Tag Archive for: North Dakota

Democratic-NPL Chair reacts to VP Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2024

FARGO – Tuesday night, Governor Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance debated on CBS.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn released this statement following the debate:

“Political preferences aside, every Upper-midwestern should be proud of Gov. Tim Walz. Walz has devoted his life to public education, and ran for office after his students encouraged him. JD Vance on the other hand has been groomed by Silicon Valley types to do their bidding in Congress: to give massive handouts to billionaires and big corporations and give Trump unprecedented, unchecked power to do whatever he wants. Vance wrote a book foreword for the architect of the Project 2025 agenda, calling on far-right extremists to ‘circle the wagons and load the muskets’ while praising the Project 2025 agenda as an ‘essential weapon,’ and tried to hide his extremism behind lie after lie after lie. Governor Walz was right: all Vance could do was ‘give a damn non-answer’ to even the most basic questions.

Walz passed the largest bipartisan infrastructure bill in Minnesota history, cracked down on junk fees to lower costs for Minnesota families, stood up for fundamental freedoms, and made Minnesota the first state to pass a law codifying abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe and stripped tens of millions of Americans of the right to make their own medical decisions.

We saw a clear distinction between these two men tonight: one will lie to you for Donald Trump and one will fight for you and your family. Upper-midwesterners are lucky to have a role model like Walz.”

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

Former ND Young Republicans Vice Chair, son of District 24 GOP Candidate arrested for alleged involvement in Jan 6 U.S. Capitol Mob

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 30, 2024

FARGO – KFGO reported today that Damian Johnston, the former North Dakota Young Republicans Vice Chair and son of District 24 Republican House Candidate Dan Johnston was arrested for allegedly participating in the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

In photos included in the criminal complaint, Johnston could be seen speaking into what “appears to be a microphone” and using a flip phone to film and take photos from within the U.S. Capitol Building.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “January 6 was one of the darkest days in modern American history. Obeying Donald Trump’s orders, MAGA criminals ransacked the Capitol, imperiled democracy, and brutally assaulted law enforcement officers. US Capital Police Officer Brian Sicknick was killed—four others died by suicide following the riot. These rioters should all be held accountable in a court of law. Every single Republican running for office should be denouncing Johnston’s actions.”

In addition to running for District 24 House, Johnston’s father gave the nominating speech for Senator Kevin Cramer at the North Dakota Republican Convention. Johnston’s mother seconded the nomination for Kelly Armstrong for Governor.

Goldwyn continued, “Will Kevin Cramer and Kelly Armstrong denounce Johnston’s actions or will they stand by the far-right radicals they have embraced since January 6? As the Vice Chairman of the North Dakota Young Republicans, Johnston would have had an influential role in building up young NDGOP candidates and lawmakers. District 10 Republican House Candidate Jared Hendrix and District 42 State Representative Claire Cory have been active in the North Dakota Young Republicans–did they know about and do they condone Johnston’s actions?

Whether it’s Ray Holmberg traveling to Prague with intentions to rape children, 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-NPL is the party of law and order.”

Regarding the District 24 race specifically, Goldwyn said, “The choice in this election is clear: Democrats like Nancy Farnham, Shawn Olauson, and Pete Gjovik stand firmly on the side of democracy, our police, and the rule of law. Dan Johnston, Dwight Keifert, and Mike Wobbema stand with un-American, unpatriotic, cop-killers.”

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

DNC Announces Five Figure Investment in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL for Final Push in November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 27, 2024

FARGO – Today, the Democratic National Committee announced nearly $40,000 in funding to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL as part of investments to dozens of states, reaching a cycle benchmark of targeted campaign investments in all 57 states and territories as we hit the final stretch for November’s elections.

Leveraging its record-breaking fundraising, this historic investment in dozens of state parties totals nearly $2.5 million in targeted resource deployment for the final stretch to November. These funds, allocated to both traditionally red and blue states, will help strengthen coordinated campaigns and boost Democratic wins in down-ballot races, like in North Dakota.

