Historic Native American Caucus Founded within Dem-NPL

BISMARCK, ND — This weekend, The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party State Policy Committee unanimously approved an application to form the Native American Caucus. Prairie Rose Seminole, Dr. Twyla Baker, and Rep. Ruth Buffalo brought the application and are organizing the caucus to build long term political engagement within Indigenous communities and with the Dem-NPL.

All three women are members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. The caucus group is currently more than 40 members who are working on developing a governing structure that includes representation from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Three Affiliated Tribes, and the Spirit Lake Nation as well as setting goals for future engagement. The meeting was held virtually Saturday because of COVID-19.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo represents District 27 in Fargo. She is originally from Mandaree and is the Dem-NPL’s DNC National Committeewoman. Buffalo said:

“This has been a long time coming. Diversity will only strengthen relationships across the state to address the issues that not only face our tribal communities, but our rural and urban populations. More native voices in the political landscape of North Dakota only deepens our understanding of one another, and there is value in knowing who our neighbors are and what impact public policy may have.”

Prairie Rose Seminole is a policy analyst at the Indigenous Environmental Network and program manager at Advance Native Political Leadership.  She ran for House District 45 in 2010. Seminole said:

“We’re making a space within the Dem-NPL to house and nurture Native leadership in the state and to make introductions to the party and the platforms, but also to encourage our own leadership where Native North Dakotans can potentially run for office or be an organizer. There’s so much capacity in our community, but we need to build trust within the party.”

Dr. Tywla Baker is president of Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College. Baker said:

“This will be a learning experience for our communities and for the Dem-NPL. There are different practices and approaches to democratic participation, and we want to establish a practice of building leadership beyond voter engagement. In the long term, we want to nurture relationships for strategic, years-long efforts for structural victories that improve peoples’ lives and provide value in the political education needed for more relational governance in North Dakota and our tribal people.”

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North Dakotans Deserve Transparency, Not a Twisted Message from NDGOP Officials

BISMARCK, ND — Sen. Kevin Cramer said he has no problem with the decision President Trump made to purposefully mislead the public regarding the threat COVID-19 posed on United States citizens. Recorded interviews by Bob Woodward and The Washington Post revealed that President Trump knew COVID-19 was deadly and far more harmful than the flu, despite telling the public the exact opposite. 

Rep. Kelly Armstrong, who is up for reelection down ballot of President Trump, refused to recognize the harm caused by the President’s decision to mislead the public during a pandemic, even as North Dakota’s infection rates rank near the top in the nation.

A recent Associated Press report also showed that Gov. Burgum, too, used a far different tone in private than in public. On the same day he emailed staff saying “our house is on fire” and pressed a “sense of urgency and action,” he visited Washington, D.C. and all but declared victory over the virus and the economic downturn caused by the chaotic response. Burgum has lost two top public health officials during the pandemic.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“North Dakota’s COVID-19 recovery relies on everyone being able to make the best decisions for ourselves, our families, and our communities. For that to work, our elected leaders need to be at the forefront of this pandemic and economic collapse with transparency, honesty, and frankness. North Dakotans deserve the truth.”

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Dem-NPL Legislative Candidates Urge Action to Protect Educators, Support Staff 

BISMARCK, ND — A group of Dem-NPL legislative candidates urged the governor today to take action to protect teachers, support staff, and students at all North Dakota K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

They urged Gov. Doug Burgum to build off executive orders he has issued since March extending workers compensation for specific essential workers who contract or are exposed to COVID-19 through the course of employment. This executive order would extend the previous orders to include teachers and support staff at North Dakota K-12 public schools and professors and support staff at universities and colleges. The order would include teachers, paraprofessionals, maintenance staff, kitchen staff, bus drivers, and all support staff. 

It would also create a presumption that qualified employees contracted COVID-19 on the job, which would cut red tape and assure North Dakota workers access to benefits they deserve. The initiative would apply when all other COVID-19 benefits have been exhausted and only when telework is unavailable, meaning this wouldn’t apply if the individual can continue their work virtually.

Naomi Muscha, a retired teacher and current District 24 House candidate, said: 

“Students, teachers and support staff are happy and thankful that schools are in session in North Dakota, some fully face-to-face and others with varying degrees of virtual classes. Adding this presumption would cut through red tape and give assurance to all school employees they can stay working and safe.”

Zachary Tomczik, a University of North Dakota law student and District 42 House candidate, said:

“If we are able to give our educators and support staff time to recover without worrying about their finances  – they can leave when they need to and get better – to come back. This will keep the COVID-19 numbers down on campus and allow our university to continue the fight through these unusual times. As a city we cannot afford for the university to close its doors.”

