On the Campaign Trail

Volunteers, Votes & Pizza!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:23:00 +0000

Volunteers enjoy Pizza Hut after a dedicated morning of work!

Thanks to all the great volunteers who came out for our Get Out the Vote efforts around the district! We are so grateful for your help. We could not do this work without you. You are a vital and much appreciated part of our campaign!

Let's remember that we can never take our vote for granted and think that it won't matter if we don't go to the polls. The story below is a perfect example of why:

Recently, a Minnesota legislator told a story of the first time he ran for office. He ran for mayor and his best friends were so excited about his campaign and assisted him as much as they could. On election day, they were so sure that he was going to win that they didn't take the time to vote. The potential mayor missed winning the election by four votes: his best friend and friend's wife and their three adult kids who also did not vote that day for the same reason. If they would have taken the time to vote, their votes would have turned the race in his favor.

Every vote counts, especially when races are close. Every race, from president to district races, needs your vote. So get out and vote on this Tuesday, Election Day!

Cable Replay of District 24 Legislative Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:37:00 +0000

Dwight with Daughters before the Debate

Dwight Kiefert at Debate

Jon Wagar Making His Point

Starting tonight at 7 PM CSI Cable Replay Channel 10 will be replaying our debate with the District 24 Democrats that was held at VCSU on Tuesday, October 7th. This debate will keep replaying from 7 Pm tonight to 6 PM tomorrow, the 30th.

You may catch another glimpse of your District 24 Team "Building a Road to the Future" between each debate!

Generations Meet & Mingle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:24:00 +0000

Our Meet and Mingle on Monday was a mixing of the generations. We had all ages represented from one year old to those distinguished and accomplished in years. What a delight to see us come together and be a part of a vision for representative government. Those older acknowledging the role younger ones have to play. Those younger looking toward their future roles as adult citizens.

The BBQs and bars were shared and enjoyed by all. Thanks for an enjoyable evening everyone who attended!

Ransom County Farmers Union Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:08:00 +0000

Sunday, October 26, 2008 Lisbon, ND In conjunction with it's annual meeting, the Ransom County Farmers Union hosted a political forum featuring legislative candidates from both Districts 24 and 26. Topics discussed included the Permanant Oil Trust Fund, the initiated measure to cut income tax, Property Tax Relief and Funding for Education.

Measure 1 (Permanant Oil Trust Fund) was split along party lines with Republicans favoring the savings plan and the Democratic candidates preferring to spend the money as it comes in.

Measure 2 (Income Tax Cut) found virtually no support among candidates from either party, many suggesting that cuts should be done deliberately and legislatively, and that a forced Income Tax could curtail efforts to reduce North Dakota's property tax...a much more pressing need.

Property Tax Relief / School Funding Nearly all candidates favored property tax relief in a manner that would require school districts to reduce their property tax mill levies on a dollar for dollar basis for replacement money received from the state. All of your District 24 Republican candidates spoke in favor of Governor Hoeven's proposal which would also add $100 Million of new money for K-12 in addition to the $200 Million of property tax relief dollars.

It should be noted that the Lisbon Eagles Club fed us one of the best buffet dinners we've had in a while...it's not every restaurant that makes their "Hidden Valley Ranch" salad dressing from scratch...trust me, it's worth the effort!

John Deere Factory Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:34:00 +0000

October 24, 2008 / Valley City, ND John Deere Seeding Group C.E.O. Keith Hovland led the Grotberg, Wagar, Kiefert campaign on a tour of one of District 24's manufacturing show-places this morning. The John Deere factory in Valley City is one of the largest employers in the area with about 350 people employed in this, their 10th year of operation here. For their part, John Deere has been very favorably impressed with their North Dakota experience, having learned what we all have known forever: the work ethic of North Dakotans is second to none in the country...therefore, production at the Valley City plant is outstanding!

Deere & Co. have recently decided that the Valley City plant will be their only North American Air Seeder factory and to meet the demand for their product, will be increasing compensation 18% across the board on November 1, adding 200 people over the next two years, and expanding the size of the plant! That's exactly the kind of Primary Sector Job Development that will keep young people in North Dakota and carry North Dakota's economy comfortably into the next century!

