Say Anything Blog

A lot of people have been asking me what seats in North Dakota will be on the ballot in 2008. There’s been a lot of confusion lately too, since in 2004, 4 of our 8 constitutional officers (except Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and our 3 PSCs), ran for two year terms (SOS Al Jaeger, Att. Gen. Wayne Stenehjem, Ag Comm Roger Johnson, and Tax Commissioner Cory Fong all sought re-election again in 2006). This was done so that those 8 offices could be split into two different elections. Instead of electing Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and commissioners (Ag, Tax, and Insurance) all in one year, 4 will be elected in even-numbered years.

I suppose that this decision was made so that voters homework could be split up a little more evenly. While it is a lot to ask of a voter to elect all 8 officials in one year, I honestly don’t think having them split up will make anyone look into the candidates any more than they normally would.

This year, we of course have the Presidential Race, the Governor’s race, and the Congressional race to deal with. I’ve discussed all three of these races already, so now I will cover the four constitutional officers (plus one PSC) that are up for re-election. Treasurer Kelly Schmidt, Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman, Auditor Bob Peterson, SPI Wayne Sanstead (Democrat), and Public Service Commissioner Susan Wefald.

First, State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt is seeking re-election to her second term in 2008. Since being elected in 2004, Schmidt has immensely improved the function and quality of the Treasurer’s office. Previous Treasurer, Democrat Kathi Gilmore, made a mess of the office; such a mess that the Legislative Assembly twice tried to eliminate the position. Now, Schmidt has cleaned house, and the Office of the State Treasurer is one of the most efficient in the state. It is possible that Schmidt has her eyes on the Governor’s office, but she will most likely seek a second term as Treasurer before she moves up.

Insurance Commissioner, PSC, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Auditor will be featured in upcoming installments.

For the full blog, go to
http://mattsconservativecorner.blogspot.com/