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Published January 29, 2012, 09:08 PM

Gov's power to remove ND officials rarely used

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple is mulling a request to remove the Pembina County state's attorney on allegations he has neglected prosecutions, skipped county meetings, ignored requests for legal advice and been rude to county employees.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple is mulling a request to remove the Pembina County state's attorney on allegations he has neglected prosecutions, skipped county meetings, ignored requests for legal advice and been rude to county employees.

It'd be an unusual move for the governor to exercise his power to remove a local elected official — but it's happened before.

One mayor was removed for ignoring gambling, prostitution and debauchery in his town. A county sheriff was booted for a string of drunken-driving arrests. Governors since 1917 have occasionally booted officials for wrongdoing or failing to do their jobs.

Pembina County workers have reported they're afraid of Askew, who declined to comment. Dalrymple has appointed a retired state district judge to preside over the case.

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