D-14 challengers endorsed in Steele

District 14's longtime incumbent Republicans have been asked to step down and support a new group of conservative challengers.

At the District 14 Republican Endorsing Convention on Sunday, Feb. 18, Krisa Grothe, Larry Danduran and Jason Steidl officially received the endorsement of local Republicans.

The endorsement reportedly came after the three incumbents – Jerry Klein, Jon Nelson and Robin Weisz – dropped their challenge for the endorsement on the day of the convention, and what followed was a unanimous vote to endorse their challengers.

When asked why they decided not to seek the party's endorsement, Klein said, "Why go through a voting process when there's 150 people there and there's only maybe 20 that you recognize?

"I think it was a good move on our part, we didn't think we'd win anyway," he added.

Without the incumbents in contention, Grothe was endorsed for the N.D. Senate seat currently held by Klein, while Danduran and Steidl were each endorsed for the two N.D. House seats, which are currently held by Nelson and Weisz.

The endorsement could be the first indication of new leadership for District 14, which is now North Dakota's largest legislative district, in more than a decade.

Klein, Weisz and Nelson have represented their constituents in Bismarck for close to 30 years, all having held seats in the legislature since 1997. In a press release announcing their reelection campaigns, the three incumbents said they stood "united in their bid for re-election."

However, if they're to continue representing District 14, they'll have to withstand a challenge from within which appears to have support.

"It is with humility and gratitude, we accept this endorsement from the Republican Party," said Karisa Grothe. "We plan to do our best to represent our conservative values, and the Republican party banner in District 14 and win in November. We asked the local party members to join us in a partnership. This campaign is not about us, it's about them"

Danduran, a resident of New Rockford, indicated that voters are looking for representatives who are more transparent and accountable.

"They want solutions, not ideologues who make excuses about why we can't fix problems, like reforming property taxes or getting our education standards up to par," he said. "They're seeking actions, not words."

Steidl, meanwhile, said that convention attendees told him they're tired of the status quo, and still have a sense of optimism that the "American dream is still alive."

"We know that if we follow the great principles upon which our nation was founded, we can lead ourselves back to economic security and a sound, moral culture," he said.

Bill Kuntz, the District 14 Republican Party Chairman, said they left the convention with a "great team" of legislative candidates, who've been vetted and had the unanimous support of convention attendees.

Kuntz also had a message for Nelson, Weisz and Klein, which included a call on them to support the new challengers.

"We're very grateful to our incumbent legislators for their many years of service," said Kuntz. "God bless them for being willing to sacrifice so much time and energy on behalf of our communities.

"However, today our local Republicans have made it clear that they want new leadership and fresh ideas. That's why I publicly called upon our incumbents to unify behind our endorsed ticket."

When asked by the Transcript if they still intend to seek their party's nomination at the June 11 primary, Jerry Klein said all three intend to stay in the race.

"We are full speed ahead," said Klein. "... We think we still have the conservative voices for District 14 ... We certainly believe that our experience and the many years that we've served provide us a lot of opportunity to serve our rural constituents."

He added that they'll be making their way to New Rockford and Eddy County in the near future, to get to know their largest batch of new constituents.

"The folks over in Eddy County haven't had a chance to vote for us yet," he said, "so we've got to get over there and they've got to get more familiar with us."