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Rob Port

Columnist

Rob Port was a pioneer in political blogging in North Dakota, founding SayAnythingBlog.com in 2003. Before beginning his writing career, he spent 10 years working as a private investigator specializing in insurance fraud, accessing public records, and criminal defense.

He publishes digital and print columns covering North Dakota government and politics, and also hosts the Plain Talk podcast.

North Dakota frequently relies on the courts to rein in the excesses of federal regulation on the agriculture and energy industries, but what happened if Democrats started ignoring those rulings?
On this Plain Talk, attorney Dane DeKrey talks about his efforts to oppose Trump's retribution against law firms; Sen. Kyle Davison talks state hospital, property taxes, and school choice.
"That's not the place of public money," said Sen. Sean Cleary in opposition to the amendment. The provision also seems to violate law prohibiting the use of public resources for political purposes.
There are two competing versions of school choice bills before lawmakers in Bismarck. One is limited to helping only private school students; the other would make funds available to all students.
City Councilman Rob Fuller says the bill will be paid when he sells the property.
Rep. Lori VanWinkle, who recently made headlines for taking a family vacation during the legislative session, told a constituent she won't "sacrifice" to attend public forums.
The Senate, which has watered down property tax relief passed by the House at the behest of Majority Leader David Hogue, seems to now be negotiating against itself.
On this Plain Talk, newly appointed NDUS Chancellor Brent Sanford discusses his new role and the challenges the Trump administration's immigration policies pose for state campuses.
It's a mistake for politicians like Rep. Julie Fedorchak to eschew in-person town halls, but given the behavior at some of these events, it's a defensible decision, and that's a shame.
The evolution of conservative parenting during the MAGA era has been depressing to watch.