Current NDGOP Vice Chairman To Running For Chairman, Jim Poolman To Run For Vice Chair
PSC Tony Clark, who was only an interim chair through the election when former NDGOP Chairman Gary Emineth stepped down, has stepped aside and North Dakota Republicans are in the process of picking new leadership. To date, three names have been tossed about as possible replacements: Current party treasurer Bob Harms, former state insurance commissioner Jim Poolman and current NDGOP Vice Chairman Stan Stein.
I’ve asked around a bit in party circles, and it appears as though Stein and Poolman are the only people currently campaigning for the position, and they’re campaigning together. According to the email below sent out by Stein to the party’s district chairman, he’s pushing a bid to move up to the Chairman’s seat with Poolman becoming Vice Chairman.
Personally, I’d prefer Harms, though being a party chairman (not a job that pays well) would put a serious crimp in his current business (he’s a lobbyist). But Harms has been extremely active in the tea party movement, he represents the western part of North Dakota (he’s from Williston) and he is perhaps the most principled conservative serving in the party’s leadership now.
But unfortunately, unless Harms has been doing some campaigning for the job that is off my radar, he’s not done anything more than flirt with the idea of being chairman.
The party will be holding a vote of the district chairs, the statewide office holders and representatives from the legislature in the coming weeks.
Tags: bob harms, Gary Emineth, jim poolman, NDGOP, North Dakota News, stan stein, tony clarkDear North Dakota Republican District Chair,
Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark did an outstanding job as the interim Republican Party Chair. For the first time, in decades, there will be two Republicans in Washington, our U.S. Senator-elect John Hoeven, and our U.S. Representative elect, Rick Berg. Tony agreed to head the Party through the election. He has now resigned, after a job well done.
After considerable thought and prayers, conversations with fellow Republicans across our state and my family, and after careful consideration, I have decided to seek the North Dakota Republican Party Chairman’s position. To be elected your State Chair would be a great honor.
I have served as Vice Chairman of the State Party for many years. Also, I have served at every level, from the precinct to the state party. Believe me, I have enjoyed it immensely. I am proud to be a Republican and proud to have had the opportunity to help elect some of the finest public servants to be found.
My current office of Vice Chairman will be open if I am elected to the Chairman’s position. To fill that spot, I am very proud to announce that Jim Poolman, our former Insurance Commissioner, will seek the Vice Chairman’s position. Jim will be a huge asset to our Party. His outstanding work as a Legislator and as Insurance Commissioner, and his work promoting our Party and candidates, will help provide the kind of leadership needed. I am grateful that Jim will be part of your leadership team.
Jim and I are excited at the opportunity to serve. We are both very mindful that we will be working for you and for the Republicans in North Dakota.. We pledge that you will be with us, every step of the way, as we build on the victories of November, 2010. We will support our statewide officeholders, led by our incoming Governor, Jack Dalrymple, and all Republicans. Jim and I are eager to get started.
I ask for your support for our team for the State Chairmanship and Vice-Chairmanship of our North Dakota Republican Party.
Sincerely,
Stan Stein