Kari Breker, a former social worker, mother of school-age children, and District 16 Senate candidate, said:

“Ultimately, if parents aren’t at work, the economy grinds to a halt and stability of families suffer, and the crisis gets much worse overall. Parents need to know their children are safe and healthy and everything is being done to prevent the spread of the virus, but the expectations are high and the implementation is difficult. Making sure teachers, schools, and support staff have all the options available related to COVID-19, helps everyone make strong public health decisions, and will help assure parents that their kids are safe.”

John Pederson, Ph.D., professor of economics and history at Mayville State University and District 20 House candidate, said: 

“If we have to stop teaching face to face, think of what happens to all the workers we have providing food to our students, faculty, and staff on campus. Supporting university and college workers and employees means supporting our communities and it means supporting our economy.” 

Background on Gov. Burgum’s Executive Orders

Workers made eligible by previous Executive Orders: Paid or voluntary first responders, healthcare workers, funeral directors and others employed in a funeral home, individuals employed to provide direct care, treatment, and services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

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Wednesday: Dem-NPL Leg Candidate Press Conference on Education Amid COVID-19

BISMARCK, ND — Press are invited to attend a virtual press conference Wednesday, September 9 at 12:30 p.m. (CT) during which four legislative candidates will introduce a proposal related to education and COVID-19.

Speakers

  • Naomi Muscha, retired teacher, District 24 House candidate
  • Zachary Tomczik, University of North Dakota law student, District 42 House candidate
  • Kari Breker, former social worker, mother of school-age children, District 16 Senate candidate
  • John Pederson, Ph.D., professor of economics and history at Mayville State University, District 20 House candidate

To Attend

Please RSVP to Alex Rohr at [email protected] to receive the meeting ID and pass code.

Log in via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96902534932?pwd=SjRxRXFzaEVwR3JVb3oxeWZsMENEdz09

Dial in: +1 312 626 6799 US 

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The Democratic-NPL Party Statement on the North Dakota Supreme Court Decision in Oversen, et al. v. Jaeger 

The Democratic-NPL Party Statement on the North Dakota Supreme Court Decision in Oversen, et al. v. Jaeger 

We agree with former Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle, the longest-serving chief justice in the state’s history, in his dissent stating:

VandeWalle, Justice, dissenting.

I respectfully dissent. Section 16.1-11-18(6)(d), N.D.C.C., provides a vacancy can be filled if a candidate “[c]eases to be qualified to serve, if elected, as otherwise provided by law.” I believe the use of the term qualified in subdivision (6)(d) is ambiguous and a reasonable interpretation is that Martin was qualified when she was placed on the primary ballot by the Secretary of State. She subsequently ceased to be qualified when we determined she was not eligible to hold the office of insurance commissioner in our prior case. I would err on the side of placing a candidate’s name on the ballot when ambiguity exists in a statute. Therefore, I dissent.

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Dem-NPL Endorses New Insurance Commissioner Candidate, Petitions Supreme Court

 BISMARCK, ND —  The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen and the party’s newly endorsed insurance commissioner candidate Jason Anderson filed a petition yesterday to the North Dakota Supreme Court challenging Secretary of State Al Jaeger’s refusal to replace the party’s candidate for insurance commissioner. Oral arguments take place September 2, 11 a.m.

The Supreme Court ordered Travisia Martin, the former Dem-NPL candidate for insurance commissioner, be removed from the ballot following a petition filed with the Supreme Court by the North Dakota Republicans. The court recognized that Martin was truthful about physically residing in North Dakota for the appropriate timeline to meet the election requirement of five years. Secretary Jaeger has refused to allow the Dem-NPL to replace the nominee whom Secretary Jaeger qualified to be on the June primary ballot. Martin received votes in the primary from more than 34,200 North Dakotans.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said: 

“In an oral argument hearing before the Supreme Court, it was observed that the NDGOP could have brought this lawsuit months earlier, but they delayed until the last minute tightening the timeline. North Dakotans deserve and expect to have the options they already voted for. The court overruled Secretary Jaeger twice last week, and we’re not going to take his word for it now.”  

On Friday, the Democratic-NPL Party Executive Committee, pursuant to North Dakota law, voted to endorse Jason Anderson, an insurance professional from Fargo, to replace Martin as the Dem-NPL candidate for Insurance Commissioner on the ballot.

