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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Two weeks. December 22nd. That is how much time Congress has bought itself before we’re faced with another government shutdown. Two weeks and they’re celebrating. Put the champagne away, funding the government is literally their job and kicking the can down the road for two more weeks is nothing to celebrate. What will it take […]
Congressman Kevin Cramer has filed a joint fundraising agreement with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The agreement may give us a clearer picture into his 2018 intentions. Cramer has pushed off any public decision on whether or not he’d take a shot at the U.S. Senate and challenge Heidi Heitkamp. Though this agreement doesn’t necessarily […]