State of North Dakota secondary Archives: on Government Reform

Doug Burgum: Pledge to support term limits

• Cut Runaway Spending
• Reform Property Tax System
• Support Term Limits
• Fight Politics-as usual
• Oppose Obamacare
• Create High-Paying-Jobs

Doug Burgum: Veto $5,000 limits on executive branch bonuses

Lawmakers could overturn his veto. It takes just a two-thirds vote in each chamber to do so. This bill passed 91-1 in the House and 36-10 in the Senate. Lawmakers were peeved when Burgum railed against an alleged "good old boys" club in Bismarck. They might see this as their opportunity for a bit of revenge.

Follow-up: House lawmakers voted 84-7 to override the Governor on House Bill 1153 on March 29. The Senate failed to override Gov. Burgum's veto on March 30, with 13 of 47 senators voting to override the veto.

Doug Burgum: Online state services should work like consumer sites

Doug Burgum: One-stop reporting for hazardous spills helps state respond

Doug Burgum: Make it easier, not harder, to come work in North Dakota

Eliot Glassheim: Regulate campaign contributions from corporations and unions

A: Yes.

Heidi Heitkamp: Reverse Citizens United by constitutional amendment

Kevin Cramer (R): No. Disclosure individual contributions, but "what other organizations, liberal & conservative, do to promote their beliefs is up to them."

Heidi Heitkamp (D): Yes. Sponsored 2018 DISCLOSE Act. "North Dakotans deserve to know who's trying to influence our elections."

Q: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?

Kevin Cramer (R): Yes.

Heidi Heitkamp (D): No. Reverse by constitutional amendment. "Billionaires who couldn't pick out North Dakota on a map shouldn't have more" electoral sway "than hard-working North Dakotans."

Heidi Heitkamp: Opposes voter ID; they target minorities & youth

Kevin Cramer (R): Unknown. When asked about ND voting laws, deferred to state Republican Party for comment.

Heidi Heitkamp (D): No. Has criticized unnecessary voter ID laws in ND that "clearly target" Native Americans & students.

Jack Dalrymple: Study ID cards for voting to ensure citizenship

An Act to study verification of citizenship status for voting and for obtaining driver's licenses and non-driver photo identification cards.
• Legislative management shall consider studying issues relating to verification of citizenship status for the purpose of voting, including absentee and mail ballot voting.
• The study also must address the process through which the department of transportation verifies citizenship status in the issuance of driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards and the feasibility and desirability of requiring a driver's license or non-driver identification card of a noncitizen with a notation indicating the individual is not a citizen of the United States.

Legislative Outcome:
• House vote 90-2-2 on Feb. 24, 2015
• Senate vote 46-0-1 on March 23
• Signed by Governor Dalrymple on March 30

Jack Dalrymple: Change restrictions for Voter ID

• [Previous requirements]: The applicant's motor vehicle operator's license or nondriver identification number or tribal voter's alternate form of identification approved by the Secretary of State, or expired driver's license
• [New requirements]: One of the applicant's valid forms of identification or a copy of the applicant's long-term care certificate, or a current military identification card or passport.
  Legislative outcome: Bill passed Senate 38-9 on April 7; bill passed House 68-23-3 on April 21; Governor Dalrymple signed April 24 Source: North Dakota legislative voting record on HB 1333 Apr 24, 2015

  Jack Dalrymple: OpEd: Legislative $5,000 limit on governor's executive bonus

  Gov. Doug Burgum's first use of his veto powers might also result in the first time he's overruled by lawmakers. HB 1153, a response to what many saw as exorbitant bonuses issued by former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, would have limited future executive branch bonuses to $5,000. Burgum vetoed the bill, saying it "violates the constitutional exercise of executive authority to manage state agencies."

  Lawmakers could overturn his veto. It takes just a two-thirds vote in each chamber to do so. This bill passed 91-1 in the House and 36-10 in the Senate. Lawmakers were peeved when Burgum railed against an alleged "good old boys" club in Bismarck. They might see this as their opportunity for a bit of revenge.

  Follow-up: House lawmakers voted 84-7 to override the Governor on House Bill 1153 on March 29. The Senate failed to override Gov. Burgum's veto on March 30, with 13 of 47 senators voting to override the veto.

  Source: Grand Forks Herald on North Dakota voting record HB 1153 Mar 29, 2017

  John Hoeven: Federal government shouldn't determine state election rules

  [On election reform]: "This bill takes away state authority and effectively nationalizes our election system. I don't believe North Dakotans want the federal government to determine how we conduct our elections," Hoeven said in a statement emailed by his office prior to the vote--adding concerns that the bill would chip away at election security measures such as voter ID laws. "I believe states should run our elections, not be forced to use a one-size-fits-all federal approach." Source: Jamestown Sun on 2022 North Dakota Senate race Jun 22, 2021

  Kevin Cramer: First Amendment is clear: unregulated campaign contributions

  Q: Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?