Anderson said: 

“My number one job will be to make sure people have more options and better coverage, especially for those with preexisting conditions. Our insurance commissioner should be attracting companies to the marketplace to lower premiums and make healthcare affordable. Instead, he’s joined a lawsuit that would strip coverage for preexisting conditions from thousands of North Dakotans and eliminate funding for rural hospitals. People in this state are hurting, and I’ll bring to this office not only a strong understanding of the insurance industry, but also some much-needed humanity.”

About Jason Anderson

  • A licensed insurance agent with Mutual of Omaha since 2015
  • Raised on a ranch north of McHenry, ND
  • Graduated Bismarck State College with a degree in business
  • Former vice chair of The Democratic-NPL Party District 11
  • Volunteer Radio Host on Radio Free Fargo


For more information on the Supreme Court petition, contact attorney David Thompson at 701-739-3257.

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ICYMI: Former Sen. Heitkamp Featured Among USA Today’s “Women of the Century” 

BISMARCK, ND — Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp was recently recognized as a part of the “Women of the Century” feature in USA Today, as printed in the Devils Lake Journal. The project celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and hopes to inspire women, girls, and their supporters to work toward a better America for the next century. 
 

Ten women who have made their mark on North Dakota’s history were profiled. Heitkamp was honored along with Mary Louise Defender Wilson, Anne Carlsen, Maj. Gen. Giselle “Gigi” Wilz, Era Bell Thompson, Minnie Craig, Marie Tyler, Pearl Young, Fannie Quain, and Josephine Gates Kelly.

Check out the North Dakota profile and the entire “Women of the Century” feature.

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NDGOP Leaders Fail to Hold Reps Accountable for Hate-Posting

BISMARCK, ND — Within only a week two NDGOP representatives were caught posting hateful memes to their social media feeds. Rep. Rick Becker compared Black Lives Matter to the KKK, and stood by his post in media reports. Rep. Jim Kasper posted racist and sexist memes, including one calling Sen. Kamala Harris a “hoe.” Kasper said he was hacked, the same excuse he made in January after posting similar content. He provided no evidence, but Republican leadership backed the ridiculous excuse. NDGOP leaders have been silent on Becker. 

The NDGOP House Caucus and all NDGOP leaders must denounce Becker and Kasper who have not even hinted at an apology. Kasper’s running mate, Rep. Shannon Roers Jones, is the House Majority Caucus Leader. 

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Ovesen said:

“You can’t say you’re pro-life and pro-liberty and not want to work against the inequity and injustice that black Americans are still facing after centuries. Rep. Kasper made up a lazy excuse and Rep. Becker is standing by his post. The rest of the NDGOP leaders seem resigned to stand by and do nothing. We’re calling on NDGOP leaders to denounce them, and show they believe in a North Dakota that works for all.” 

 

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Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro to Keynote Dem-NPL Burdick Dinner 

BISMARCK, ND —  The Democratic-NPL Party announces that former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro will keynote the annual Burdick Dinner, Saturday, September 26. The event will be held virtually this year as part of ongoing COVID-19 prevention measures while maintaining a robust campaign schedule leading up to November 3. 

Along with his work as HUD Secretary for President Obama’s administration, Castro was a 2020 Democratic candidate for president and is a former Mayor of San Antonio. His grandmother came to the United States when she was seven years old. His mother was the first Chicana to run for San Antonio City Council. His twin brother is U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, of Texas. 

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said: 

“We’re thrilled that Secretary Castro will join us for the annual Burdick Dinner, even if this year is a little bit different because of COVID-19. As a third-generation American and former U.S. cabinet secretary, he proves the American dream is achievable. He also has the wisdom and understanding to know that it’s not accessible for everyone. He has committed his life’s work to building infrastructure to help families get on their feet, so everyone has the opportunity to achieve.”

Oversen continued:

“Throughout his time as a Democratic presidential candidate, Secretary Castro shifted the conversation on a spectrum of issues, including systemic racism, a year before a police officer killed George Floyd in Minneapolis setting off protests around the world. Just this week, an officer shot Jacob Blake, a black man, in the back, setting off community unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It’s long past time that Black Americans and people of color can feel safe going about their lives, and we’re thankful to Secretary Castro for his continued leadership to fight injustice.”

About the Burdick Dinner:

This is the 10th Annual Burdick Dinner, which was founded to honor the lives and service of Senators Quentin and Jocelyn Burdick and the lasting legacy of leadership they have had on the state of North Dakota. The event will be held virtually at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. To order tickets, visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bdin2020?refcode=speakeremail. 

