Dem-NPL leaders, candidates react to death of Lloyd Omdahl

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 15, 2024

GRAND FORKS – Former Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota Lloyd Omdahl has died at age 93. Omdahl was appointed as North Dakota Tax Commissioner after the death of J. Arther Engen in 1963, and was appointed Lieutenant Governor after the death of Ruth Meiers in 1987.

U.S. Senate Candidate Katrina Christiansen said, “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Lt. Gov. Lloyd Omdahl. His dedication to public service and his impact on North Dakota will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Lt. Governor Candidate Patrick Hart remarked, “Lloyd always thought the legacy fund will be tapped and if so it should be used for societal good such as health care or education.”

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) said, “He was a true statesman. He studied issues thoroughly, asked pertinent questions and spoke respectfully to everyone. He loved a good debate on issues and encouraged us to disagree or question his opinions which I did often. Mostly he loved North Dakota, both the land and the people.”

Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “I have worked with Lloyd since first elected to the Senate in 1986 and kept in regular contact until his death at age 93. He was a master at running the ND Senate. He had a way with the rules to assure that a tie between Republicans and Democrats did not let us stalemate like today’s Congress. I think Lloyd’s greatest achievement for North Dakota was his melding of political science and journalism. If democracy survives it is journalism regarding politics that will be our saving grace. Professor Omdahl also possessed a deep religious faith. He never wore it on his sleeve but it guided his ethics in all of his professions. A party in heaven tonight for sure.”

Former Dem-NPL Chair Bob Valeu remarked, “Lloyd was a dear friend. He was my political mentor dating back to 1965. I worked for Lloyd when he served as Tax Commissioner. Lloyd genuinely believed in a representative government. He was a dedicated public servant and worked tirelessly toward perfecting our democracy. Even in his later years he and I would visit, and his advice was uplifting, positive, and right on target. Lloyd was a remarkable figure in North Dakota’s political landscape, he has left an indelible mark on the state. His legacy is one of a dedicated public servant, educator, and writer, and will be remembered by many.”

Gary Holm, who worked in the Link administration wrote, “A friend since 1965, Lloyd was an outstanding public servant, a great professor and a talented columnist. Author of “The Insurgents” about the Dem-NPL merger, he was an early leader and activist in the party. He will be missed by many who knew him and read his column.”

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

Dem-NPL Chair emphasizes full support of Trygve Hammer for U.S. House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2024

FARGO – At the end of the filing deadline yesterday there were seven total candidates for running in the June 11 primary for the U.S. House—five on the Republican side and two on the Democratic-NPL ticket.

“After a unifying convention, Democrats stand strong with our endorsed candidates. We want to quash any notion that we support anyone other than Trygve Hammer. Trygve represents what is best about our Peace Garden State: he served our country in uniform, worked in the oil fields, and taught in our rural schools. He is also right on the issues: he is THE pro-choice, pro-union, pro-democracy candidate in this race. I am casting my vote in the June 11th primary and the November 5th general elections for Trygve, and I encourage not just every Democrat, but every Republican and independent who is tired of the anger and dysfunction in our politics to join me,” affirmed Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn.

Originally from Velva, Hammer served as a helicopter pilot, a forward air controller, a Military attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and as an instructor and company officer at the U.S. Naval Academy. He deployed to Iraq in 2003 as an infantry officer and forward air controller. In 2010, he retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a major.

In his civilian life, Hammer taught 7-12 grade science in Granville, worked as roughneck on oil rigs in the Bakken, and currently is a counselor for Job Corps in Minot.

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

Dem-NPL elects 8 “District Delegates” to attend the Democratic National Convention, others may still apply to attend as “At-Large Delegates”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2024

FARGO – At the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention, eight people out of 15 who ran were elected to serve as “district delegates” to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. These eight will appoint 7 additional delegates.

North Dakotans who are interested in becoming delegates should complete this form by Friday, April 12 at 5:00pm CT.

