Letters to the Editor | March 7th, 2018
To 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
January 24th 2026
December 18th 2025
August 19th 2025
June 19th 2025
June 2nd 2025
__293px-wide.jpg)
_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)__293px-wide.jpg)
_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)_(1)__293px-wide.jpg)
By Dr Christopher Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Sollera For nearly fifty years, this region has known us as Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. We have answered late-night calls. Sat in hospital rooms. Walked with victim survivors…
By Michael M. Miller Francie M. Berg, native of Hettinger, N.D., edited an impressive book, “Ethnic Heritage in North Dakota,” published in 1983. She grew up on a ranch near Miles City, Montana. Her son, Richard Berg, is…
June 6-7StatewideYou grab a line and I’ll grab a pole — and if you’re a North Dakota resident, you can head on down to your favorite fishing hole, no license needed (for this weekend, anyway). All other rules still apply…
By Sabrina Hornung As the school year comes to a close, a new crop of young people are starting a new chapter in their lives. As a former young person, I’d like to offer my unsolicited advice. As cliche as it may sound, be the…
By Ed RaymondWere women created to do the work of God?One of the first requests made by new Pope Leo XIV was to invite an expert on the alt-right conservative Catholic organization known as Opus Dei to brief him about its…
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 Rick GionThe scarfing of canned fish and seafood products by online food influencer types is hard to miss on social media these days. Some of the consumed morsels range from exquisite to downright nasty. However, there are many…
June 3-6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.FARGODOME, 2800 N. University Dr., FargoDo we dare call RibFest the ultimate summer kickoff in Fargo? Well, we just did. Enjoy succulent ribs, pulled pork, brisket and so much more. Featuring top notch…
__300x100.png)
By Greg Carlson Filmmaker Lawrence Kasdan gives longtime pal Martin Short the celebrity documentary treatment in new Netflix movie “Marty, Life Is Short.” With a half century of show business experience under his belt, Short…
By Sabrina Hornung The Plains Art Museum has been a trailblazing force in the North Dakota art scene since its inception and it’s not slowing down any time soon. In fact, this summer they are preparing to break ground on a major…
Saturday, January 31, 6:30-9 p.m.Transfiguration Fitness, 764 34th St. N., Unit P, FargoAn enchanting evening celebrating movement and creativity in a staff-student showcase. This is a family-friendly event showcasing pole, aerial…
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 Eli Liverani Cholesterol is probably one of the first molecules I have ever heard of in my childhood. Most of the relatives on my mother's side had high cholesterol in their blood, and apparently, levels above a certain range…
January 31, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead2026 marks 10 years of frosty fun! Enjoy sauna sessions with Log the Sauna, try Snowga (yoga in the snow), take a guided snowshoe nature hike, listen to live…
By Jim Fuglie I was out for a walk on a fine Bismarck spring evening, strolling down 4th St. alongside the state capitol grounds, when I noticed some dirt work being done on the spot where the former governor’s residence had…