Tag Archive for: North Dakota

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

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.

May Consumer Price Index Report shows Biden is Fighting Inflation says Democratic-NPL Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 13, 2024

FARGO – Yesterday, the U.S. Labor Department released the latest consumer price index report showing that inflation is cooling under President Joe Biden’s leadership.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn remarked, “The Consumer Price Index report shows us that Biden is fighting every day to lower costs for North Dakotans. President Biden and Vice President Harris will continue fighting to grow the middle class and lower costs. Trump’s plan will raise prices on working Americans while rigging the economy for himself and his billionaire buddies like Doug Burgum.”

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

● Economic growth and employment remain strong, and overall inflation is still down by two-thirds from its peak.

● The US economy added 272,000 jobs last month — bringing the total number of jobs created since President Biden took office to a record 15.6 million jobs including 28,200 jobs in North Dakota.

● Trump had the worst jobs record of any president since the Great Depression and his plans could supercharge inflation.

● Trump plans to implement an across-the-board tariff that would raise the cost of goods and could cost North Dakota families an extra $1,500 per year.

● Trump and his billionaire allies like Doug Burgum want to give yet another tax windfall to big corporations, potentially exploding the national debt by another $1 trillion.

Mystery disinformation texting campaign “blatant attempt to deceive North Dakotans” says Democratic-NPL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 11, 2024

FARGO – Yesterday, many North Dakotans received a bizarre text message reading “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.” Today—Election Day—another text went out falsely claiming that GOP candidate Julie Fedorchak had dropped out of the race.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Spokeswoman Laura Dronen said, “This blatant attempt to deceive North Dakotans is disgusting. We don’t know who sent these messages, but as we move to the general election we all must be vigilant. In our digital age rife with deep fakes and AI-generated images, disinformation and lies spread like wildfire.”

Tag Archive for: North Dakota

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