John Deere Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:52:00 +0000

October 23, 2008 Jamestown, ND Your intrepid campaign team (Grotberg, Kiefert & Wagar) found themselves at the Jamestown National Guard Armory this morning for a legislative briefing from North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk and several other military and civilian leaders responsible for military affairs, homeland security and emergency preparedness in North Dakota.

General Sprynczynatyk reviewed the role of the National Guard in North Dakota, the expanding nature of their mission as adjunct to the Regular Military, the current number of bases in North Dakota (28) and their economic impact in the state ($195Million Annually) and a number of challenges facing the North Dakota National Guard.

North Dakota's Director of Homeland Security, Greg Wilz, presented an overview of the efforts of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Preparedness and it's mission to co-ordinate emergency recovery efforts amongst numerous existing agencies.

Interestingly, one of the major challenges facing the National Guard in North Dakota is one of the issues facing the state in general-outmigration of our young people. The national guard's target recruit is a high school graduate between the ages of 17 and 35...the same demographic that we've been losing to higher paying jobs elsewhere. Just one more reason to support Primary Sector Economic Development efforts in North Dakota!

Mix & Mingle Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:48:00 +0000

Some of the guests at Monday's Mix & Mingle

We enjoyed the stream of people who joined us last night at our Valley City HQ. Those who came stayed until closing time and enjoyed BBQs lots of bars and good company. It is nice to have a chance to mingle and hear the concerns on the minds of our neighbors.

We look forward to meeting again next week: same time and same place! If you missed it, put it on your calendar for next Monday, the 28th from 5-8 PM. See you there!

In the meantime, we continue to work hard to meet as many people in our district as possible. We are so thankful for the warm reception we are receiving across the district! Don't forget that turn-out is the key to winning any election. Which side will turn out the most voters and pull others less committed along with them? Keep spreading the word about our solid, experienced and motivated legislative team and remind everyone to get out and vote!

State Historical Society Presentation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:30:00 +0000

October 20, 2008 Jamestown, ND The State Historical Society of North Dakota presented it's concept of a vastly expanded and improved State Museum to a gathering of local and regional legislators, candidates and community leaders, including Jon Wagar, at the Farmers Union Headquarters in Jamestown today (Dwight Kiefert and Dwight Grotberg were both harvesting and unable to participate). The $52.4 Million proposed expansion would feature over 90,000 square feet of additional exhibit space, meeting rooms, archival storage, dining facilities and a Museum Store added to the existing Heritage Center on the Capitol Grounds in Bismarck. Promoted by the six living North Dakota Governors, this project would use a combination of private donations and state funding to build and operate a world class "Smithsonian On The Plains" state museum.

Barnes County Wildlife Club Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:23:00 +0000

Barnes County is home to the largest Wildlife Club in North Dakota! Affiliated with the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, the Barnes County Wildlife Club boasts over 700 members and is actively involved in conservation, hunter education, political action, fishing derbies, and much more. Tuesday evening, October 14th, they hosted District 24 legislative candidates at the VFW Club in Valley City for a political forum devoted to issues important to outdoorsmen. Issues discussed included game-baiting, separate sale of hunting rights from land, minimum age for deer gun hunting, North Dakota Game & Fish budget issues and more. Kudos to this group of dedicated conservationists who are widely recognized in North Dakota and within the legislature for their efforts to educate and activate for our North Dakota way of life!

LEGISLATIVE DEBATE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Dwight Grotberg

Jon Wagar

Dwight Kiefert

Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 / VCSU Valley City State University Young Democrats and College Republicans co-sponsored District 24's only 2008 Legislative Debate this evening. Senate candidate Dwight Grotberg and house candidates Jon Wagar and Dwight Kiefert faced off against incumbent legislators in front of a crowd of VCSU students, local citizens and representatives of the media. Issues discussed included funding of K-12 and Higher Education, the projected Budget Surplus, Ballot Initiatives and development of North Dakota's Energy Resources. Our sincere thanks to VCSU, the College Republicans and Young Democrats for sponsoring the event, to KOVC for broadcasting it live and streaming it on NewsDakota.com, and to Cable Services for re-broadcasting the debate on Valley City Local Access!