“The DNC is committed to electing Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, and ensuring Democrats are competing everywhere to offer residents of blue and red states alike a New Way Forward through investments up and down the ballot,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.

“Today’s announced campaign investment in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL shows that priority in action. North Dakota Democratic-NPLers will ensure working families can get ahead, while standing up to Trump and Republicans’ extreme agenda to rip away Americans’ most fundamental rights. With Vice President Harris at the helm and record-breaking investments in coordinated campaigns, the DNC and Democratic state parties across the country have the momentum to strengthen coordinated operations in the critical final stretch to November to deliver wins for Democrats and all North Dakotans.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Showing up everywhere is critical for the success of the Democratic Party. We are incredibly grateful to receive these funds so we can spread our message that Democrats will fund our public schools, protect our reproductive freedom and health privacy, and fight to lower the costs of our healthcare and groceries. Expect to see more folks knocking on doors and making calls across our state!”

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

Dem-NPL statement on North Dakota judge vacating state abortion ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 12, 2024

FARGO – Today, a judge vacated North Dakota’s abortion ban, finding the law unconstitutionally vague and an infringement on medical freedom.

In response to Judge to South Central Judicial District Court Judge Bruce Romanick’s decision, Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn and Representative Karla Rose Hanson issued the following statements:

“North Dakotans deserve the freedom to start and grow their families on their own terms. While today’s ruling is a victory for women’s reproductive rights, this ban should have never been allowed in the first place and our freedoms are still at stake in 2024.” said Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn, “While Republicans claim to be the party of less government and individual liberty, they pass laws that put the most intimate and personal decisions in our lives in the hands of politicians. Our Democratic NPL candidates want to restore and protect reproductive freedom and health privacy. Merrill Piepkorn, Katrina Christiansen, and Trygve Hammer believe medical decisions should be between patients and doctors, not politicians and their constituents.”

“North Dakotans deserve the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions without interference from government extremists.” said Representative Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo), “This law was especially cruel for victims of sexual violence—providing a rape and incest exception but only within 6 weeks, before most women know they’re pregnant. It also put North Dakota doctors in legal jeopardy for treating emergencies; the resulting chilling effect was dangerous for patients.”

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

Democratic-NPL Chair on VP Kamala Harris’ Decisive Debate Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 11, 2024

FARGO – Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump debated on ABC.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every issue that matters to the American people, the difference between the candidates was stark: Trump could barely articulate a coherent thought, much less a coherent vision for the American people–instead spewing lies, conspiracy theories, and talking about himself. It was another day, another drama when Trump was in office—we can’t go back to that.

Kamala Harris spoke frequently about plans and policies, specifically she addressed what she called ‘an Opportunity Economy’ that would help working families. She and Tim Walz will work every day to protect reproductive rights and lower the costs of healthcare and groceries. They’ll make wealthy corporations and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes while cutting taxes for the middle class. Harris also stood up for economic issues that are important to us right here in North Dakota, including smart approaches to domestic oil production and fracking while still working to mitigate climate change.”

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

Kylie Oversen to Receive Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award at Annual Burdick Dinner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 9, 2024

FARGO – Former Democratic-NPL Party Chair and state legislator Kylie Oversen will receive the Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award at the 14th Annual Burdick Dinner on September 14, 2024. Oversen currently serves as the Chair of the DNC Rural Council.

Oversen was elected to three terms as Chairwoman of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. When elected, she was the youngest person to hold a state party chair position in the country and remains one of only two women to serve the ND Democratic-NPL in this role. Oversen was also a co-founder and chair of the Democratic-NPL Women’s Caucus, which focused on recruiting and supporting progressive female candidates for state and local office.

From 2012 to 2016, Oversen served in the North Dakota House of Representatives. During her time in the state legislature, Oversen was an especially strong advocate for North Dakota’s children, women, and families. She worked on policies related to equal pay; paid family leave; domestic violence and human trafficking protections and victim support; early childhood education opportunities; and more. Given her background in social work and her time on the Human Services committee, Oversen also became an advocate for improved access to mental and behavioral health services in the state. Given her roots in rural, Western ND, she also advocated for sufficient support to reach communities most impacted by oil boom and bust cycles.