District Level Delegates:
Matuor Alier – Originally born in South Sudan, Alier immigrated to the United States in 2006 as a refugee seeking a better life for my family. Since then, he has become deeply ingrained in American society and has embraced the values of democracy and equality that this great nation stands for.
Rep. Hamida Dakane – Dakane represents District 10 in the North Dakota Legislature. Originally from Kenya, she came to North Dakota 12 years ago to attend NDSU.
Rep. Gretchen Dobervich – Dobervich has represented District 11 in the North Dakota Legislature since 2016. She grew up on her family’s farm and ranch in Slope County. Dobervich is a licensed social worker and works as a public health professional in Fargo.
Patrick Hart – Hart is the endorsed candidate for Lt. Governor running with Merrill Piepkorn. He has served as State Party Chair and Treasurer. Hart is a small business owner in Bismarck.
Landis Larson – Larson is currently the President of the North Dakota AFL-CIO. He has been involved in the District 13 Democratic-NPL and is a former legislative candidate. Larson served on Platform and Resolutions Committee and as a Sergeant at Arms for the 2024 State Convention
Kylie Oversen – Kylie Oversen currently serves as Chair of the DNC Rural Council. She served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 2012-2016 and was elected in 2015, 2017, and 2019 as State Party Chair.
Rep. Mary Schneider – For the past 10 years, Schneider has represented District 21 in the North Dakota House. Before getting a law degree, she worked as a police officer, a deputy clerk of court, as a psychiatric aide, and a criminal justice researcher. Schneider co-counselled the ARC class action which resulted in the development of community homes and services for persons with developmental disabilities who were institutionalized in abhorrent conditions.
Will Thompson – Thompson is a candidate for the North Dakota House in District 46. Thompson wants to create diverse employment opportunities that appeal to all types of skill sets in North Dakota.

This group will select North Dakotans to serve as 2 Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials delegates, 3 At-Large Delegates, and 2 At-Large Alternates.

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Automatic Delegates are:

Dem-NPL Chair – Adam Goldwyn
Dem-NPL Vice-Chair – Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille
DNC Committeeman – Jamie Selzler
DNC Committeewoman – Ruth Buffalo

At the State Convention, Selzler was elected to serve another term as DNC Committeeman. Buffalo chose not to seek re-election to this position. Renae Aarfor was elected to serve as DNC Committeewoman; her term will start after the Democratic National Convention in August gavels out. Aarfor is the former Southeastern Regional Director for Senator Heitkamp and is currently the treasurer for District 41 and Cass County Dems Chair.

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

Dem-NPL Platform demonstrates stark contrast from divisive NDGOP’s

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2024

FARGO – “The North Dakota Democratic-NPL convention was one of unity and inclusion,” said Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn

The NDGOP affirmed all but one of its controversial resolutions. Leading up to the convention, the North Dakota Republican Party was plagued with infighting members trading homophobic insults. They spent nearly three hours squabbling over blocking their own delegates from participating. Today on News and Views on KFGO the NDGOP candidate for Superintendent couldn’t even say if he thinks Muslims should be allowed to teach in public school teachers.

Among the resolutions from the NDGOP

-Eliminate gay marriage while urging the attorney general to protect any religious center that discriminates against gay marriage

-Block protections for LGBTQ communities

-Enact harmful “school choice” programs diverting taxpayer dollars from public schools to fund unregulated and unlicensed private and homeschool programs

Goldwyn continued, “What we saw from the North Dakota Republican Convention was not very North Dakota Nice. If you are disaffected by the vitriol and chaos from the, come on over to the Dem-NPL, the water here’s fine.”

The Chair of the Democratic-NPL Platform Committee Charlene Rawson said, “Ours is an examination of what freedom is really all about.” Earlier this year, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL adopted a bylaws change to make the Platform Committee a standing committee that will meet throughout the year to adapt to an ever-changing political landscape.

Highlights of the Democratic-NPL Platform

-“The Dem-NPL advocates for unambiguous state laws affirming In Vitro Fertilization practices by medical providers in the state, holding clear freedom-from-prosecution any person involved in IVF protocols, which necessarily include the destruction of certain fertilized embryos, the selective abortion of multiple successful implantations, and the medical care afforded pregnant persons consistent with contemporary medical science”

-“The Dem-NPL supports restoring the state retirement and pension program that provided a defined benefit plan for teachers and public employees; and supports maintaining separate retirement systems for public employees (PERS) and educators (TFFR), in addition to keeping them as a defined benefit plan.”

-“The Dem-NPL opposes all efforts to privatize Social Security; and to strengthen Social Security, the Dem-NPL supports an increase, in, or the elimination of, the cap on taxable earnings for Social Security taxes. The Dem-NPL opposes all efforts to weaken Medicare.”

