Tag Archive for: North Dakota Dem-NPL

Dem-NPL Chair slams Hoeven and Cramer for voting against Right to IVF Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 13, 2024

FARGO – Today Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer voted against the Right to IVF Act. This comes after the Alabama Supreme Court effectively outlawed IVF until the legislature amended its anti-abortion law.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “The Democratic Party is the party of families and family values, and we’ve proven it again today. The Right to IVF Act would protect the freedom to access IVF nationwide, ensure North Dakota doctors have the freedom to provide IVF, and lower the cost for treatments. IVF has helped thousands of North Dakotans create the families they want and deserve. The Dobbs decision has had far-reaching ramifications that have made it harder and more dangerous to become pregnant. There is a nationwide effort to rip away access to reproductive health care—including contraception and IVF—if given the chance, and Hoeven and Cramer are complicit in that. That’s why we are asking all pro-family North Dakotans to support Katrina Christiansen for Senate and Trygve Hammer for House, to protect our fundamental rights from Republican big-government interference in our families.”

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

“Vote Trygve Hammer” says Democratic-NPL Chair — after mysterious pro-Becker text

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2024

FARGO – On the eve of the Primary Election, many North Dakotans received a bizarre text message. The text is not from the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. It reads “thousands of Democrats are now pulling a Republican primary ballot and voting for Dr. Rick Becker. This is our JFK moment. Vote Rick Becker in the GOP primary tomorrow.”

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Democrats vote for Democrats. It’s just that simple. And if John F Kennedy were alive today, he would be voting for Democrats up and down the ballot. We don’t know precisely who sent the text, but the campaigning we’ve seen from Republican candidates this primary season doesn’t represent the best of who we are as North Dakotans. The ONLY person on the ballot tomorrow who will bring the work ethic, honesty, and grit we need in a member of Congress is Marine Corps Veteran Trygve Hammer. Democrats are proud to cast our ballots for him tomorrow, and on November 5.”

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

Armstrong’s Ukraine vote is “cowardly” says Dem-NPL Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 22, 2024

FARGO — On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to provide around $60 million in aid to support Ukraine. All the Democrats present and 101 Republicans voted for the bill, however, a notable “nay” was North Dakota Representative and Gubernatorial candidate Kelly Armstrong.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Rep. Armstrong’s vote against Ukraine aid is cowardly. The fight to protect democracy isn’t a metaphor for the brave Ukrainians fighting against Putin’s invasion. This war is deeply personal for me—my mother-in-law and father-in-law live in Kyiv. How do I tell my own family that my representative doesn’t have the backbone to stand up for them? Armstrong is putting American and Ukrainian lives on the line as he grovels to extremists in the Republican Party. We need to elect folks like Trygve Hammer and Katrina Christiansen to Congress who will support our allies.”

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

Nicole Donaghy to receive “Hometown Hero” award at Dem-NPL Governors Dinner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 17, 2024

BISMARCK — Nicole Donaghy will receive the Hometown Hero award at the 7th Annual Democratic-NPL Governors Dinner on Saturday, April 27 at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck.

Donaghy is a Hunkpapa Lakota from Standing Rock Nation, she is also a descendant of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nations, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Donaghy is the Executive Director of North Dakota Native Vote. She’s a staunch champion for voting rights and political representation, particularly for Native American communities in North Dakota. Recognizing the systemic barriers that have historically disenfranchised Indigenous voters, Donaghy has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and expand access to the ballot box.

Democratic-NPL Vice Chair and ND Representative Lisa Finley-DeVille (D-Mandaree) remarked, “In a world where our voices are often silenced, my fellow sister and I fearlessly worked to take on the injustices that our people face. Together we’ve worked on holding polluters accountable, continue to fight for clean air and water standards, educating our people on the injustices brought forth on our lands, and building power for Native communities in North Dakota. It’s the tireless dedication of everyday citizens like Nicole, who believe in the power of collective action to create meaningful change. In the trenches of our communities, she worked to sow the seeds of progress, cultivating a future where justice, equality, and opportunity flourish. A natural grassroots organizer, her passion fuels the engine of democracy, and your commitment paves the road to a brighter tomorrow.”

The dinner will feature keynote speaker Ken Martin, who is the Chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, President of the Association of State Democratic Committees, and a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Tickets are available at: https://swift-cpa.net/donate/2024governorsdinner

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