Congressional candidates debate on radio talk show

FARGO — GOP House candidates Rick Berg and Kevin Cramer faced off in an informal debate Monday morning on conservative Fargo talk radio station.

Berg, a longtime Fargo state legislator, and Cramer, a North Dakota public service commissioner, discussed a variety of topics including energy legislation, Second Amendment rights and term limits for congressmen during the three-hour show.

The candidates are trying to unseat Democratic Rep. Earl Pomeroy, who has served as North Dakota’s lone congressman since 1993.

Radio host Rob Port led the candidate forum on AM 1100 The Flag’s “Scott Hennen Show,” which featured questions mostly offered by the station’s listeners.

Paul Schaffner, a Bismarck insurance agent and financial consultant also vying for the GOP nomination, was scheduled to participate but backed out early Monday.

Two other GOP candidates — Kenmare, N.D., oilman John David “J.D.” Donaghe and former independent gubernatorial candidate DuWayne Hendrickson of Minot —declared for the race Monday but did not participate in the debate.

Both Berg and Cramer on Monday said they were tired with the lack of accountability from North Dakota’s representation in Washington, D.C.

“We celebrate longevity in many of these offices,” Cramer said. “The longer you are in Washington, the less connected you are from home.”

“That needs to change in Washington,” Berg said. “I want to bring North Dakota policy to Washington so we can bring common sense out there.”

Berg said voters should favor him because he can devote time to the campaign and has the ability to raise funds.

“I’ve created jobs and balanced budgets — two issues Earl Pomeroy hasn’t done,” Berg added.

Cramer said he’s already proven himself in his ability to successfully win a statewide elected office.

“I believe I would have the best opportunity to win this seat,” he said.

Republican delegates will choose the party’s nominee at their state convention March 19-21 in Grand Forks.

Kristen Daum is a reporter at The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.

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