Former GOP Governor Candidate Looking To Get On The Ballot As An Independent

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Written By:
Rob Port

Aug 30, 2012
1:23pm

I can confirm today that Paul Sorum, who had challenged Governor Jack Dalrymple for the NDGOP’s gubernatorial nomination but lost at the convention, is circulating petitions to get on the general election ballot as an independent candidate.

Sorum could have begun circulating petitions to get on the ballot as an independent on April 10th, but he told me today they just started collecting the 1,000 signatures they need yesterday.  The deadline for turning in the petitions is September 7th according to the Secretary of State’s website, which means this is a goal he can probably achieve.

Sorum said he endorsed Dalrymple at the convention but that a “lot of information has come to light since then” about the governor not “enforcing the law” and Sorum feels like he needs to distance himself.  He cites the Dickinson State University scandal, where hundreds of phony diplomas were handed out but to date no state-level criminal investigations are pending (SAB reported earlier this year that a federal investigation continues).

“I got into this to promote freedom and self government,” Sorum told me.  ”I can’t in good conscience continue to be perceived as endorsing what’s going on.”

Sorum agreed with me when I said his candidacy was a long-shot, but he said he’s getting on the ballot to try and send a message.