Walz is excellent VP Choice, says Dem-NPL Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 7, 2024

FARGO – North Dakota Democratic-NPLers are excited about Vice-President Kamala Harris’ selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Governor Walz was the keynote speaker at the 2023 Democratic-NPL Burdick Dinner.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn “We couldn’t be more thrilled to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Walz is a champion for children and families, labor, freedom, and rural America.

The difference between the Harris-Walz ticket and Trump-Vance is night and day. Earlier at a rally in Eau Claire, some attendees were overheated and needed water. Walz stopped his speech to ensure they were helped, and said “‘Take care of your neighbors.’ Meanwhile, J.D. Vance couldn’t even answer the question ‘What makes you happy?’ Voters have a clear choice this election: kindness and joy or cruelty and creepiness.”

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

Holmberg’s release violation continues pattern of GOP criminal behavior

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 5, 2024

FARGO — A recent report from the Fargo Forum uncovered that Former North Dakota Sen. Ray Holmberg violated release conditions ahead of his plea hearing multiple times. Holmberg was set to plead guilty for traveling to Prague with intentions to rape children. The plea agreement would drop a charge that Holmberg possessed child sex abuse materials.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “This plea agreement was already a sweetheart deal. It’s a betrayal of our nation’s promise to protect its children that Holmberg has been able to gallivant about Grand Forks as if nothing happened. This isn’t new for Republican lawmakers though. Whether it’s Nico Rios drunkenly harassing police officers, Jason Dockter being convicted for profiting from taxpayer funds, Emily O’Brien’s alleged illegally lobbying, Claire Cory drinking and driving, or out-on-bail felon Donald Trump’s long list of crimes, Republicans think that they are above the law. Voters have a clear choice this election: the Republican Party is the party of criminals; the Democratic Party, led by a former prosecutor, is the party of law and order.”

Cramer does backflips to try to soften Trump’s weird race comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 31, 2024

FARGO — At the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago today, Donald Trump said of Kamala Harris, “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”

In response Kevin Cramer told a journalist, “I don’t think he’s doubting her blackness. What he’s doing is he’s making fun of the fact that she chooses it when it’s convenient, and chooses another race when that’s convenient.”

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “We don’t need Cramer or any other Trump translator to tell us what he really said. We know what we heard with our own ears. We all know what satire is, and this wasn’t it. It was a gross attempt by Trump to stoke racism, and it’s weird that Cramer is doing backflips to try to soften his comments.”

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

Democratic National Convention Celebrates Accessibility Milestones during Disability Pride Month

CHICAGO – This month, the Democratic National Convention (DNCC) is celebrating Disability Pride Month by announcing several new accessibility milestones. This includes the first-ever ADA-compliant ramp to the convention floor in Democratic National Convention history. In partnership with the City of Chicago, the convention team has also taken significant steps to create a positive experience for convention attendees and city residents with disabilities, leaving a lasting legacy on the city.

In an interview with ABC7 Chicago, DNCC and Chicago 2024 Host Committee Accessibility Advisor Robin Jones highlighted the DNCC’s inclusive approach and strategies to make the 2024 Democratic National Convention the most accessible in history.

In March, the DNCC and Chicago 2024 Host Committee announced Robin Jones as Accessibility Advisor for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Jones is working closely with the DNCC, Host Committee, United Center, McCormick Place, airports, hotels, and other venues as well as the Mayor’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and other key experts. Together they will ensure that the physical infrastructure and material presented during the 2024 Democratic National Convention meets or exceeds all relevant accessibility standards.

North Dakota Delegation to Democratic National Convention endorses VP Kamala Harris

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 23, 2024

FARGO – After the announcement from President Biden, the North Dakota Delegation to the Democratic National Convention met virtually and voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 Democratic Presidential Nomination.

Kylie Oversen, Chair of the North Dakota Delegation, said, “First and foremost, we acknowledge and express our deep gratitude for President Biden’s decades of compassionate public service. His commitment to his family and his faith is one we admire and hope all leaders will emulate. President Biden’s decision to pass the torch to a new generation of leadership comes from a place of humility and true patriotism.”

She added, “The Biden Harris administration has done more for rural America and states like North Dakota than any administration in recent memory. Investments from the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act have been life changing for communities across our state and region. Joe Biden believes in rural America and his policy priorities have made that clear. In particular, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested hundreds of millions of dollars in clean water infrastructure, broadband expansion, and rebuilding of our roads and bridges. The Biden Harris administration has also prioritized investments in rural health systems, rural electric cooperatives, food security, and infrastructure in our tribal communities. We are grateful for President Biden’s generational and transformative leadership.”