  A: No. The First Amendment to the Constitution is clear on this and has been upheld by the Supreme Court. While I support full disclosure for candidate and direct contributions, what other organizations, liberal and conservative, do to promote their beliefs is up to them. We are free people and it should be left that way.

  Source: North Dakota Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test Oct 30, 2012

  Kevin Cramer: No disclosure of corporate campaign donations

  Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?

  Kevin Cramer (R): No. Disclose individual contributions, but "what other organizations, liberal & conservative, do to promote their beliefs is up to them."

  Heidi Heitkamp (D): Yes. Sponsored 2018 DISCLOSE Act. "North Dakotans deserve to know who's trying to influence our elections."

  Q: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?

  Kevin Cramer (R): Yes.

  Heidi Heitkamp (D): No. Reverse by constitutional amendment. "Billionaires who couldn't pick out North Dakota on a map shouldn't have more" electoral sway "than hard-working North Dakotans."

  Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on North Dakota Senate race Oct 9, 2018

  Marvin Nelson: Opposed changes in restrictions for Voter ID

  Excerpts from legislation: HB 1333: Amends Valid Forms of Voter Identification:
  • [Previous requirements]: [New requirements]: One of the applicant's valid forms of identification or a copy of the applicant's long-term care certificate, or a current military identification card or passport.
    Legislative outcome: Nelson voted NAY; bill passed Senate 38-9 on April 7; bill passed House 68-23-3 on April 21; Governor Dalrymple signed April 24 Source: North Dakota legislative voting record on HB 1333 Apr 21, 2015

    Michael Coachman: Make acquiring absentee ballots easier

    Coachman said he jumped into the Secretary of State race to promote transparency and visibility of the office. The retired Air Force veteran from Larimore said he tries "to help the underdog." He was previously a lieutenant governor candidate in 2012 and 2016.

    "I'm doing it because I like to serve the people; I believe in the Constitution," Coachman said. "When I raised my hand, I swore to defend this nation." He also sees technology as an issue: "Our system should just be totally independent, where no one should have access to it except North Dakota." He also expressed concerns for the secretary of state's website, such as repetitive data entry and acquiring absentee ballots. "It is not the easiest," Coachman said.

    Coachman indicated he would visit cities and counties to meet with residents, even do radio broadcasts for outreach. Not everyone communicates the same way, he said.

    Source: Bismarck Tribune on 2020 North Dakota Gubernatorial race Oct 18, 2018

    Michael Coachman: Work with tribal leaders to resolve concerns over voter ID

    Perhaps the most prominent issue at the moment in regards to this race is the controversy surrounding voter ID, with the Supreme Court's recent ruling in favor of North Dakota's law. Coachman says that it's important to ensure that only legal North Dakota residents vote in our elections, but that tribal relations must be improved. He would work with tribal leaders to resolve concerns about voter suppression. Source: The MinuteMan Blog on 2020 North Dakota Gubernatorial race Oct 27, 2018

    Michael Coachman: Size of government & regulations should be limited

    Federal, state and local governments should be transparent and limited to their respective roles, in accordance with the Tenth Amendment. The size of government, government regulations, and entitlement and transfer programs, should be limited to essential, inherently governmental functions. Source: 2020 North Dakota gubernatorial campaign website Mar 25, 2020

    Rick Becker: Study ID cards for voting to ensure citizenship

    North Dakota Legislative voting records for H.B. 1389: Rep. Rick Becker introduced bill 1389 (and voted YEA):
    An Act to study verification of citizenship status for voting and for obtaining driver's licenses and non-driver photo identification cards.
    • Legislative management shall consider studying issues relating to verification of citizenship status for the purpose of voting, including absentee and mail ballot voting.
    • The study also must address the process through which the department of transportation verifies citizenship status in the issuance of driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards and the feasibility and desirability of requiring a driver's license or non-driver identification card of a noncitizen with a notation indicating the individual is not a citizen of the United States.
    Legislative Outcome:
    • House vote 90-2-2 on Feb. 24, 2015
    • Senate vote 46-0-1 on March 23
    • Signed by Governor Dalrymple on March 30
    Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records for H.B. 1389 Feb 24, 2015

    Rick Becker: Voted YES on $5,000 limit on governor's executive bonus

    Gov. Doug Burgum's first use of his veto powers might also result in the first time he's overruled by lawmakers. HB 1153, a response to what many saw as exorbitant bonuses issued by former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, would have limited future executive branch bonuses to $5,000. Burgum vetoed the bill, saying it "violates the constitutional exercise of executive authority to manage state agencies."

    Lawmakers could overturn his veto. It takes just a two-thirds vote in each chamber to do so. This bill passed 91-1 in the House and 36-10 in the Senate. Lawmakers were peeved when Burgum railed against an alleged "good old boys" club in Bismarck. They might see this as their opportunity for a bit of revenge.

