GOP House hopefuls to debate at VCSU

December 13, 2011

The Republican U.S. House Candidates’ Forum begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Vangstad Auditorium on the VCSU campus.

The five Republican candidates for North Dakota’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives will debate for the first time Wednesday night on the VCSU campus.

The debate will include Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer of Bismarck; former Department of Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle of Bismarck/Mandan; state Representative Bette Grande of Fargo; Public Service Commissioner Brian Kalk of Bismarck; and state Representative Kim Koppelman of Fargo.

The candidates are vying for the representative seat that will be left vacant by current Rep. Rick Berg, who is mounting a U.S. Senate run in 2012.
The forum will be hosted by District 24 of the North Dakota Republican Party, and moderated by “We the People” radio host Chris Berg, of 1100 AM “The Flag”. District 24 Republicans Vice Chair Jon Wagar will serve as the emcee.

"We're looking for a very exciting evening, as it is the first, and maybe the only time all five candidates will meet," said event chair Rick Ross, a Valley City resident and member of the District 24 Republicans.
"What I'm hoping is to see where they stand on national issues and see if anyone steps forward to take a lead in the fray," said Ross. "These are some very qualified candidates."

The Republican U.S. House Candidates’ Forum begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Vangstad Auditorium, and Ross mentioned the doors will open at 6 p.m. The debate will be broadcast on 1100 AM, and will be streamed live at www.am1100online.com. The public is encouraged to attend.