GRAND OPENING / GOP HEADQUARTERS

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Immediately after the VCSU Homecoming Parade the District 24 Republicans hosted an Open House at the 2008 Campaign Headquarters Building (former Job Service office at 250 South Central Avenue). The turnout was spectacular! We went through 200 servings of chili, pan after pan of delicious, homemade desserts, and gallons of lemonade and coffee...but the best part was the people! There's nothing like a crowd of enthusiastic, patriotic, positive fellow Republicans to inspire and motivate! God Bless District 24, North Dakota and the USA!!

VCSU HOMECOMING

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:22:00 +0000

What an awesome morning in Valley City!! The Grotberg, Wagar, Kiefert campaign, the McCain-Palin van, and the VCSU College Republicans walked together (45 strong!) in the VCSU Homecoming Parade! The weather was gorgeous, the crowds along Central Avenue enthusiastic, and the Junior High Band right behind us provided a little something extra to help us all "get our groove on"! GO VIKINGS!!!

Barn-Burner!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:16:00 +0000

Guests at the Round-Up Gear up for Prize winning Fun

Wow! Thanks to all you District 24 Team supporters who came out for the Fall Round-Up at the VFW! What a great time we had popping balloons, winning prizes, good food, great conversation and inspiring words from statewide and local candidates! And then there was the Auction! Special thanks to Duane Burchill did a great job auctioning off items generously donated to our cause from business around the region, all the donors, and volunteers who helped make it a great evening. One enthusiastic guest paid $105.00 for a McCain/Palin '08 T-shirt!

Keith Hovland Did an Excellent Job as Emcee

Statewide candidates Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple, Public Service Commission Candidate Brian Kalk, and State Auditor Bob Peterson all joined in the festivities. We were honored to have them as our guests, and they flattered our team by saying it was one the best district events they had attended this year around the whole state.

College Republicans Meet the Candidates

Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple and his wife Betsy spoke on the quality of District 24 candidates: Grotberg, Wagar and Kiefert. His message about the forward growth of our state's economy came alongside an important reminder that continued success will only come if we get out and vote. Let's not take that reality lightly and let's take to heart his reminder to make voting a priority!

Another highlight was a five minute video presentation about the strength of character and generous teamwork of Dwight, Jon, and Dwight. Great reasons why they are the Right Team for District 24! Visit our website to view the video. District24Team.com

Don't forget our Headquarters Grand Opening this Saturday, October 4th immediately following the VCSU Homecoming Parade in Valley City, 250 Central Avenue S (former Job Service Bldg.). We will be serving Free Chili and Bars. Come walk in the parade with us and then join us for lunch at the headquarters!

Sunflower Fest in Enderlin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Enderlin Parade Walkers

Saturday morning (September 20, 2008) found your Republican Legislative Candidates in Enderlin for Sunflower Days. We started with a Pancake and Sausage breakfast, prepared by the Enderlin Lions and served at the VFW...great food and an opportunity to visit as nearly everyone in town seemed to be there for breakfast! At 11 o'clock we walked in the parade (all the way from the airport to the east end of downtown) to work up an appetite so we could take advantage of $3 burger baskets and variety of treats from street vendors and farmers market sellers. One of the highlights of the parade was all of the beautifully restored collector cars that participated. Thanks to everyone who worked to make Sunflower Days such a huge success again this year!

