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State leaders support attack on Afghanistan

By Dave Thompson

Undated – North Dakota political leaders say the bombings in Afghanistan are justified.

Congressman Earl Pomeroy says it appears President Bush did his homework before launching the attack.

"They spent a lot of time building up support in the international community. They advanced to the world very consulsive proof that Bin Laden and his network had been involved. In addition, we initiated the providing of humanitarian aid. Unlike the terrorists, we want to minimize, not maximize, any innocent loss of life. And certainly the food drops send a very clear signal to the world that this isn't about anything other than getting after terrorists."

Senator Byron Dorgan says he's confident the attacks were designed to avoid injuring innocent civilians. And Senator Kent Conrad says terrorists and the government in Afghanistan will -- as he put it -- ``pay a heavy price for their crimes."

Governor John Hoeven says North Dakota's public safety agencies are keeping alert after yesterday's strikes in Afghanistan. Public safety officials nationwide are looking for a possible terrorist counter-strike. Hoeven says it's important for North Dakotans to be vigilant, but also to go about their normal daily lives.