Let’s Remember That Burgum Is Mostly Backing Endorsed Republican Candidates
MINOT, N.D. — There has been a lot of Sturm und Drang in recent weeks about Gov. Doug Burgum’s aggressive moves in the state’s primary campaigns.
So far, he’s poured nearly a million dollars into a political action committee, which is supporting the campaigns of his preferred candidates in six legislative races as well as the statewide race for the treasurer’s office. Several of Burgum’s wealthy, out-of-state friends have also made big-dollar contributions to that committee.
There is nothing wrong with any given governor backing their preferred candidate, even in intraparty primary competitions. Still, Burgum’s use of his wealth and his network of out-of-state supporters to influence hyper-local elections is a bit heavy-handed.
It’s prompted no small amount of blowback against the governor from other Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, who tapped his close connection to President Donald Trump to get an endorsement for treasurer candidate Dan Johnston, effectively big-footing Tom Beadle who is the Burgum-backed candidate in that competition.
Burgum is not doing this how I would do it.