-“The Dem-NPL recognizes proper nutrition as a requirement for physical development and learning and supports fully funded hot lunches for all public-school students through grade 12, fully funded milk programs for elementary school students, and funded alternative lunches for medically-required diet and cultural restrictions.”

-“We support full funding for all public-school districts, including providing universal early childhood education and the expansion of Head Start, English Language Learners, and job training for all New Americans and immigrants.”

-“The Dem-NPL asserts “the trigger” law, passed in 2013 with additional restrictions on abortion passed in 2023, stand contrary to the American values of freedom and liberty and should be repealed.”

-“The Dem-NPL strenuously objects to the culture of fear and exclusion accelerated by members of the North Dakota legislature. In the last legislative session, 21 discriminatory bills were introduced with the intent of targeting LGBTQ+ and depriving these North Dakotans of common liberties to which we all should enjoy.”

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

Dem-NPL Endorses Katrina Christiansen for U.S. Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 6, 2024

FARGO – The North Dakota Democratic-NPL has endorsed Katrina Christiansen for U.S. Senate.

“She’s running to win!” said Former Agricultural Commissioner Sarah Vogel, who nominated Christiansen.

“Some people have written off this race — me, a Democrat, a woman, winning a US Senate seat in North Dakota. But those people don’t know me. They don’t know that every hurdle I have encountered in my life is not a roadblock, but a problem to be solved,” remarked Christiansen. She added that her campaign has already raised half a million dollars.

Christiansen emphasized, “Where we defend social security and medicare from vulture capitalists looking to privatize and cut our nation’s safety nets. Our story is better when we restore reproductive rights, when we address the cost of childcare, higher ed, and housing. When we take a balanced approach to securing our border, stopping gun violence and protecting our national security. Our story is better when we lead with solutions like passing a farm bill that doesn’t leave success up to luck.”

Christiansen has rural roots. She graduated high school as valedictorian in Pender, a town of 1,200 people in northeast Nebraska, and has a PhD in Agricultural Engineering. Christiansen has worked as an agricultural engineer and professor.

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

Dem-NPL Endorses Trygve Hammer for U.S. House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 6, 2024

FARGO – The North Dakota Democratic-NPL has endorsed Trygve Hammer for the U.S. House.

“I promised you I would be back,” Hammer said of his previous run for Public Service Commissioner. Acknowledging dismissive pundits, who said Hammer can’t win because he is just a “North Dakota Democrat,” Hammer quipped, “D*** right I’m a North Dakota Democrat!”

Hammer continued, “Patriotism is more than just a flag pin on a lapel, and liberty is more than just a catch phrase.”

“Trygve Hammer is no stranger to hard work,” said Logan Longtin, who nominated Hammer.

Originally from Velva, Hammer served as a helicopter pilot, a forward air controller, a Military attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and as an instructor and company officer at the U.S. Naval Academy. He deployed to Iraq in 2003 as an infantry officer and forward air controller. In 2010, he retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a major.

In his civilian life, Hammer taught 7-12 grade science in Granville, worked as roughneck on oil rigs in the Bakken, and currently is a counselor for Job Corps in Minot.

Hammer ended his riveting acceptance speech with, “I am a North Dakota Democrat, and I plan to win.”

When Chair Adam Goldwyn called for other nominations, a delegate excited about Hammer’s remarks jokingly shouted, “Who would dare!”

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

Piepkorn and Hart Aim to Take Back Executive Branch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Saturday, April 6, 2024

Merrill Piepkorn and Patrick Hart earned endorsements from the North Dakota Democratic-Non-partisan League Party at its convention Saturday, vowing to take back the Executive Branch and bring balance to North Dakota government.

Piepkorn was nominated to run for Governor and Hart for Lieutenant Governor. Piepkorn said the two would be partners in the Capital to listen to the public and work with both parties to solve problems.

In speeches to delegates accepting their nominations, both candidates stressed the need to bring North Dakota together and get past partisan divisions. Piepkorn said he was nominated to be Governor for all of North Dakota, not just the Dem-NPL party or people who agree with him. Piepkorn called for supporting affordable childcare and school lunches, reforming but not eliminating property taxes, and developing agriculture and energy opportunities. He said healthcare decisions shouldn’t be in the hands of the government.

“If we want strong families and healthy communities, we need to get serious about mental health care and treatment for addictions. We need to protect the land and heal the wounds between us as cultures. We need to talk to each other again as neighbors,” Piepkorn said.

