Dakota Beacon

The race for Governor of North Dakota is simmering as we lurch into a politically charged atmosphere in spring of 2016. First there was the lead-up to the GOP state convention, with delegates lining up behind three hopefuls. Rick Becker's support took many by surprise, resulting in the need for a second ballot. The very narrow margin of less than 1% majority handed the endorsement to an anxious Wayne Stenehjem, the man favored to win from the first due to his long tenure in state office – the state senate and as Attorney General he is tied to the incumbency.

Significantly, Becker's support remained firm on that second ballot, spelling choppy waters for the AG as he moves into the primary campaign. Millionaire businessman Doug Burgum is taking full advantage of this unrest with the status-quo and is positioning himself as the "outsider" candidate – ironic in that his fortune has helped to fund and establish the establishment. It can't be altogether forgotten that Burgum served lame duck Governor Jack Dalrymple as his Campaign Chairman. Dalrymple has announced he will not be a candidate.

With all the focus on this race it is remarkable that we have heard so little of substance to differentiate these two candidates, and the press has seemingly ignored the fact that there is another candidate who does offer substantially different positions on policy and comes to the race with a different perspective than either of the two who manage to stay on Page One. Paul Sorum has been a consistent fiscal conservative and his plans to lower taxes and cut excessive government spending in North Dakota should appeal to the many who supported Rick Becker. He is also the only unequivocal supporter of the right to life and religious liberty in North Dakota. Both Burgum and Stenehjem have effectively turned away from religious liberty for all practical purposes.

Of special concern to North Dakotans should be the issues surrounding higher education in the state. We have heard very little on these issues from either Burgum or Stenehjem, but it is a fact that North Dakota colleges have a significantly lower rate of graduation – little over half – the national average and those who graduate leave with over $5,000 more in school debt than the national average. Sorum has a plan to reduce in-state college tuition by half. This would make it possible for many more to remain in school and earn their degrees in North Dakota. It would not impact the out-of-state students, according to Sorum.

With the many serious issues before the people of North Dakota, it seems that a substantive debate on these plans and policies is long overdue. Voters should demand an opportunity to hear all of these candidates out on the real issues that concern them. The decision to choose a governor has long-term and far-ranging effects on the lives of the people of this state. These three candidates owe their prospective constituents an opportunity to hear them out and answer their questions. This ought not to be an entertainment for the media to promote – it ought to be a well-thought out, considered and well-informed decision. Voters, after all, will hold the fate of their young people and their economy in their hands as they go to the polls in June.