeted, “Real conservatives will never put the constitution above natural law. The constitution is only useful insofar as it forces our government to limit power and pursue objective truth. It is a powerful means to an end, nothing more, nothing less.”

On Oct. 1 he tweeted, “Every conservative state should put into code that Jesus Christ is King and dedicate their state to Him. Force RINOs to say no to Jesus and then brutalize them in elections. We need a government of Christians, not fakers.”

In response, Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Rep. Brandon Prichard’s social media posts make it clear—he wants to control what North Dakotans do and believe. He doesn’t want Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and anyone who doesn’t “submit” to his extremist views on Christianity to serve in our government. As an American and as a Jew, I find these comments uninformed, unpatriotic, and un-American.”

Prichard’s remarks go against our beloved Constitution and against the freedoms that North Dakotans and Americans of all races and religions have fought and died for. Rep. Prichard should be ashamed of himself, and the NDGOP and every elected Republican in our state should condemn Prichard’s comments.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2023

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

Democratic-NPL Senate Leader Reacts To Sen. Larsen’s Death

Fargo, ND – Today, it was reported that Republican State Senator Doug Larsen of Mandan, his wife Amy, and their two children were killed in a plane crash near Moab, Utah.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan expressed her sympathy on behalf of the Democratic-NPL caucus, “Our hearts ache for Senator Larsen’s family. Doug was always respectful and kind, and his service as a lieutenant colonel in the North Dakota Army National Guard and in our legislature shows just how dedicated he was to our state and country.”

We are surrounding his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2023

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

“Corruption, Cronyism, And The Same Good Ol’ Boy Politics” Led To Unconstitutional OMB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 28, 2023

Fargo, ND – This morning, the North Dakota Supreme Court invalidated one of the final bills passed in the 2023 legislative session—the bill that funds the Office of Management and Budget. The Legislature will have to convene for a special session to fix this problem.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “Today’s Supreme Court decision is exactly what happens when the Republican supermajority’s arrogance is left unchecked. Instead of working in a bipartisan, transparent fashion to create good public policy, the Republican majority rammed through a bill in the middle of the night when they thought no one was paying attention—just like they hoped no one was paying attention when a Republican lawmaker lined his own pockets with taxpayer dollars through cost overruns on a new building for the Attorney General’s office. What these incidents have proved without a doubt is that single-party supermajority rule is fertile ground for corruption, cronyism, and the same good ol’ boy politics North Dakotans have had to endure for a generation. We’re now also on the precipice of a federal government shutdown, Republicans in DC and ND have one thing in common: they can’t be trusted to handle their basic obligations to govern. Our state and our country deserve better, and the Democratic-NPL is ready to deliver that for all North Dakotans.”

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

Democratic-NPL Leaders Hogan and Ista issue statement on State Supreme Court ruling voiding OMB budget bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 28, 2023

Bismarck, ND – Today the North Dakota Supreme Court voided the bill that funds the Office of Management and Budget. The North Dakota Legislature will likely have to return for a special session to remedy the issue.

After the ruling, Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan and House Minority Leader Zac Ista released a joint statement:

“Democrats sounded the alarm about this bill from the beginning. Ignoring the long-standing precedent of minority participation in crafting the OMB budget bill, Republican lawmakers shut us out of the conference committee entirely this year. Without bipartisan accountability on that committee, the final bill included not just $130M in new government spending, but substantive policy changes that had already been rejected by the Legislature earlier in the session, including major changes to the public employees’ pension board. To compound the problem, the Legislature voted on this take-it-or-leave-it measure in the middle of the night on the last day of the session. It’s no wonder the Supreme Court called foul on the process and struck down the bill as violating our state constitution.

This only highlights the perils of one-party rule in our state, where checks and balances have eroded. Whether it’s passing bills that survive constitutional scrutiny or exercising oversight of executive branch spending, North Dakotans deserve more accountability in state government. When the inevitable special session begins, Democrats will fight both for this transparency and for policies and investments that help families across the state. We will work across party lines to address the serious issues exposed by this ruling.”

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

Both government shutdown and GOP funding cuts could hurt North Dakotans, says Democratic-NPL chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 26, 2023

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

Fargo, ND – House Republicans still have not coalesced around a solution to keep the U.S. Government funded. Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “We have less than a week to avert a government shutdown, and right now Republican Representatives are trying to appease the most extreme far-right members of their caucus rather than do what’s right for the American people.

Because of these Republican Lawmakers, especially Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota families are facing either a devastating government shutdown or outrageous cuts that would rob funding for child care, schools, law enforcement, and much more.”

How North Dakotans would be affected by a government shutdown:

-Service members could be forced to work without pay
-Our national security could be weakened
-Slashes funding food safety, education, law enforcement, housing, Head Start and child care, Meals on Wheels, and much more
-Weaken security at the border by jeopardizing funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and officers.
-Fails to provide urgent funding counter fentanyl trafficking
-Fails to preserve access to critical food assistance for pregnant and postpartum women and young children.
-Abandons our allies by withholding support for Ukraine
-Some essential inspections that ensure food safety and water quality could be delayed
-Services from the Social Security Administration to support our seniors could be delayed
-North Dakota FSA county offices could close right in the middle of harvest
-10,299 North Dakota women, children, and babies would lose vital nutritional assistance
-Disability payments for America’s veterans could be halted
-Essential medical research into diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s could be stalled, and more

How proposed House GOP cuts could hurt North Dakotans:

-Slashes funding food safety, education, law enforcement, housing, Head Start and child care, Meals on Wheels, and much more
-Weaken security at the border by jeopardizing funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and officers.
-Fails to provide urgent funding counter fentanyl trafficking
-Fails to preserve access to critical food assistance for pregnant and postpartum women and young children.
-Abandons our allies by withholding support for Ukraine