The Republican Race for North Dakota Governor

Businessman Doug Burgum announces his running mate and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem stands his ground with Senator Nicole Poolman by his side.
 
We still have until June 14th before we can vote for the primary election.

The Republican Party has endorsed Stenehjem but Burgum is still putting up a fight.
 
“And I’m not independently wealthy. I’m not a millionaire or billionaire but I will earn every nickel that I’m paid,” says Stenehjem.
 
That’s how Stenehjem feels about Doug Burgum’s response to not taking a salary if elected.

But Burgum believes that if anyone should take a cut, it should start from the top.

He also believes that the governor’s job is a CEO job, something he knows a thing or two about.
 
Burgum explains, “It’s the only job in the state government where you really are the operating leader of the state. You appoint people you nominate heads to agency. You work with budget. It is a business oriented job.”
 
But both candidates agree that the state budget and prison reform are issues they will tackle.

Especially with the current drug problem that has been rising across the state.

But as for Stenehjem’s running mate Poolman, she is confident in him.
 
Poolman adds, “He is just going to be a great governor because he had built those relationships in the legislators and across the state for many years.”
 
As Burgum’s running mate, Watford City Mayor Brent Sanford has a political and business background.

They believe they can give Stenehjem and Poolman a run for their money.
 
“I’m really excited to have Brent and his expertise and his hands on understanding being part of this administration,” says Burgum.
 
“I will devote the same energy and competence that I’ve devoted as attorney general to the office of governor,” says Stenehjem.
 
“What citizens want from leaders are people who are going to be straight with them about the current situation and have ideas about going forward in the future,” says Burgum.
 
Tomorrow we will be sitting down with the nominated Democratic candidate, State Representative Marvin Nelson.

We will also be meeting with Libertarian Marty Riske in the future.