Tag Archive for: North Dakota Dem-NPL

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]

The Wait Continues for Unemployment Benefit Payments

BISMARCK, ND — Today Gov. Burgum said unemployment benefit payments for those impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic might finally be sent to North Dakotans next week.

Last month, groups of distressed renters, advocacy organizations, nonprofits, and the Dem-NPL urged the governor to sign an executive order and moratorium on evictions, late rental fees, and foreclosures. Renters asked for security to know that they could stay in their homes through the pandemic and that they wouldn’t go into debt while they’re out of work through no fault of their own.

On March 30, Burgum declined this request and told renters they would be in better shape after federal relief programs took effect. During that time, many small business owners and independent contractors have been unable to access PPP loans and many others have been unable to receive unemployment payments leaving them worried about their financial security.

Democratic-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“Job Service has a challenging job and we know they’re working hard with an outdated system, but many North Dakotans are hanging on by a thread. A month ago, the governor indicated support was on the way, but today he said to keep waiting. Our workers and families deserve something tangible.”

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Tonight: Covid-19 Relief Small Business Town Hall, RSVP For Dial-in Information 

BISMARCK, ND — Small businesses and their employees are among the hardest hit by the economic fall-out from the covid-19 pandemic. The Dem-NPL is hosting a Small Business Virtual Town Hall tonight, Tuesday, April 21 at 6 p.m. (Central) to discuss the challenges they face as well as actions we can take at the state level.

The event will include legislative/candidate and business owner panels, an open question and comment period, and press availability.

Dem-NPL Legislative Panel

  • House Minority Leader Josh Boschee has represented District 44 in north Fargo since 2012. He is a realtor and serves on the House Budget Section and Legacy Fund Earnings committees. He is a liaison between caucus members, constituents, the governor’s administration, and Republican leadership.
  • Rep. Pam Anderson has represented District 41, in south Fargo, since 2014. She is a retired banker and serves on the House Industry, Business & Labor Committee. She has participated over the past several weeks on statewide and national calls for businesses and financial institutions.
  • Kyle Thorson is running for the state senate in District 18, downtown and north Grand Forks. He owns Archives Coffee House on the UND campus and has been organizing small businesses over the past few weeks to collaboratively advocate to policy makers.

Small Business Owner Panel

  • Sandi Luck is the owner of Bully Brew Coffee with locations in Fargo and Grand Forks.
  • Mary Richter owns the Rockford Cafe in New Rockford and is proprietor along with her daughter Tiffany Schaefer.
  • Chris Tello owns Terra Nomad, a cafe, concept store, and caterer in downtown Bismarck.

Press are Invited to Attend

The public and press are invited to attend. Please email [email protected] to RSVP, request log-in information, send questions in advance, or request a 1 on 1 interview with any panelists. Reporters are asked to hold their questions to the Q&A at the end.

 

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