Hoeven: Thanks, But No Thanks

  •  October 1, 2005

The Fargo Forum:

Gov. John Hoeven said Friday he will not challenge U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad next year, depriving Republicans of someone they considered their strongest candidate against the Democratic incumbent.
“A day may come when we ask the people of North Dakota to allow us to serve them in a different capacity, but that time is not now,” Hoeven said Friday in a brief statement issued by his office.
“The outpouring of support and encouragement I have received to run for the United States Senate is truly humbling, but as I have said, repeatedly, I am focused squarely on the job of governor,” Hoeven said.

All that speculation for nothing!
However, since we’re on the subject of speculation anyway, any ideas who’s next in line for North Dakota Republicans to challenge Conrad?

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  • http://SayAnythingBlog.com The_Whistler_ofnd

    My thoughts from Taking Back North Dakota.

    1. Conrad sure was scared wasn’t he? People I’ve talked to thought Hoeven would win pretty clearly. My only caveat on that was if Hoeven would be able to raise enough money to reach parity.

    2. Speaking of fund raising, I think that Senator Conrad is so out of touch with North Dakotan values that he couldn’t win at all without his liberal money machine. Unfortunately Republican money isn’t going to come into the state for a “no-name” candidate.

    3. Senator Conrad has been pretty circumspect this summer. Now that he probably figures his seat is safe he’s liable to really go back to form as the partisan liberal Democrat he is. If nothing else it’ll be less work to Blog on his activities and it will give readers reason to visit.

  • gilbyguy

    Its a shame. I thought for sure he would go for it. The ongoing theme that really frustrates me is this Hoven shouldn’t run for the good of ND crap.

    David Strauss chair of the ND DemNPL:

    This race between Conrad and Hoven would have been Armageddon. “I think that we’ve averted a race here that would have involved the expenditure of millions of dollars, and the people of North Dakota will be better off not having to be subjected to it

    And again in the GF Herald editorial:

    Hoven’s decision leaves the state well represented in Bismarck and Washington alike, be intelligent and capable leaders at the top of their political game”

    One would think that two well-qualified, intelligent people vying to be our US Senator would be a great thing for our state. Apparently liberals and the MSM would rather not have contested elections as long as the current office holder is perceived at being effective.

  • Dave

    Can any political junkies answer this question for me:

    Has there ever been a Senate cycle in which EVERY incumbent won his re-election? Because, now that Hoeven is out here, the only incumbents in any kind of trouble appear to be Santorum in Pennsylvania and Bill Nelson in Florida. But if no one loses in ’06, will that be the first time ever?

    ‘Cuz, if so, I think it’ll be the low point in our democracy.

  • http://sayanythingblog.com robport

    What a shame. He would have won.

    I have no idea who they’ll pick. Barring Ed Schaefer’s re-entering the political ring I don’t think any Republican I’m aware of has a chance against Conrad.

  • http://sayanythingblog.com robport

    This race between Conrad and Hoven would have been Armageddon. “I think that we’ve averted a race here that would have involved the expenditure of millions of dollars, and the people of North Dakota will be better off not having to be subjected to it

    Translation: Man are we glad Hoeven didn’t run and kick the crap out of our candidate.

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