Dwight Grotberg gives Boy Scouts a Demonstration on the Segway

Hi-Liner Homecoming

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:07:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Hi-Liners on their 28 - 14 Homecoming Victory over Fargo Oak Grove on Friday! The Hi-Liners are now 4 - 0 for the season...a great start! We thoroughly enjoyed our "walk down Central Avenue" as part of the Homecoming Parade on Friday. With temperatures in the 80s, and big crowds on both sides of the street, we were reminded of all the great summer parades we were privileged to participate in as your Legislative Candidates. Best of luck to the Hi-Liners throughout the 2008-2009 school year!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Thursday evening found your District 24 Team at VCSU meeting with North Dakota Board of Higher Education Chancellor Bill Goetz who laid out his vision of the future of higher education in North Dakota, it's role in Economic Development, Population Stabilization, and joint ventures with business and industry. He went on to present an abbreviated version of Higher Ed's 2009-2011 Budget Request and explain elements of the budget in detail. Chancellor Goetz sees North Dakota at a critical juncture in terms of it's commitment to Higher Education and the role that our colleges and universities can play in the state's future.

VCSU and a great future!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:26:00 +0000

Tonight was great! Although Dwight Kiefert was dutifully seeding winter wheat, Dwight Grotberg and I had the opportunity to participate in “Pizza, Pop and Politics” at Valley City State. The event was organized by the College Republicans and was timed to coincide with supper and Monday Night Football (Philadelphia at Dallas). Public Service Commission candidate Brian Kalk joined us and a good time was had by all.

Perhaps most encouraging was the diversity of backgrounds of the students in attendance. We visited with young people from all corners of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota as well as Arizona and Florida. (You’ve really got to appreciate a young man who comes to Valley City from Miami to play football in his freshman and sophomore years and returns as a junior even though he’s no longer playing football…he just loves North Dakota!) Thank you VCSU Republicans…we have met the future and there is much to be encouraged about!

Jon Wagar

Running, Signs & Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:22:00 +0000

Wow, what a whirlwind! Since Dwight Grotberg and Jon Wagar returned from the convention, while Dwight Kiefert labored in the district alone, our campaign has swooped from event to event throughout two-thirds of the district.

What a pleasure it has been to meet each of you whom we have been privileged to get acquainted with, shake hands with, and whose concerns we've heard.

Here’s just a sampling of our activities this past week: We spoke to high school students in Enderlin, farmers in Fort Ransom, small business owners in rural Valley City, Cass County Electric Cooperative, and many who have been asking for signs to put on their lawns.

Speaking of signs, you may have noticed our signs popping up across the district. If you want to get in on the fun, let us know and we’ll get one in your space!

OK, she likes the new signs too, but why is this baby so happy?

She’s excited because her dad’s name is on the sign, but that’s not all. She’s really happy because her dad (Dwight Grotberg) and the two other guys (Jon Wagar and Dwight Kiefert) have been acknowledged and are being supported by North Dakota Right to Life for their commitment to protecting life and recognizing the sanctity of life at all stages: preborn, disabled and elderly.

That’s good news for babies, both born and yet to be born, and people all across the state because we agree with this little one that life is worth celebrating!

We know that the democrat incumbents in our district have a pro-life history, but we wonder why it stops with their own voting record. We consider our opponents’ support of Senator Barak Obama, who voted against a bill to protect children born alive after an attempted abortion, a slap in the face to the cause of protecting the innocent lives across the nation.

Just so you know, we’re pro-life all the way to the top of the ticket, where it matters most of all, and we’re proud of it because nothing matches the value of human life – not even Party politics!

Day Four: McCain Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:16:00 +0000

Jon Wagar joined us in St. Paul for the final day of the convention. We shuttled over to a reception given by BNSF Railway for North & South Dakota Delegates within the safety perimeter of the convention, which BNSF hosted inside four themed railcars. On the way back to the arena we toured the Fox News Experience. A soft-sided, temporary building erected to host the Fox News organization and staff as they covered the convention. Each station housed the particular technology in use for the respective media: radio, television, Internet.

From there we re-entered the Xcel Energy Center for the final night.

Meeting McCain. That’s what this week at the Republican National Convention was all about. There are some things we didn’t know about John McCain. Probably the most profound thing we learned was the transformative side of how his imprisonment as a POW and accompanying torture dramatically changed John McCain. As we heard his the story of his life, it clearly demonstrated and how his suffering brought the rebellious, self-absorbed young fighter pilot to the humble, reform-minded man with the character to be a strong, steadfast, and faithful leader who has made the decision to put his country first.

