District 47 in Bismarck- has become a hot primary race. It’s one of a few that are contested in tomorrow’s elections.The republicans have 3 running on the ticket for two spots on the November ballot.
Incumbents George Keiser and Larry Klemin have each held their seats for about 2 decades each
They’re now competing with Duane Sand. Only 2 can prevail.
Our Malique Rankin breaks down the campaigns– the good, bad, and ugly.
Incumbent Larry Klemin has held his seat for the last 19 years.
He says his main interests, if re-elected are furthering the justice reinvestment bill, and improving behavioral health resources across North Dakota.
Lawrence Klemin: “The idea is to take some of those monies that are used for the department of corrections and prisons and put them in behavioral health programs.”
George Keiser has represented northwest Bismarck for 25 years.
He prides himself in the state’s workers comp, being the lowest premium in the US.
Keiser also backed the justice reinvestment bill.. saying change can be for the better.
George Keiser; District 47: “We have to be open to looking at doing things differently, more effectively and address the problems directly- not just throw money at them.”
Duane Sand will be facing off against both incumbents.
He says wants to see property tax reform if he was chosen for the spot.
Duane Sand; Owner of White Horse Water; District 47 Candidate: “One of the reason I’m running for the legislature is to help the state to get real property tax reform. Because we’ve had over a billion and half dollars go towards reforming property taxes that hasn’t worked. and George Keiser has led the cause down the wrong road”
If you thought those were fighting words- it doesn’t scratch the surface of what’s unfolded between Keiser and Sand. Two weeks ago, Sand send a campaign mailer with incorrect info on Keiser’s voting record. In response, Keiser filed a police report. Sand says Keiser is also attacking his character through campaigns. Representative George Keiser says he has yet to hear back from the Bismarck PD about the police report filed. Duane Sand says he isn’t worried about the report. Tuesday, the seriousness of the mistake will be left to the voters.
We will be following this race, and several others as the votes come in.
This is the place to watch tomorrow, because KX is YOUR LOCAL ELECTION HEADQUARTERS.
