Entries by Tyler Axness

ND Rep. Josh Boschee to Announce Candidacy for Secretary of State

North Dakota State Representative Josh Boschee is set to announce he will seek the Democratic-NPL nomination for the office Secretary of State on Tuesday. The announcement came in a Monday afternoon email. Boschee will make an official statement at two press conferences tomorrow in Bismarck and Fargo. Boschee is the first Democrat to announce their […]

ND Republican Party Should Consider Donating Steve Wynn Contribution

Last week the Wall Street Journal published an article outlining accusations of sexual misconduct by Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn. Wynn, a finance chair of the Republican National Committee, is the latest powerful man to be accused of such disgusting behavior. Following the publication, Wynn resigned his RNC position. As ripples of the report […]

Plenty of Blame to go Around in Government Shutdown

We’ve entered day three of the government shutdown. In failing to fulfill the basic duties of government, it is reasonable for us to assign blame and question how in the world we got here. Let’s break it down. You’ll find there is plenty of blame to go around. Republicans control the House, Senate, and the […]

Legislator Asked to Resign After Appearing to Violate Residency Requirements

Elected officials run to represent a specific area and a designated population. It is a pretty basic concept and one that you overwhelmingly voted to enshrine in the North Dakota Constitution. Yet, it appears not all of our legislators are abiding by that concept and recently passed Constitutional amendment. The latest example was sent to […]

What Changed?

The speculation has been laid to rest. Republican Congressman Kevin Cramer made it official, he is not challenging Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp. Instead, he’ll seek reelection to the House. Months if not longer of the “will he, won’t he” are now over. We are left with this question; what changed? Heitkamp was listed as one […]

Report Raises Questions About Congressman Cramer’s Pay Practices

There is an understandably growing outrage among the American people when they believe their elected officials are enriching their family and themselves while in office. They rightfully believe the purpose of running for office is to serve, not to fill your personal bank accounts. In fact, it was part of the undercurrent that lifted the […]

New Year Resolutions for Government

Welcome to the new year! This isn’t just any old new year, it’s the beginning of the midterm election year. You’ll undoubtedly be seeing a lot of writing, views, and news when it comes to electoral politics on ND xPlains in the months ahead. Before we dive into who is running and who is sitting […]

Despite Heitkamp’s Bipartisan Efforts, Small Businesses to See Tax Increase Effective January 1st.

There is a lot to be said about the rushed, poorly written tax bill rammed through Congress. In their mad-dash, the majority overlooked key provisions that help small businesses and individuals, kept members of the minority party out of the process entirely, and produced self-enriching kickbacks. If this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime tax reform, you would […]

Turn Anger into Congressional Action on Net Neutrality Decision

The public anger over the FCC’s vote on Net Neutrality I believe is warranted. I haven’t seen such passion in the comments on my radio show “Afternoons Live” on KFGO 790 AM like I did following the decision. People were angry not only about the vote and its implications on the internet, but also at politicians who […]

Questionable Use of State-Owned Email Continues in Bismarck

The use of state-owned property is limited specifically when it comes to “political purposes.” Chapter 16.1-10 is the Corrupt Practices section of the North Dakota Century Code and lays out the guidelines. Last week, a Legislator used his state-owned email to announce his political reelection. The question is whether or not that is a violation […]