The crowds were on their feet. The signs bobbing, the cheers piercing, McCain’s damaged arms raised to the level the damage he has endured allowed, he ended his speech by repeatedly asking, “Will you fight with me? Will you fight with me?” It was obvious by the overwhelming response all around that the answer was “yes.”

For us, the convention was a confirmation and enforcement of the principles that make us proud to be Republicans. Thomas Jefferson called for a “wise and frugal government” that would “leave them free….” Being a Republican means honing government to be efficient and effective in the services it provides, and minimal so as not to burden or stifle the creativity and productivity of its citizens with undue restraint.

Day Three: Pt. I, Reflections on Freedom, Hope and Change

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:14:00 +0000

“Peace without freedom has no value.” Those were the sobering words of a Viet Nam War vet who lived alongside in a POW camp with John McCain. As he described the torture, dehumanization, deprivation of his experience the words sunk in deeper and deeper. Freedom means everything to that man. He knows what it is like not to have it.

I think that is the message that this election carries with it. In the face of the deplorable acts of anarchy and vile disrespect coming to the city of Minneapolis at the hands of those protesting the RNC, the message that peace is meaningless without freedom is the essence of understanding why we must be strong as nation and represented by a leader who knows what the gift of freedom is.

This message came through loud and clear at a five-state McCain rally put on for North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Ohio, and Washington D.C. delegations. It was a great way to warm up the day in preparation for the action on the convention floor.

We heard from Mit Romney and Mike Huckabee whose messages supporting McCain were clear, and convicted. Things really started to roll when Rudy Giuliani, in his best form, with confidence and ease, put his strength as a communicator behind the message to support McCain. “Change is not a destination just like hope is not a strategy,” highlighting the vagueness of the vision presented by Barak Obama.

Here’s a few thoughts spun off the above quote: The question beyond freedom in this presidential election is what Obama means by change and what kind of hope he represents. If the hope is that Government can be our savior if only we learn to depend more on it, and if that is the “change” Obama means, then it is a message that cuts into the vein of personal aspiration, bleeds the blood of dissatisfaction, and brings the death of personal liberty and ultimately, and ironically, results in the end of hope. If it means Obama himself can be our savior and bring transformative light to a dark America, then each of us who has experienced disappointment in another human being better think twice before checking the name of the man who would dare to promise it.

Day Three: Pt. 2, "Palin'" the Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:40:00 +0000

Th"Palin Power" on full display!

We need more women like Sarah Palin. Truthfully, we need more men like Sarah Palin. The words scrolling across the bottom of the CNN broadcast screen announced that Palin “wowed” the GOP. Standing there, amongst the waving hands, whistles, cheers, and shouts of delegates and guests throughout the convention arena, you could say that there was truth in broadcasting in that headline.The crowd erupts as Sarah Palin reaches the podium

Palin was a pistol of well-aimed words and a fountain of hope in the common exceptionalness of every human being operating in their God-given gifts. It was said on the convention floor yesterday that “eloquence is no substitute for a record” and the record of Sarah Palin’s executive accomplishments and the path she has taken to get where she is today says much more than any mere words could communicate.

Listening to her, Palin is the mom you want advocating for you, the wife you want by your side, the cheerleader you want at your game, the partner you want on your debate team, the executive you want running your business, the grandma you want welcoming your baby. She is the down-to-earth American mom with all the practicality of a good household manager, the wit and wisdom to get to the heart of an issue and communicate it, the experience to make decisions that result in success. She’s not afraid to say it like it is and put things, people, or organizations in their place. She doesn’t need the media to promote her self-significance. She’s not worried about the opposition.

Everyone I talked to said essentially one thing: “What a gal!” She's so good, because it's not all about what she's going to do for us as an agent of the Government, but what she can do to restrain the grip of government and release us, as American citizens, to be all we can be.

Palin was definitely the event of the night, but the excitement of the crowd surged when John McCain stood on stage briefly after Palin's speech, a great preview for Day Four.

