Tracker Pixel for Entry

‘I’m not buying it, and neither should you’

Letters to the Editor | March 7th, 2018

Senator Tim MathernTo the Editor:

The attacks against Senator Heidi Heitkamp by out-of-state partisans follow a predictable formula: Find a wedge issue that inflames people on both sides. Manufacture an outlandish attack against Heidi, no matter the facts. Amplify the attack louder and louder until it drowns out North Dakotans’ better judgment.

I’m not buying it, and neither should you.

The latest, desperate attack out of Washington, DC, transforms a cordial “hello” between colleagues into something downright sinister. The attack exploits a deeply personal, emotional issue for political gain. It is a lie – an outright fabrication – and even the independent fact-checkers have called it “false.”

But the worst thing about this attack is that it insults North Dakotans, because it assumes we don’t know any better.

I’ve personally known Heidi Heitkamp for 40 years. I know her to be a woman of integrity and a woman of strong faith. As a fellow Catholic and as someone who is pro-life, I will not sit back silently as national political hacks attempt to tarnish her reputation from afar with desperate, false attacks.

Heidi is, after all, one of the most moderate, independent elected officials serving in the U.S. Senate. Those attempting to tarnish her record glaze over the fact that she voted to confirm President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, whose own backers held up his pro-life views as one of his most important qualifications. And Heidi makes no bones about standing up to both President Trump and her own party when either one goes against the interests of North Dakota.

Congressman Kevin Cramer has decided to challenge Senator Heitkamp in the U.S. Senate race – but he should run on the issues, not rely on lies and deceptions peddled by the Washington, DC, beltway groups that are supporting his candidacy.

North Dakotans don’t take their cues from out-of-state partisans. It’s shameful and unjust of anyone – be it out-of-staters or Congressman Cramer himself – to continue spreading this false attack.

- Senator Tim Mathern, District 11

Recently in:

By Bryce Vincent Haugenbrycevincenthaugen@gmail.com Audra Maurer never used marijuana until Minnesota businesses started to sell low-dose hemp-derived THC products. “The first time I was pain free was using legalized hemp…

By Michael MillerAs the holiday season approaches, I extend Yuletide Best Wishes and a special “Weihnachten” greeting to you and your family. I would like to share with you Christmas memories from our Germans from Russia…

Now-Feb 26All three Fargo Public Library locations have mitten trees and they’re accepting new or very gently loved clean gear for the cold. Handmade or purchased gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, and warm socks are appreciated.…

By Darrell Dorganddorgan695@aol.com I’ve been digging around for information on a company called High Plains Acres. High Plains, which has a presence in Jamestown, Bismarck and five North Dakota counties, owned thousands of acres…

By Ed Raymondfargogadfly@gmail.comWill we move up from Homo sapiens to Human empathians? The big question is, will the world’s billionaires who are now Homo sapiens gain enough human empathy to save the world from themselves —…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Mandy Dolneymandy@ksbsyndicate.com This cake will be on the menu at Nova Eatery through Thanksgiving served with maple crème anglaise Ice cream. It uses pumpkin pie pumpkins grown locally at Ladybug Acres and local apples grown…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com Dakotah Faye is a hip-hop artist from Minot, North Dakota, and he’s had a busy year. He’s released two albums. This summer he opened for Tech N9ne in Sturgis and will be opening for Bone…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com The brilliant film essayist and documentarian Raoul Peck tackles the looming shadow of contemporary American and international totalitarianism in “Orwell: 2+2=5.” Following a May debut at…

The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re on the lookout for finding your loved ones something truly special and unique, we sought out some of the area’s independent and creative hotspots.VINTAGE AND ANTIQUESMoorhead Antique…

Press release“Shakespeare with a sharpened edge.” To launch its 2025 – 2026 season, Theatre NDSU is thrilled to team up with Moorhead-based organization Theatre B to perform a co-production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Ellie Liveranieli.liverani.ra@gmail.com At the beginning of the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas," the Grinch is introduced as having a smaller than average heart, but as the movie progresses, his heart increases three…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Chandler Esslinger Across North Dakota right now, a familiar conversation is resurfacing. We hear the argument that harm reduction “enables” people, that syringe access encourages drug use, that naloxone keeps people…