In addition, the delegation discussed and ultimately voted to offer their unanimous support for Vice President Kamala Harris as she accepts President Biden’s endorsement to be the Democratic nominee for President. Oversen stated, “Vice President Harris has been alongside President Biden in his support for rural America. She has been fully vetted on the national stage and has demonstrated her ability to lead in this administration. Her commitment to reproductive justice and improving maternal health outcomes is especially important to me. Our delegation looks forward to a fair, orderly process to nominate our next ticket for President and Vice President, and we remain committed to maintaining Democratic leadership in the White House come November.”

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

Democratic-NPL Chair commends President Biden for his service to the country

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 21, 2024

Fargo — North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party Chair Adam Goldwyn issued the following statement:

“President Biden has been one of the most impactful leaders of my lifetime. With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Biden made the biggest investment in infrastructure since President Eisenhower. The Biden-Harris Administration saw manufacturing jobs return to the United States with the CHIPS and Science Act. The Inflation Reduction Act lowered health care costs, strengthened American energy security, and it is the most ambitious investment in combating the climate crisis in world history.

For a half century, through personal and political triumphs and setbacks, President Biden has done what he believes is best for our country and our world. Like George Washington, President Biden becomes one of very few American Presidents to voluntarily cede power in pursuit of the greater good. President Biden ran on the campaign slogan to ‘finish the job,’ and now we honor his sacrifice and secure his legacy and our future greatness by electing whoever emerges as the Democratic nominee for President.”

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

For Burgum, North Dakota is no longer a ‘top priority’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 17, 2024

Following Governor Doug Burgum’s speech at the Republican National Convention,

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party Chair Adam Goldwyn issued the following statement:

“Judging by his speech tonight, it isn’t surprising that Donald Trump snubbed Doug Burgum as his Vice Presidential pick. Perhaps some Republican convention attendees may be fooled by Burgum, but North Dakotans know exactly who he is – a billionaire cosplaying as a cowboy with an un-dirtied Carhartt who sold out women and the LGBTQ community to bend the knee to the far right. Burgum signed one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country and that is wreaking havoc on North Dakotan women. After supporting bills to promote equality in North Dakota, he threw LGBTQ folks under the bus when he signed laws that discriminate against them. Will Burgum finally return to North Dakota now, or will he continue to neglect his gubernatorial duties? Either way his time in the national spotlight is over and he is no longer a ‘top priority.’

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

Dem-NPL House Minority Leader on the Supreme Court Decision in Trump v. United States


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 1, 2024

GRAND FORKS – Today all six of the Republican appointed Supreme Court justices ruled that a President of the United States has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for all official acts taken while in office. The three justices appointed by Democrats dissented.

In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that this decision “makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of Government, that no man is above the law.”

Democratic-NPL House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “In a few days, we will be celebrating our declaration of independence from a monarchy. In the nearly 250 years since then, countless brave Americans have fought and died to protect the constitutional republic our Founding Fathers envisioned—one that gave us a president, not a dictator or a king.

But today’s Supreme Court decision paves the way for any president to don the crown of a monarch once again. The notion that anyone—let alone the President—is above the law should shock the conscience of all patriotic Americans. So where this Supreme Court has failed, we as citizens must act to uphold our fundamental values at the ballot box. As Justice Sotomayor eloquently wrote in dissent, nothing short of our very democracy is at stake.”

Donald Trump already attacked our democracy and freedom:

-Donald Trump has pledged to be a dictator on “day one.” Trump admires violent dictators, saying that ‘the tougher and meaner they are, the better I get along with them.’
-After inspiring a violent mob that stormed the Capitol on January 6, Trump has pledged to pardon the rioters who wanted to end American democracy.
-Donald Trump’s Project 2025 is also crafting plans that would allow him to deploy the military against American citizens under the Insurrection Act.
-Trump has floated the idea of running for a third term.
-Trump is warning of a “bloodbath” if he loses in November.

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

Dem-NPL Chair on the Presidential Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 28, 2024

*Biden Administration’s Investing in America North Dakota Fact Sheet*

*North Dakota Infrastructure Projects Spreadsheet*

FARGO – Last night was the first debate between President Joe Biden and former President and convicted felon Donald Trump.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “One night does not sum up an entire presidency. We have four years of our own lived experience under each candidate. At the end of Donald Trump’s presidency we were huddled in our houses hiding from a mass death event while unemployment skyrocketed, and our nation’s capitol was overrun by a violent mob of cop-killers seeking to overturn our election. He appointed three Supreme Court justices who voted to take away women’s reproductive rights and trash our environment. He committed 34 felonies to get there.

After four years of a Biden presidency, unemployment is at a record low, the stock market is at a record high, more Americans continue to be covered for health care, insulin and prescription medicine costs are coming down, and real investment in infrastructure continues to move our country forward, to list just a few of Biden’s achievements.”

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

Dem-NPL Chair on what North Dakotans may expect from tonight’s Presidential Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 27, 2024

FARGO – Tonight will be the first debate between President Joe Biden and former President and convicted felon Donald Trump.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Tonight, we will see the stark contrast between President Biden’s vision for the future—building on his agenda of lowering prices, responsible stewardship of the environment, and protecting our fundamental freedoms. Donald Trump’s extreme agenda consists of ripping away Americans’ rights, undermining American democracy, and selling out the middle class.