The Palin Family is an Everyday American Family. Pictured here with John McCain

The delegates gathered on the floor after celebrating Palin to make the McCain nomination official. I was honored, as an alternate delegate, to join them as we cast unanimous ballots for John McCain. Retiring North Dakota National Committee Woman, Connie Nicholas, was given the distinction of reading the roll call on the floor. It was a proud moment for all of us because there is no one more deserving of this privilege as Connie for all of her gracious and professional service to our Party over the years. Below is a photo of part of our North Dakota delegation on the floor.North Dakota delegates on the floor.

Day Two, Pt. III of III: Service and Country First

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:13:00 +0000

Last night I was on the floor with the delegates instead of sitting up in the stadium seats with the alternates. It was great to be closer to all the action.

On my way down to the floor, I felt the crowd unexpectedly pressing in on me. I wasn’t sure what was going on until I turned to see former President George H. W. Bush and Barbara in the VIP seats less than a stone’s throw away. I gave him a wave and he returned the gesture to me and to others. What a surprise to be nearly face to face with him! The convention floor burst into spontaneous celebration and turned to applaud him upon realizing that Bush 41 had arrived. You can see his standing ovation below.

Hearing Bill Gross from North Dakota, the visionary behind Farm Rescue, was truly inspiring as the first half of the night was devoted to the theme of service and giving of our time and talents to our fellow Americans. Bill did a great job in translating his desire to serve into action and inviting all of us to participate in helping our neighbors and friends in need.

One of the reasons I enjoyed being on the floor was to hear a man I respect greatly, Senator Fred Thompson and, last night, he did not disappoint. There’s nothing better than an authentic storyteller and Fred filled those shoes flawlessly as he told us the story of Senator John McCain’s life, highlighting the theme of "Country First." Thompson was candid about McCain’s past, his commitment to his country, his suffering as a POW, his heroism in not giving in to his tormentors, his ability to stand on principle in the face of opposition, his tenacity, his compassion. The story of McCain’s life as told by Thompson was the story of what makes America great, ordinary people stepping up to the challenges life hands them and making the most out of the life they have been given.

We also heard from Laura Bush in person and President Bush via live video feed whose absence was due to his hurricane relief efforts. Their endorsement of McCain was hardy and cheered by the crowds.

When Senator Joseph Lieberman entered the stage to address welcoming Republicans, you had the sense that history was happening. A former Democrat, now independent who caucuses with the Democrats on almost every issue, came to the Republican convention to tell us, Republicans, that John McCain was the real thing. Lieberman said that when it comes to choosing a president, “eloquence does not replace a record" highlighting his serious misgivings about Barak Obama.
The convention floor was quiet as he urged his fellow Democrats, Independents, and Republicans to choose John McCain for president because it is his belief that it is John McCain, not Barak Obama, who is “right for the country.” We hail Lieberman’s courage and his convictions to stand for what he so strongly believes to be true, and we agree.

Day Two, Pt. II of III, The Life of the Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:49:00 +0000

One of my deepest commitments and concerns is honoring the sanctity of life. As we went on foot to the Crowne Paza, we were eager to participate in the “Life of the Party” event put on by the Republican National Coalition for Life, where Governor Sarah Palin was scheduled to speak. There were rumors that Palin would not be there, and those rumors were confirmed as we entered the room. Although we were hoping to catch an early glimpse of McCain’s VP pick, we knew that it would not be likely.

Laura Ingram was there instead and she gave a rousing endorsement of Governor Sarah Palin, followed by a passionate presentation from Representative Michelle Bachmann from Minnesota. National Chairman for the RNC for Life, Phyllis Schlafly, was the hostess for the event and you will see her standing behind Rep. Bachmann in the photo.