Hart said the state had lost its checks and balances and needed to restore bi-partisanship and accountability. “Good government starts at the top,” he said, stressing the need for integrity in state leadership and a commitment to transparency and efficiency in public agencies to serve the public better.

As a small business owner, Hart said, he understands firsthand what it takes to support small business and North Dakota’s main streets. North Dakota needs to welcome a workforce instead of driving them away, he said. Support for secondary agriculture markets, economic models like coops, and collective buying to keep rural grocery shelves stocked can benefit the whole state but also “can keep small towns that may be one bar or one grocery store away from turning out all the lights.”

Piepkorn has served in the North Dakota Senate since 2017 representing District 44 in Fargo. He is the current assistant minority leader and has served on committees that include Employment, Energy and Natural Resources, Finance and Taxation, Agriculture, and Human Resources. Originally from Stanley, N.D., he has been a producer and performer for Prairie Airwaves and Prairie Public Broadcasting for almost twenty-five years.

Hart, originally from Pembina who now lives in Bismarck, worked as a fertilizer auditor for North Dakota Department of Agriculture and a grain warehouse inspector for the Public
Service Commission. He is now a partner in Anytime Works, a general contracting company, and Anytime Rentals, a rental and real estate holding company. Hart has held officer positions in the North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party and was a candidate for State Auditor in 2020.

Contact Information:
Shannon Charpentier
[email protected]
(701) 793-0566

Rep. Corey Mock will not seek Democratic-NPL nomination for re-election in District 18; fellow legislators laud his years of service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 3, 2024

GRAND FORKS – After nearly 16 years of dedicated service in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly, Representative Corey Mock has announced that he will not seek the Democratic-NPL nomination for re-election in District 18.

During his near-generation-long tenure in the legislature, Mock has been a steadfast advocate for the people of Grand Forks and the state of North Dakota. His legislative career has been marked by a commitment to constituent service, responsible governance, and a focus on issues crucial to the well-being of North Dakotans.

Representative Mock said, “It’s often quipped that North Dakota is one big town with really long roads. Our legislature has historically modeled this adage as a deliberative body with constructive, civil discourse and a neighborly demeanor. I’m proud of my service and contribution to that legacy.”

Mock, a former House Minority Leader and current ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, has developed a reputation as an effective and independent lawmaker. His expertise most notably shaped policies related to North Dakota’s Legacy Fund, military affairs, sustainable energy development, government accountability, and most recently, critical updates to email retention laws.

Additionally, Mock has been the member generally referred on parliamentary issues.

Mock’s public service and personal achievements have not been limited to the state capitol. Over the years, he has received honors and fellowships from the State Legislative Leadership Foundation (SLLF), Council of State Governments (CSG), and the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL). In 2021, Mock was nationally recognized with CSG’s 20 Under 40 Award.

Partisan fatigue and accelerating devolution of political discourse are among the reasons for Mock’s decision to not seek nomination.

“I am immensely grateful for the trust and support of my constituents and colleagues throughout the years,” said Representative Mock. “While I will not be on the ballot, I am excited about the opportunities to continue serving our community in other capacities and contributing to the progress and prosperity of North Dakota.”

After his announcement, Dem-NPL leaders offered their praise of Mock’s tenure in office.

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “Corey is my mentor, my inspiration, and my dear friend. It is hard to imagine serving in the Legislature without him by my side. His counsel and advice have been invaluable. His impact on Grand Forks and North Dakota has been immeasurable. And matching his legacy will be impossible. In an era of unrelenting partisanship, Corey stands out as someone who truly works across the aisle for the betterment of his constituents. I’m certain his contributions to North Dakota are far from over.”

Former State Senator JoNell Bakke (D-Grand Forks) remarked, “Though we served in different chambers, Corey was one of my closest friends and allies in the Legislature, and sometimes even my driver to and from Bismarck! Over those long hours in the car, I came to know Corey as one of the best and brightest policymakers in the state and someone who harnessed his immense talent to work with legislators from both parties to deliver for the citizens in his district. His determination and dedication will be sorely missed in Bismarck.”

State Representative Liz Conmy (D-Fargo) said, “As a first-term legislator, Corey helped to show me the ropes. From policy to procedure, Corey was always gracious in sharing his expertise–and quick with a joke to make sure we never took ourselves too seriously. I am grateful for Corey’s service and look forward to the next chapter of leadership in his career.”

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

‘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]