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McFeely: The problem with Republicans is Republicans

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McFeely: The problem with Republicans is Republicans


FARGO — My Forum Communications Co. columnist

colleague Rob Port had an interesting take on Republican politics the other day.

In lamenting the rightward lurch of North Dakota’s GOP into Crazytown, Rob saw fit to put some of the blame at the feet of the state’s impotent Democratic-NPL Party.

“Monopolies are bad. Competition is good,” Rob concluded. “I’m a conservative, so I’m generally not interested in seeing Democrats elected to office, but I do wish they were more competitive in North Dakota. If for no other reason than to keep Republicans honest.”

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In other words, it’s the Democrats’ fault Republicans are

nominating far-right Christian nationalists to important positions like state school superintendant.

Odd way of looking at things, but I get it. Competition generally is good in politics because historically it’s forced moderation. And the vast middle decides elections, allegedly. Fair enough.

Except …

Minnesota.

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One state away, one could say Democrats are “competitive.” They hold every statewide office and the trifecta of the state House, state Senate and governor’s office. So, following Rob’s trail of logic, that would mean the Minnesota GOP would moderate to the middle in order to be more palatable to voters. Appeal to the normies, right?

Except …

Minnesota Republicans are just as loony as their counterparts in North Dakota.

So maybe the problem with Republicans is Republicans, and not Democrats?

In recent months, Minnesota Republicans have:

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Made reverting to the old state flag their No. 1 issue with which they think they’ll win back legislative majorities.

Like, No. 1 with a bullet. Their rhetoric about the old flag’s “heritage” and “history” sounds an awful lot like the arguments made by Southerners who didn’t want to part with Confederate statues.

Introduced a bill in the legislature inspired by the nutty chemtrails conspiracy theory,

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which offers that the government deliberately laces airplane exhaust with harmful chemicals for various vile purposes, including forced sterilization and mind control.

Had a longtime state senator call for the ban of sexual education in schools

because, he said, it produces “addiction to pornography, and some of those young boys will turn into human sexual predators.”

— Had a different longtime state senator argue against safe storage gun laws because farmers need to access firearms quickly

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in case one of their milk cows goes berserk.

“You even walk too close to a cow,” Sen. Warren Limmer of Maple Grove said, “and it’ll take you down and trample you into dust.”

In a state where Republicans would just have to be a little normal to take control of the state legislature, they are openly promoting conspiracy theories instead of something that might gain suburban votes like, say, school lunches for all or day-care assistance.

Republicans have gone ’round the bend not because of Democrats, but because the GOP sold out to the loons 30 years ago (see: Newt Gingrich) and the bill is coming due.

The problem isn’t Democrats, it’s Republicans. This is, increasingly, who they are. And the dwindling number of mainstream GOPers remaining are having their faces eaten by the leopard they released.

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Who could’ve seen that coming, except everybody?

Mike McFeely is a columnist for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. He began working for The Forum in the 1980s while he was a student studying journalism at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He’s been with The Forum full time since 1990, minus a six-year hiatus when he hosted a local radio talk-show.





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North Dakota

Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton

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Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton


MAPLETON, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Casselton Fire responded to a shop fire in rural Mapleton on Saturday afternoon, according to Casselton Fire Chief John Hejl.

Casselton Fire was dispatched to the scene at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Windy conditions escalated the fire before crews arrived, Hejl said.

Windy conditions fuel shop fire in rural Mapleton(Casselton Fire Department)

Firefighters used defensive and offensive lines to control the fire upon arrival.

Casselton Fire was assisted by Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Casselton Ambulance, West Fargo Police Department, Davenport Fire and Mapleton Fire.

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Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.



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North Dakota

Finley, North Dakota without water after watermain leak.

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Finley, North Dakota without water after watermain leak.


A do not use water advisory issued by the City of Finley, North Dakota. April 2026.

FINLEY, N.D. (KFGO) – The city of Finley, North Dakota has been without potable water since Friday due to a suspected water main leak. Steele County Emergency Management says it is unclear how long it will take to restore water services in the city.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality says the available water in Finley has been deemed unusable for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing dishes or laundry.

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The water system will need to be flushed and samples that say the water is safe will need to be collected for the water advisory to be lifted.



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Richard D. Langowski Obituary April 16, 2026 – Tollefson Funeral Home

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Richard D. Langowski Obituary April 16, 2026 – Tollefson Funeral Home


Richard D. “Rick” Langowski, age 78 of Minto, North Dakota passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at his home in Minto.

Rick was born March 10, 1948 in Grafton, North Dakota, the son of the late Julian and Catherine (Wysocki) Langowski. In 1967, he volunteered for the military bringing him to Germany as a Motor Sargent. After an Honorable Discharge he took a job at the International Airport in Grand Forks, ND. His duties included: refueling planes and jets as well as maintaining the grounds. He had the opportunity to meet the famous singer Mr. James Brown.

Rick was united in marriage to Alice Odegard on June 17, 1982 in Minto, North Dakota. The family made their home in Minto where they raised Jason and Angela. Rick was very proud of his children and loved them more than anything. He told everyone and bragged about the children he raised. He cherished his grandchildren and loved to be present in every aspect of their lives.

His career changed to semi driving where he drove for Cenex Transportation for four years and ten years for Valley Transports. His love for the open road directed him into the used car business. He opened Minto Auto Sales and Services in 1987, proudly operating for 39 years. He had the privilege to meet many people and travel to many places. He enjoyed riding his many Harley Davidson Motorcycles. In 2025, he sold the business to his longtime mechanic and friend, Aaron Anderson. In Rick’s opinion, “Minto Auto is one of the best mechanical shops in the area.”

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He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Minto, ND. He loved hunting with Jason, watching sports, especially the Yankees and Twins. In 2017, Rick was able to enjoy a father/son trip of a lifetime to Alaska. He thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip and thought was the best time of his life.

Rick is survived by his children: Jason Odegard, Reynolds, ND; Angela (Nick) Eppert, Goshen, IN; grandchildren: Ashlyn, Kaia, Annika, Boden and Caelan; sisters: Carol King, Grand Forks, ND; Connie Jones, Argyle, MN; seven nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very close friend and confidant, Yvette Estep, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Robert and Ronald.

Rick’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to Yvette Estep, an employee of Rick’s, affectionately known as “hotrod.” She was there for Rick, along with Aaron for doctor’s appointments, treatments and helped comfort him throughout his battle. Jason and Angela will be forever indebted to her and consider her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Minto, ND. Military Rites will be provided by the Minto American Legion Post and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

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or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard D. Langowski, please visit our

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