I’m not going to vote for either one if they compete about how much pork
they can waste.

Real people want real people to run for office. Berg is a successful private industry businessman. Cramer is a career politician who has no idea what private enterprise is. I would have supported Cramer if he had the nomination, but every Republican supporter I know preferred Berg to Cramer.

“Amazing how something as simpler as signs and stickers can sway important decisions like this.”

The signs and stickers are more of a sign of existing support – they might help reinforce a wavering delegate’s vote, especially if worn or displayed by someone they trust. These things are won and lost usually because of the “ground game” put together by the candidates and their campaigns before the convention even starts. Berg and his people reached out to every delegate by personal phone call; Cramer did not hit every delegate (he relied more on small group meetings and attending district meetings/Lincoln Day dinners). Berg did those things, too, but he also reached out personally.

A telling indicator to me are the votes in District 45 (Berg’s home district) and District 47 (Cramer’s home district in Bismarck). Berg overwhelmed Cramer in his home area (50-2), and then beat him as well in Cramer’s own backyard (61-43). Berg didn’t pick up those 61 votes because he had better signs: he had to earn them, and the ground game going in would have been a major factor.

Kevin Cramer for Governor, 2010.

Were you surprised Rob? That is quite a big, big margin to win by. I thought, just by all the back and forth here, that it would be much closer.

I wonder how much hay Earl will make of the list theft. That is still an issue for me, but not enough to vote for Earl.

I now hope that Rob doesn’t continue to trash talk ND republican candidate Rick Berg. I know he was in the tank for Cramer, but let’s see if he can feign objectiveness.

I think you have some great points Conservative Egghead. I would also point out the ton of money the Berg folks spent on food at the convention. I have talked to consultants who say that makes a big difference. If delegates are looking for a reason to decide between two candidates whos views on the issues differ little, the one who feeds them well has an advantage. Feeding the delegates creates an atmosphere of inevitability because the delegates will hang out where the food is most available. The food gives the candidate access to the delegates and can perhaps change undecided delegates to supporters. It can be very expensive to provide food for 1400 delegates but it can also prove to be a very worthwhile investment. It provides access and can make delegates feel very appreciative. When one listens to Kevin and Rick speak on the issues their is little to distinguish them from one another. Candidates have to think – what will impress the delegates. I guarantee you – hungry delegates are very appreciative of free food. Especially when you are paying $3.50 just for a bottle of pop.

Jimmy, LET IT GO .. IT IS OVER NOW …. time to move on and get Nancy boy earl out on the street in the unemployment line.

Kevin had his problems and so does Berg.

One of the things i noticed was that kevin gave his speech like a whipped pup … no smiles, not enough zip … no real kick butt lines ….. he got my vote anyway …. surprised you eh rob !!!!

Cal, i don’t think the food made a difference. I think it was the spirit …. no matter how he did it, it fired up the people. those i talked to just hammered kevin on the lost twice issue. I was afraid he didn’t get the message out on that and i THINK i was actually right on that.

What i wanted to see out of berg or cramer, was a speech with something like this …
“Scott Brown had it right in Mass. when he told the people there that it was not ted kennedys seat, it was not the dems seat, it was the peoples seat. Here in ND we need to get this message out loud and clear, THIS IS NOT EARL POMMEROYS SEAT, THIS IS NOT THE DEMOCRATS SEAT, THIS IS NOT NANCY PELOSIES SEAT, THIS IS NOT B. OBAMAS SEAT, THIS IS ND’S SEAT AND WHEN I AM ELECTED, I WILL MAKE SURE IT IS VOTED AS ND’S SEAT”
Maybe pound the your fist on each point and do it with a loud voice, it would have rocked the crowd and had them on their feet.
Then brought up the health bill and pounded it the same way …. and maybe even how you will try to fix the damn mess …. just my thoughts.

Because I know some of the parties involved in the Berg fiasco and for that reason I can’t support Berg. While some people can’t support someone either because they are for/against a particular issue/stand you believe in, I can’t support someone who in my opinion shows no morals, ethics or integrity with your own family. How you handle yourself in your private life is a reflection of the type of person someone really is. If you can screw over your family and think nothing of it, I find you a despicable human being and I can’t support you.

“Amazing how something as simpler as signs and stickers can sway important decisions like this.”

Not really. Most Republicans are out of touch. They believe whatever they read, and take action blindly. Well, you already knew that.

can he doing it?

backhand slap to Hennen, ouch

Kevin Cramer is a classy guy and while the path is not always clear, the good guy always manages to find his true road. Governor Cramer…… 2012

I am surprised it wasn’t a lot closer. Cramer is a class guy and will get behind Berg, as will the Schafers. Its politics. It will be good for Berg to reach out too, to us in the tea party movement!