Governor Hoeven and Statewide Officials Stand Strong for ND!

Candidates Endorsed at North Dakota Republican State Convention
Fargo, March 28-30

Bismarck – April 2 – Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and his wife, Nancy, joined Republicans from across the state at the biannual State Convention in Fargo this past weekend. Amidst an electrifying atmosphere, energized by the active participation of North Dakota’s College Republicans, the Convention officially endorsed one of the Party’s strongest Republican tickets yet, headed up by Governor John Hoeven.

Addressing the convention, Secretary Schafer encouraged Republicans to stand firmly in their shared beliefs and commitment to fiscal responsibility in government, economic growth and development, and securing the future for our children. He underscored North Dakota's precedent setting leadership - leading the way in promoting economic growth and social strength for other states looking to bring change to government.

On Saturday, Gov. Hoeven took the stage. In his acceptance speech the Governor restated the tremendous gains made by Republican legislators and officials since he took office. “Since 2000, wages and income have risen faster than the national average, and we have helped create more than 30,000 new jobs for North Dakota’s working men and women,” Hoeven said. “Our number one job continues to be making our state an ever better place to live, work and do business. We must always focus on creating the good paying jobs and careers of the future and providing all North Dakotans the opportunity to prosper right here at home.”

Sunday, Duane Sand, Iraqi Freedom veteran, Naval Academy graduate and nuclear engineer, received the Party’s endorsement for the U.S. Congressional race. In his introduction of Comm. Sand, Rep. Blair Thoreson, District 44, stated, "We are fortunate to have a man of such character willing to go to Congress to do the hard work that so desperately needs to be done." In his acceptance speech, Sand committed to work hard at the government reform that Sec. Shafer and others alluded to over the weekend: "Our current representatives have had their chance to repair the broken system in Washington, but sadly, instead of seeing solutions, we're only seeing a continuation of a broken system. It's time for Washington to work for ordinary North Dakotans and leave the special interests to fend for themselves."