From a slip of the tongue to the gist of a Human Events article, could it be that ND is rising in stature in the world? Typically overlooked in discussions of national leadership potential, it appears from the perspective of some observers that ND may be coming of age.
The article below entitled “Nuclear North Dakota” conjures up images of power and command. Not only is the economy the envy of the nation because of record oil production, the agricultural industry is thriving. To top it off, we have excellent potential for sound fiscal management with the Republican Party solidly in power at every level.
Could this be the time for this little jewel in the Upper Midwest to step out and lead on the National Scene? Given the results of the November 2 election–two Republicans in Washington: John Hoeven as US Senator and Rick Berg as Congressman, a State legislature with significant majorities in both chambers and every Constitutional statewide office save one held by Republicans–the prospects look good!
Because of the conservative bent of the North Dakota electorate powered by the pioneer spirit of independence and frugality out here in the Northern Plains, the mandate of the people is to hold the line on spending and work on lowering taxes. One recent example of the commitment to responsible government was the success of the initiated measure to set aside 30% of Oil and Gas revenues for future generations.
We have the horses; now we need to employ the talent and exercise the discipline and prudence to take advantage of this
one-in-a-million opportunity!
GOP’s ‘Nuclear North Dakota’
by John Gizzi
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=40370
In ’04, a U.S. Senate candidate in another state raised eyebrows during a televised debate when, obviously meaning to say North Korea, he warned of the dangers of a “nuclear North Dakota.”
After November 2, the only thing truly nuclear in North Dakota is its Republican Party, because 2010 was a banner year for the Roughrider State GOP. Gov. John Hoeven won the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan by thebiggest margin of any new Republican senator this year. In addition, former state House Majority Leader Rick Berg handily won North Dakota’s lone U.S. House seat by a comfortable margin, ousting e18-year Democratic Rep. Earl Pomeroy.
But that’s not all. Slowly but surely, Republicans in have been winning enough legislative seats and statewide offices to leave the Democrats with a very sparse bench for future races. As of January, Republicans will rule the state house of representatives with 72 seats to 22 for the Democrats and, in the state senate, Republicans will hold 35 out of 47 seats.
Republicans also hold every statewide office except that of superintendent of education, which is by law a non-partisan office.
With North Dakota Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad facing the voters next year, Republicans are sure to field a strong candidate against him and their bench seems to be full of talent for the future. With Hoeven set to resign the governorship to become senator, a fellow Republican, Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple will assume the state’s top post December 7. Dalrymple won applause from conservatives for naming former U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley as his own replacement as lieutenant governor. A University of North Dakota graduate and former assistant district attorney in Philadelphia, Wrigley won high marks for his stint as the top federal lawman in North Dakota and is considered a young conservative leader to watch.
