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North Dakota’s Republican Caucuses: A Pivotal Moment on the Eve of Super Tuesday

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North Dakota’s Republican Caucuses: A Pivotal Moment on the Eve of Super Tuesday


On a cold evening in North Dakota, Republicans will gather in a unique political ritual that could shape the trajectory of the 2024 presidential race. In a state known for its rugged independence and lack of voter registration, four contenders, including the formidable former President Donald Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, are set to vie for the hearts and votes of the party faithful. Amidst the quiet anticipation, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a one-time presidential hopeful himself, prepares to advocate for Trump, signaling the deep alliances and divisions within the party. As the caucus chair Robert Harms suggests, an upset by Haley could send ripples through Super Tuesday’s outcomes, making this more than just a local event but a potential bellwether for national politics.

A Test of Loyalty and Strategy

The caucuses in North Dakota, scheduled for the eve of Super Tuesday, offer a distinct blend of political engagement and strategy. Unlike many states, North Dakota requires no voter registration, only that participants be party members or pledge their affiliation at the caucus sites. This open yet intimate setting could serve as the perfect stage for an underdog’s surprise or reaffirm the stronghold of a frontrunner. With 29 delegates at stake and a 20% vote threshold for delegate allocation, the caucuses are not just a test of popularity but of organizational strength and grassroots support.

Hand-Counted Votes and Historical Context

In a throwback to simpler times, North Dakota’s caucuses will rely on in-person, hand-counted votes, a method that underscores the state’s preference for personal touch and transparency. This approach, along with the state’s unique political landscape, has historically favored candidates like Trump, who has demonstrated significant support in past elections and made notable visits to the state. Yet, as the Democratic-NPL Party conducts its presidential primary almost entirely by mail, the contrast in methodology highlights the diverse approaches to democracy within the state.

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The National Implications of a Local Contest

As North Dakota Republicans line up to cast their votes, the outcome of this local contest carries national implications. With Super Tuesday looming, a surprise upset or a decisive victory could shape the narrative and momentum of the presidential race. Governor Burgum’s endorsement of Trump, despite his own brief presidential bid, underscores the complex allegiances within the party and the high stakes involved. As the caucuses unfold, North Dakota not only has the opportunity to assert its political preferences but to influence the broader Republican landscape heading into one of the most pivotal days of the primary season.





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North Dakota Democratic delegates unanimously endorse Harris to be presidential nominee

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North Dakota Democratic delegates unanimously endorse Harris to be presidential nominee


BY: MICHAEL ACHTERLING

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota delegates to the Democratic National Convention unanimously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris during a virtual meeting on Tuesday.

The announcement from the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party comes two days after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsed Harris as the presidential nominee.

A delegate tracker from The Associated Press showed that Harris had enough support by Tuesday morning to make her the Democratic presidential nominee.

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Kylie Oversen, chair of the North Dakota delegation, said in a statement the Biden-Harris administration has accomplished more for rural America and North Dakota than any other 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,” Oversen said in the statement. 

She also cited the Biden administration’s investments in clean water infrastructure, broadband expansion and rebuilding 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,” she said. “We are grateful for President Biden’s generational and transformative leadership.”

Oversen also said Harris has been fully vetted on the national stage and demonstrated her ability to lead in Biden’s administration.

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“Her commitment to reproductive justice and improving maternal health outcomes is especially important to me,” she said. “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.”

Oversen added the delegation expressed its gratitude to Biden for his “decades of compassionate public service.”

“Biden’s decision to pass the torch to a new generation of leadership comes from a place of humility and true patriotism,” she said.

The Democratic National Convention will be held Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.



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Letter: Be wary of plans for large-scale dairies in North Dakota

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Letter: Be wary of plans for large-scale dairies in North Dakota


To the editor,

There is a history of confined animal feeding operations ruining the environment in many states. The new

Riverview Dairy

operations set to enter the eastern part of North Dakota near Hillsboro and Wahpeton should be looked at through the eyes of how we want our livestock industry to expand.

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Twenty-five thousand confined dairy cows is huge. Yes, they have state of the art waste disposal systems — or do they? What about flooding? Not unheard of in the Red River Valley. Additionally, the water required for these animals may seem fine but what about in a drought? Do you want to compete for drinking water with cows? Aquifers are being depleted for ag use already.

Twenty-five thousand animals hooked up to machines. Not grazed. Not good.

Workers will be temporary and not connected to the communities. Their money will be sent out of state/country. The money from Riverview will be sent out of the state. Riverview has multiple dairies in other states. Most inputs will be bought wholesale and not locally.

Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring said this LLP can do business without the change to our corporate farming law in the last legislative session. However, they sure are being subsidized by support for infrastructure stemming from other legislation piggy backed on that change in our anti-corporate farming law. A law that was meant to support local farmers to expand by accessing capital from other sources. This dairy will finish the small dairy opportunities in North Dakota using money meant to support them.

Karen Anderson
Warwick, North Dakota

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Yankton County, SD deputies arrest South Dakota fugitive after 4-week search

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Yankton County, SD deputies arrest South Dakota fugitive after 4-week search


YANKTON COUNTY, SD (KTIV) – There’s a new development in a manhunt that started last month in South Dakota.

Authorities in Yankton County say they’ve found an Iowa man wanted for violating his parole and arrested him after a nearly four-hour standoff Monday night.

The Yankton County Sheriff’s Office says its deputies learned 48-year-old Jason Sitzman was inside a home in Lesterville, South Dakota, and went to that home trying to make contact with him.

Sitzman was wanted on warrants for violating his parole in Iowa, as well as, for failure to appear in court in Yankton County and for aggravated eluding of law enforcement.

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But, Sitzman, and another woman who was inside, refused to leave the house. That was at around 7:00pm. Around 10:45pm authorities used chemical agents inside the home to get Sitzman and the woman outside. The woman is identified as 23-year-old Kendra Kirrman.

Both were taken into custody and charged with obstructing law enforcement.

Law enforcement have been looking for Sitzman for more than a month. Back on June 19th… he reportedly fled South Dakota authorities on a motorcycle… riding into Nebraska before ditching the bike at the Chalkrock Wildlife Management Area in Cedar County. Authorities searched the area using drones and a helicopter but weren’t able to find Sitzman.



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