Kroeber retiring from House: Grabinger runs for Senate

Talk about it

Longtime District 12 Rep. Joe Kroeber, D-Jamestown, is calling it a career in the North Dakota House after nearly 20 years of service.

“I think what I’ve been real pleased about is being able to serve on appropriations for basically 14 years out of the 20, and I feel very competent understanding the state budget and special funds,” Kroeber said, Tuesday night after at an endorsement event for the district’s Democrats.

At that event, District 12 Democrats formally endorsed the candidate who will vie for his seat — 26-year-old Jessica Haak.

“I’m thrilled and honored to accept the endorsement for the District 12 Dem-NPL house seat,” Haak told a crowd of about 40 at the Gladstone Inn & Suites. “To say the least I have some big shoes to fill.”

Haak told the crowd she plans to address a multitude of issues if elected, including working for small businesses, hunters, seniors, veterans, college students and children as well as working to strengthen domestic violence laws.

“I don’t think as far as the North Dakota Legislature is concerned, there isn’t any doubt that women’s and children’s issues take a big backseat to appropriations in the North Dakota House,” Kroeber said.

Lyle Hanson

Rep. Lyle Hanson, the longest-serving Democrat in the North Dakota House, announced he’ll seek another term.

Hanson said he will work on education issues. He also wants to improve regulations on hydraulic fracturing in the Oil Patch and improve infrastructure there and elsewhere in North Dakota.

“I accept your nomination, with great experience in District 12 I have served North Dakota well I think and as a representative in the Legislature,” he said.

John Grabinger

For Senate District 12 endorsed John Grabinger as its candidate Tuesday night.

“It will once again be an honor to be a candidate for state Senate for 2012,” Grabinger said. “We were that close. A tide of GOP wins, a 42-year incumbent were the only thing that took us down by eight short votes.”

In 2008, Grabinger lost by eight votes to Sen. Dave Nething, R-Jamestown, who announced his retirement in January.

He said he wants to work on infrastructure now in the state, as well as flood protection for cities that need it.

Grabinger said he also wants to increase foundation aid to state pays districts per student to $4,000 a student.

“I will give the citizens of District 12 and the state of North Dakota 100 percent effort if I’m elected,” he said.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

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