Heitkamp: Vote for Mathern
MANDAN, N.D. -- After I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, I got hundreds of cards and letters wishing me a speedy recovery. The letter I most remember was written by a woman in her 30s, a single mom with two kids and who worked a minimum-wage job.
She wanted me to know that it was manageable to run for governor and to get treatment at the same time. She knew this because after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she took on a second job so she could pay for her breast cancer treatment.
During that campaign, so many people were asking me how I was going to manage my illness and the demands of the office of governor. After reading her letter, I wondered why all leaders in North Dakota weren't wondering how a single mom with two children and working two minimum-wage jobs was going to manage her breast cancer treatment.
Her story and so many North Dakotans' stories show a health care system that is unjust and badly needs reform.
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I believe Sen. Tim Mathern understands the health care needs of that single mom and North Dakotans like her. As a North Dakota leader, Mathern has given his voice to North Dakotans who work hard every day and struggle with the challenges of affording health care, education for their children and groceries for the table.
Please join me in voting for Mathern for governor of North Dakota.
Heidi Heitkamp
A former North Dakota attorney general, Heitkamp was defeated by Mathern's opponent, Gov. John Hoeven, in the 2000 race for the governorship.
