Between the two state party conventions, there was only one contested race.
That was for the Republican endorsement for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner. As Prairie Public’s Dave Thompson reports, incumbent Commissioner Doug Goehring was challenged by Devils Lake-area farmer and medical professional Judy Estenson.
Estenson was widely seen as the North Dakota Farm Bureau’s hand-picked candidate to defeat Goehring. When she announced, she was surrounded by Farm Bureau officials.
Estenson talked about that as she addressed the convention.
“I have been endorsed by the Farm Bureau," Estenson told the delegates. "I have also been endorsed by Liberty North Dakota. And I am proud of those two endorsements. But anyone who knows Judy Estenson knows this is my campaign, and it’s my candidacy.”
Some in the Farm Bureau say Goehring hasn’t been tough enough on issues such as animal cruelty statutes, private property rights and federal regulations. Estenson told the delegates she would take a tough stand on those issues.
“We will no longer invite the likes of the EPA, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other fear mongering environmentalists to the table," said Estenson. "We must remember – these types don’t want North Dakota at the table – they want us on the table. The forces that prevent North Dakota from prospering must be told clearly that we will do everything in our power to see that farmers can farm, miners can mine and our drillers can drill.”
In his speech, Goehring told the delegates he is a very strong supporter of property rights and less government regulation. But he says he’s been willing to talk to others to find common-sense approaches to regulation.
“I’ve worked diligently with the agriculture community and consumers," said Goehring. "I’ve tried to represent and listen to all citizens of North Dakota, all agricultural interests and all organizations. And just as I would never apologize for wanting to share all that I know and love about agriculture with others, I’ll never apologize for hearing all sides of an issue before making a decision, taking action or taking a position.”
One of the concerns party leaders expressed is a potential divide in the party – should one or the other win the nomination. Goehring had already said he would run in the primary if Estenson were nominated. And Estenson tackled that issue.
“I am not running this race past this convention without your endorsement,” said Estenson.
In the end, delegates chose Goehring by a nearly 2 to 1 margin.
“I feel like I’ve been at Valley Fair on the ‘Wild Thing’ for about three months," Estenson said. "And I’m so glad this race and this ride has come to an end.”
Estenson was gracious in defeat – and Goehring was in victory as well.
“You ran hard," said Goehring to Estenson. "You ran a great campaign.”
But Goehring told the delegates – now the hard work begins, if the office is to remain in Republican hands.
“We have too much at risk to let the Democrats seize this office again and impose their overbearing regulatory demands on agriculture and energy, said Goehring.
The Democrats nominated for state Senate Minority Leader Ryan Taylor of Towner.