District 12 Republicans to have open primary

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District 12 Republican voters will choose the party’s candidates for the North Dakota Legislature on June 12. The local Republican committee is not endorsing a slate of candidates and is relying on the primary election process to select them.

“We’re going with an open primary,” said Delores Rath, District 12 party chair. “We’re going to let the people decide.”

Two people have confirmed they are circulating petitions for the Republican nomination for the District 12 Senate seat. The incumbent, David Nething, R-Jamestown, is retiring after 46 years in the Legislature.

Dwaine Heinrich, former Jamestown city councilman, confirmed he is circulating petitions for the Senate seat.

“This is an opportunity where I can have a one-on-one election,” Heinrich said. “Dave Nething did a fantastic job of representing Jamestown and it will be a challenge replacing him. Being friends with Nething will make that easier.”

Bernie Satrom, owner of Maranatha Custom Churches, also confirmed he is running for the Republican nomination for the Senate seat.

“I’m excited,” Satrom said. “We have a lot of positive support and encouragement.”

Satrom, Heinrich or any other individual interested in the Republican nomination must return petitions containing at least 160 but no more than 300 valid signatures by 4 p.m. April 13 to the Stutsman County Courthouse. The top vote-getter in the race will advance to the November general election to face the Democratic nominee.

Two men have also confirmed they are circulating petitions to be nominated as the Republican candidates for the two District 12 House seats.

Alex Looysen, 20, Jamestown College student, announced he is a candidate.

“I’ve lived in Jamestown all my life,” he said. “I’m a Jamestown high graduate who likes debating and has conservative ideals.”

Also running for the District 12 house nomination is Ken Hall of Jamestown.

“I decided I wanted to run,” he said. “I’ve been involved in politics for many years and have served as the vice chair of the District 12 Republicans for the last two years.”

Looysen, Hall and any other potential candidates for the Republican nomination for the District 12 House must file petitions containing at least 160 but no more than 300 signatures by 4 p.m. April 13 to the Stutsman County Courthouse. The top two vote-getters will also advance to face the Democratic candidates in the November general election.

The District 12 Democrats anticipate picking a slate of candidates during an April 3 meeting. If the party certifies a slate of candidates, the individuals are not required to file petitions.

District 12 is currently represented by Nething in the Senate and by Reps. Lyle Hanson and Joe Kroeber, both D-Jamestown.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, election, politics