The little guy pictured was one of the youngest attendees of the event. He is a perfect example of why I, and my fellow running mates Jon and Dwight, are unabashedly pro-life. This little one with Down ’s syndrome, like VP nominee Sarah Palin’s four month old son, is precious in God’s eyes and has much to teach each of us about our own frailties if only we would listen and let others like him live. Our legislative candidate team’s unflinching and consistant commitment to life is one reason we are so disappointed to see that the incumbents we are running against, Robinson, Mueller and Metcalf, are actively supporting Barak Obama on their website as of 5:30 AM, September 3rd, 2008.
Obama’s pro-choice stance as documented by National Right to Life is one of the most radical in the entire Senate to the point of voting against the Born-Alive Infant Protection Act (BAIPA) in the Illinois State Senate. This bill was similar to the federal BAIPA that was overwhelmingly passed by both Republicans and Democrats and signed into law by President Bush in 2002. If you’ve heard otherwise about Obama’s record, you can find full documentation on this fact here.

When it comes to protecting life, I don’t believe it is enough to stand for it merely on a local level, because federal legislation on life issues has a much greater impact on our nation’s protection of the lives of unborn children.

Day Two Pt. I: Morning Education

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:59:00 +0000

This morning started out with a rush to try to beat the rain as we maneuvered our way through the city streets of Minneapolis to a talk with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich on American Solutions for Winning the Future, a talk on Education and the levels of student excellence upon graduation.

As Newt came to the podium, his message was clear: America is not 1st but 21st in world ranking of educational achievement. The issue of education is near and dear to my heart, and that’s why it was so interesting to hear this coalition, which Newt labeled as “tri-partisan” (Republican, Democrat & Independent), as they presented a case for a radical engagement on the issue of education for citizens, government, unions, parents, businesses, etc. during this election cycle and beyond to enable Americans to regain a competitive edge in the 21st Century.

It’s one thing to say “tri-partisan,” when you are addressing one’s own party, but when the Reverend Al Sharpton gets up alongside Newt Gingrich and says “we didn’t fight for civil rights to be decadent; we fought it to be excellent.” You know the word “tri-partisan” might mean something. To see a coalition of people coming together to fight for “children over bureaucracy” stimulates hope that we can and will move forward.

Pictured above: Bob Compton, former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, Rev. Al Sharpton, Arizona Superintendent Lisa Keegan and Newt Gingrich

The ideas must be solid, they must not reduce the role of parents or faith in students' lives, they must actually achieve excellence over propaganda, and encourage the freedom to create and use one’s God-given gifts. If that’s the case, that’s reform that I can stand behind.

Convention Day One - "Americans First"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:25:00 +0000

The first day of the Republican National Convention has come to a close. Here is a brief overview of our day as it unfolded:

Winding through the streets of St. Paul around 3 P.M., we witnessed the tail end of a protest march on the Iraq War that was reported to be 10,000 in number. As we neared the Xcel Center on foot, police in full riot gear recommended we not pass through the crowd of protesters. We listened to their advice and took the long way into the convention arena. When we arrived, we were glad we did. Delegates in the men’s bathroom were angry over having been sprayed with bleach by unruly protesters. One man told of an eighty year old delegate who had his credentials (irreplaceable admission pass) stripped off his body by protesters who ran off with their booty.

Once inside the Xcel Center, it was amazing to walk past all the media outlets: radio, print, television. Each was set up in make-shift stations with people running to and fro like a hive of busy bees. Some familiar names and faces were there including North Dakota’s own Scott Hennen, (formerly of WDAY and now his own station, AM 1100, The Flag) who was one of the first familiar faces we saw once inside the building.

The floor of the convention sprawled out in the arena as delegates weaved through the walkways and populated seats. The energy was electric and erupted into a crescendo as Laura Bush came to the stage to give a briefing on the hurricane and the federal government’s efforts to keep the damage, chaos, and relief work in check in the Gulf States.

In time, Laura Bush was joined by Cindy McCain who urged the delegates to get involved in hurricane outreach through donating to various relief organizations. Both women focused on the strength of who we are as Americans working together, transcending political affiliations, and expressing human love courage, and compassion.

Out of deference to those still facing the storm, the convention was suspended early. Here Alison and I and our “littlest delegate” are leaving the convention grounds.