In 2018, Oversen was the Democratic-NPL endorsed candidate for state Tax Commissioner. She is one of only five Democrats in North Dakota to break 40% of the statewide vote since 2012.

Oversen was born and raised in Killdeer, North Dakota. After high school, Oversen received two bachelor’s degrees, in Social Sciences and Social Work, from the University of North Dakota.

She also completed her juris doctor degree at the University of North Dakota School of Law. In the past, Oversen has been recognized for her leadership with the Phenomenal Woman Award, given by the UND Women’s Center & the UND Multicultural Student Center, & with the Woman of the Year Award, given by the North Dakota Women’s Network. In 2014, Oversen was also named by the Washington Post’s blog, “The Fix”, as one of 40 Under 40 politicians to watch.

Oversen is currently employed at the Schneider Law Firm, where she focuses on disability, employment, housing, and juvenile law. She is also involved in the community as a Troop Leader for Girl Scouts and serves on several boards and committees in her community. She lives in Fargo with her husband, Brian, daughter, Adelyn, and her cats, Lewis and Clark.

The keynote speaker of the 14th Annual Burdick Dinner is Rachel Bitecofer, a political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist who authored Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts. DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said of Bitecofer’s book, “To protect democracy and elect pro-democracy candidates, we must go on offense, and this book is the guide to do just that!” Tickets are available at https://swift-cpa.net/donate/2024burdickdinner.

Last year’s keynote speaker was Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is now running for Vice President.

Inflation Falls to Lowest Level in Over Three Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 14, 2024

FARGO – Today the U.S. Department of Labor released the latest consumer price index (CPI) report showing inflation falling to its lowest annualized level since March 2021.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris, working families across the country are seeing the benefits of plunging inflation. Republicans are ready to put out-of-state billionaires and big corporations over hardworking North Dakotans. Only the Democratic-NPL candidates – Katrina Christiansen for Senate, Trygve Hammer for House, and Merrill Piepkorn for governor – are the only ones on the ballot this year who will continue the work to lower costs for American families and grow the middle class.”

Economists warn that Trump’s agenda would slow down economic growth and cause higher inflation.

USA Today: “According to a Moody’s study, Trump’s plan would trigger a recession by mid-2025 and an economy that grows an average 1.3% annually during his four-year term vs. 2.1% under Biden. (The latter is in line with average growth in the decade before the pandemic.)

“Next year, under a Trump administration, inflation would rise from the current 3.3% to 3.6%, well above the 2.4% forecast under Biden, the Moody’s analysis shows. Compared with Biden, the U.S. would have 3.2 million fewer jobs and a 4.5% unemployment rate, a half percentage point higher, at the end of a Trump tenure.”

President Biden and Vice President Harris are delivering in North Dakota and across the country while Trump pushes a disastrous economic agenda for working families:

Annual inflation fell below 3% and core inflation fell to its lowest annualized level since April 2021, while wages are rising faster than prices for the 17th consecutive month.

Trump had the worst jobs record of any president since the Great Depression and his plans could supercharge inflation.
Trump and his MAGA allies want to give yet another tax windfall to big corporations, potentially exploding the national debt by another $1 trillion over the next decade.

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

Dem-NPL Statement on Ray Holmberg Plea

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 9, 2024

FARGO –Yesterday, Former State Senator Ray Holmberg (R-Grand Forks) pleaded guilty to traveling to Prague for the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual contact with a child. It revealed distressing details about the case including that he traveled with someone to Prague in 2011, he paid a former UND student for sex for several years, and he once said “You’d be surprised what you can do with a 12-year-old boy.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “What Ray Holmberg did was disgusting and heinous. 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.

That he travelled to Prague to rape children on the tax-payers’ dime is a betrayal to every North Dakotan. We have been patient in letting this case work its way through the justice system, but North Dakotans must be told who knew what Holmberg was doing and when they knew it.

While this is the most extreme case of a Republican lawmaker abusing their position, it is not the only one. 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 and we will always fight to protect children.”

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

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]

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]

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]

Tag Archive for: North Dakota

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