Time and time again Trump has put himself above the American voters and our democracy. He wants to abolish the Department of Education and gut Social Security and Medicare, while giving more tax breaks to his billionaire donors like Doug Burgum at working North Dakotans’ expense.”

CONTACT:

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

Dem-NPL candidates and lawmakers reflect on Second Anniversary of Dobbs Decision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 24, 2024

FARGO – Today is the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. This triggered North Dakota’s severe abortion ban. The Dobbs decision has also laid the groundwork for states to outlaw birth control and IVF.

U.S. Senate Candidate Katrina Christiansen remarked, “ The Dobbs decision was a devastating blow to women’s rights and healthcare. It undermines decades of progress and jeopardizes the health and autonomy of countless women across the nation. When elected to the Senate, I will proudly support the Women’s Health Protection Act to ensure that every woman has the right to make decisions about her own body and access the healthcare she needs.

U.S. House Candidate Trygve Hammer said, “By the logic of Dobbs, who you marry, what you do in your bedroom with another consenting adult, and whether you have access to birth control should be regulated by the states. If we allow them to legislate based on their narrow beliefs, what’s to stop them from encroaching further into our lives?”

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) said, “The Dobbs decision was an attack on our freedom. North Dakotans do not want politicians interfering in their deeply personal health care decisions or criminalizing doctors for providing that care. In the wake of Dobbs, extremists are not only passing radical health care bans, they want to limit reproductive services like contraception and in vitro fertilization. All North Dakotans should have the freedom to decide if, when and how to build their families – without politicians involved in those decisions.”

Rep. Liz Conmy (D-Fargo), “It is simply wrong for North Dakota legislators to pick and choose which scenarios are acceptable when women are making decisions about their own bodies. Nobody has the right to force anyone to use their body, against their will, to save the life of someone else. You can’t be forced to donate a kidney, give blood, or even donate organs when you are dead without your personal consent. Women’s reproductive decisions are theirs alone, and do not belong in legislators hands.”

Retired Bismarck OB-GYN and Candidate for District 32 ND House Shari Orser remarked, “ I was deeply saddened and angered by the Dobb’s decision. I have cared for women for many years and have fortunately never had to see the trauma from illegal abortions prior to Roe v Wade. I am very concerned about the health of women going forward as the choices are taken away.

Candidate for District 22 ND House Darrell Hansen said, “The toughest decision a woman might ever have to make, should not be decided by men in the capitol who know absolutely nothing about you. And frankly, these legislators are more likely guided by money than being guided by true conviction, making them wanting control over your body, even worse.”

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

Statement from Reps Dobervich, Conmy, and Schneider on SCOTUS mifepristone decision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 17, 2024

FARGO – Last week, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected a challenge to the Food and Drug Administration’s protocol for prescribing and dispensing mifepristone which allows telemedicine clinics to mail the pill to patients.

Fargo Democratic-NPL Representatives Gretchen Dobervich , Liz Conmy, and Mary Schneider released this joint statement:

“The Supreme Court’s decision does not change the dire stakes November’s election represents for thousands of North Dakotans and millions of women in states across the country. Donald Trump paved the way to overturn Roe v. Wade which ripped away reproductive freedoms from women in North Dakota. Now, he and other Republican candidates want to go even further. Republicans in Congress are working at Trump’s behest to introduce bills and budgets to ban abortion and medication abortion entirely – while his allies have published plans to unilaterally ban abortion nationwide if Trump wins. A second Trump term will only mean more bans, less health care access, and less freedom. The only way to protect reproductive freedom is to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.”

Trump and Republican candidates up and down the ballot have threatened reproductive freedom for every single woman across America:

Trump has endorsed a national abortion ban and supports the extreme abortion bans that states have enacted since he overturned Roe v. Wade, including bans that allow states to prosecute women who have an abortion.

Trump’s allies have published plans to ban abortion nationwide – without the help of Congress or the courts.

In fact, he thinks that cruel abortion bans across the country are ‘working very brilliantly’ as women are denied critical and lifesaving care.

Trump has left the door wide open for restricting access to contraception, including emergency contraception.

Trump will appoint more anti-choice judges and justices to the bench – just as he appointed the justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.

While Trump and Republicans lawmakers are working to ban access to contraception and abortion nationwide, President Biden and Vice President Harris will protect restore a woman’s right to choose:

Calling on Congress to codify the protections of Roe into law, restoring rights women relied on for nearly 50 years.

Standing by the FDA’s evidence-based approval of mifepristone and defending the FDA’s independent, expert authority to review, approve, and regulate a wide range of prescription drugs.

Fighting to ensure access to emergency medical care.

Strengthening patient privacy and access to contraception.

Supporting a woman’s right to travel for medical care.