    Follow-up: House lawmakers voted 84-7 to override the Governor on House Bill 1153 on March 29. The Senate failed to override Gov. Burgum's veto on March 30, with 13 of 47 senators voting to override the veto. [Rep. Becker voted YEA on 3/29]

    Source: Grand Forks Herald on North Dakota voting record HB 1153 Mar 29, 2017

    Robert Marquette: Shed light on entrenched political corruption and cronyism

    Marquette received the North Dakota Libertarian Party endorsement at its convention in November in Mandan. "If elected, I will fight for sound monetary policy, I will shed light on the corruption and cronyism of the entrenched political parties, and I will always work to drastically reduce government's influence in our lives," Marquette said in a press release. Source: Bismarck Tribune on 2016 North Dakota Senate race Feb 22, 2016

    Robert Marquette: Give SCOTUS nominees an up-or-down vote

    There has been a lot of political rhetoric out of Washington recently regarding Merrick Garland's nomination to the SCOTUS. Establishment republicans, like John Hoeven, have spent the last 5 years circumventing budget sequesters, blasting through spending caps, waging illegal wars and destroying our economy. Now that we are entering an election cycle, suddenly they play like they are concerned with preserving the rights of Americans and the Constitution.

    I searched the web for Senator Hoeven's position on the subject, and as expected, I found nothing. Dead silence. Apparently the good Senator is hiding in a corner somewhere waiting for someone to give him permission to say something or tell him what to think.

    While Senator Hoeven plays it safe, this partisan drama only fuels the political partisanship that divides the people. Enough of the games. Give Merrick Garland an up or down vote on the floor of the Senate.

    Source: 2016 North Dakota Senate campaign web RobertForSenate.org Mar 16, 2016

    Thomas Campbell: Cut bureaucracy and red tape

    Tom's career as a successful businessman is why he understands how North Dakota can compete in the 21st century economy. He knows North Dakota has a tremendous opportunity to diversify its economy in areas like technology, health care and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but we need the right policies in Washington to help us grow. Tom will cut the bureaucracy and red tape and help our new businesses grow. Source: 2018 North Dakota Senatorial websiteTomForNorthDakota.com Oct 1, 2017

    Thomas Campbell: Voted NO on $5,000 limit on governor's executive bonus

    Gov. Doug Burgum's first use of his veto powers might also result in the first time he's overruled by lawmakers. HB 1153, a response to what many saw as exorbitant bonuses issued by former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, would have limited future executive branch bonuses to $5,000. Burgum vetoed the bill, saying it "violates the constitutional exercise of executive authority to manage state agencies."

    Lawmakers could overturn his veto. It takes just a two-thirds vote in each chamber to do so. This bill passed 91-1 in the House and 36-10 in the Senate. Lawmakers were peeved when Burgum railed against an alleged "good old boys" club in Bismarck. They might see this as their opportunity for a bit of revenge.

    Follow-up: House lawmakers voted 84-7 to override the Governor on House Bill 1153 on March 29. The Senate failed to override Gov. Burgum's veto on March 30, with 13 of 47 senators voting to override the veto. [Sen. Campbell voted NAY on 3/30]

    Source: Grand Forks Herald on North Dakota voting record HB 1153 Mar 29, 2017

    Thomas Campbell: Study ID cards for voting to ensure citizenship

    North Dakota Legislative voting records for H.B. 1389: Sen. Campbell voted YEA on bill 1389 on 3/23/15:
    An Act to study verification of citizenship status for voting and for obtaining driver's licenses and non-driver photo identification cards.
    • Legislative management shall consider studying issues relating to verification of citizenship status for the purpose of voting, including absentee and mail ballot voting.
    • The study also must address the process through which the department of transportation verifies citizenship status in the issuance of driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards and the feasibility and desirability of requiring a driver's license or non-driver identification card of a noncitizen with a notation indicating the individual is not a citizen of the United States.
    Legislative Outcome:
    • House vote 90-2-2 on Feb. 24, 2015
    • Senate vote 46-0-1 on March 23
    • Signed by Governor Dalrymple on March 30
    Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records for H.B. 1389 Feb 24, 2015

    Tracy Potter: Opposed "Clean Elections" limited to $1500 contributions

    Sen. Potter voted NO on SB 2143. The bill failed the Senate 13-33.

    Synopsis: Vote to pass a bill that creates a "clean election fund" to publicly finance state legislative campaigns. Highlights:

    • To qualify as a 'clean candidate', refrain from accepting outside contributions in excess of $1,500
    • Acquire contributions of at least $5 from a minimum of 150 electors
    • Grants $10,000 to candidates who meet all requirements, or matches opposing candidates' funds in excess of $10,000.
    Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records Feb 5, 2007

    Wayne Stenehjem: Limit corporate campaign contributions, but not PACs

    Q: Do you support requiring limits on individual contributions to state legislative candidates?

    A: No.

    Q: Do you support requiring limits on PAC contributions to state legislative candidates?

    A: No.

    Q: Do you support requiring limits on corporate contributions to state legislative candidates?

    A: Yes.

    Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?

    A: Undecided.

    Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?

    A: No.

    Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?

    A: No.

    Source: 1996 North Dakota National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1996

    The above quotations are from State of North Dakota Politicians: secondary Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Government Reform. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
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    Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023