Local Democrats from Grand Forks County's five legislative districts held their convention Saturday in anticipation of the state Democratic-NPL convention March 26-28 in Fargo.
Tracy Potter, a state senator from Bismarck who's running for U.S. Senate, was among the candidates that gave speeches to a crowd gathered in a large classroom at Community High School in Grand Forks.
"What's going on nationally gives us an opportunity that we wouldn't have otherwise, and the opportunity comes from (Gov.) John Hoeven being pulled to the right by the energy of the Tea Party movement," he said in an interview. "The national trend gives us an opportunity to be the party that's the center."
Kristen Hedger, a 29-year-old who is a vice president for her family's business, Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, also spoke. She said she's considering a run for U.S. Senate. Hedger, former aide for U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, will turn 30 in May, making her eligible for the seat.
"I believe that I'm representative of a generation that needs to step up in its leadership," she said. "It's our generation that's going to be accountable for the ongoing deficits, providing for health care for the baby-boom generation and maintaining the quality of life for future generations."
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Johnathan McClure, a 24-year-old UND student, said it was his second time taking part in a district convention. Like several others in attendance, McClure said health care was on his mind.
"If I were to stick around, like in North Dakota, what's the guarantee I would have a health plan cover me," he said.
"I don't want to have to play any guessing games."
Max Laird, chairman of the county party, estimated attendance at the event at 120 to 130 people from districts 17, 18, 19, 42 and 43. This year, only legislative seats in odd-numbered districts are up for election.
Laird said he expects health care and the country's budget deficit will be national issues hitting home with North Dakotans. In terms of state issues, he anticipates property taxes and management of budget excesses will loom large. Though ultimately, he said, races will come down to "retail politics -- which means who do you know, who do you like."
Rep. Corey Mock of District 42 said candidates will rely more on social-media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to reach voters in this election.
"I think you're going to see more low-quality commercials with some of these dynamic races, something that a person can post on YouTube and then link to their Web site," he said. "When you're running on donations and political contributions to fund a campaign, you're looking for anyway to get your message out and saving your campaign money."
Laird concurred but said candidates and their supporters will also continue to depend on more traditional conveyances such as fliers and door-knocking campaigns.
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Republicans from the Grand Forks area met earlier this month to hold their county convention. Their state convention is set for March 19-21 in Grand Forks.
Reach Ingersoll at (701) 780-1269; (800) 477-6572, ext. 269; or send e-mail to aingersoll@gfherald.com .