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NoDak Mail Sorting Machines Slated for Removal, Armstrong Votes Against USPS

BISMARCK, ND — As news broke that United States Postal Service sorting machines in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Bismarck were slated for removal, Rep. Kelly Armstrong voted against a bipartisan bill to support USPS and halt the mail slow-down felt nationwide.

Armstrong has both admitted the systemic problems at USPS and brushed off his constituents’ concerns over the removal of sorting machines, elimination of overtime, and other changes causing a mail slow-down. The Postmaster General is a GOP mega donor, and the president has specifically targeted USPS because of mail-in voting, without recognizing it as a necessity for people to receive life-sustaining prescription medication and lifeline for businesses, especially in rural North Dakota.

The Democratic-NPL Party Communications Director Alex Rohr said:

“Despite Rep. Armstrong’s finger-pointing speech before he voted against the bipartisan bill supporting USPS, the Post Office can and will deliver votes from members of both parties this fall. The bill would officially halt the planned removal of mail sorting machines, including the three in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Bismarck, to ensure North Dakotans have access to mail-in voting as an option. USPS shouldn’t be partisan. COVID-19 relief shouldn’t be partisan. But politicians like Rep. Armstrong are refusing to work collaboratively to solve real problems.

We urge voters to request their ballots now, make a plan, and to cast their vote for Zach Raknerud for Congress who won’t let partisanship get in the way of representing you.”

 

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Drive-In with Biden Watch Party Brings Dem-NPLers Together During COVID-19

BISMARCK, ND — The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party will host a Drive-in Watch Party Thursday as former Vice President Joe Biden headlines the Democratic National Convention. The Democratic National Convention programming will be broadcast on a “drive-in” screen at the Red River Valley Fairground, bringing Dem-NPLers together while maintaining physical distancing practices. Dem-NPL statewide candidates will speak briefly at 7:45 p.m. prior to to the broadcast and will be available to press upon request.

What: Joe Biden accepts the Democratic nomination for president, broadcast on the “drive-in” screen.
Where: Red River Valley Fairgrounds
When: Thursday, August 20, 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Who: Hosted by the Dem-NPL, Open to the Public

COVID-19 Precautions

Attendees are strongly urged to stay in their vehicles except when purchasing food or using the restrooms and are strongly urged to wear a mask when they are out of their vehicles. We encourage Dem-NPLers to arrive by 7:30 p.m. for “Fair Food Thursday” before the show starts! Vendors will close down at 8pm. 

North Dakota Dem-NPL Statewide Candidates attending: 

Dr. Shelley Lenz for Governor, Zach Raknerud for Congress, Patrick Hart for State Auditor, Mark Haugen for Treasurer, and Casey Buchmann for Public Service Commission.

For Press Planning to Attend

Due to efforts to promote physical distancing, press must RSVP through Dem-NPL Communications Director Alex Rohr at [email protected], who can also help arrange interviews with statewide candidates.

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USPS Gives NoDak a ‘Heightened Warning’ for Mail-in Ballot Delays

BISMARCK, ND —North Dakota is one of the states that received a “Heightened Warning” for mail-in ballot delays from the United States Postal Service, according to recent news from The Washington Post. That warning means delays are expected to a degree that could disenfranchise voters in North Dakota. The 33 of 53 counties that relied on mail-in voting before the pandemic were primarily rural. The House is returning to Washington to investigate the slow-down influenced by the GOP mega-donor who was named Postmaster General. 

The president has said he refuses to compromise on COVID-19 relief if it includes support for the Post Office because he doesn’t want to increase mail-in voting, a right he takes advantage of himself. When asked by a reporter about the president’s confessed attempt to sabotage the Postal Service to suppress mail-in votes, North Dakota’s delegation defended the president and pointed fingers. Rep. Armstrong said he is on a relevant committee, but that they have done nothing to address long-standing needs facing USPS. 

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“The U.S. Postal Service is vital to hard-working Americans who rely on it for so many critical services, including voting by mail. If we’re already being warned about mail-in delays for the November 3 election, what does that mean for our neighbors who rely on USPS for life-sustaining prescription drugs and to pay their bills on time right now?

USPS is a hallmark of America, and an essential government service. We need to defend it and fully fund it. Full stop. I’m calling on Sen. Kevin Cramer, Sen. John Hoeven, and Rep. Kelly Armstrong to step the heck up already and to stop playing the blame game. What are you doing to ensure your neighbors back home can continue to rely on USPS? What are you doing to ensure all Americans can cast their ballots, regardless of who they are voting for?”

 

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