Kalk It Up to Experience

Kalk wins GOP nod, will face Cramer in June primary.

Monday, April 2, 2012 | 1:48 p.m.

It took Public Service Commis. Brian Kalk (R) three ballots on April 1 "to overcome four rivals and win" the ND GOP convention's support. "He now faces a primary campaign against at least one GOP challenger," Public Service Commis. Kevin Cramer (R).

Kalk defeated ex-state Commerce Commis. Shane Goettle (R) 929-676 on the final ballot on April 1, "shortly before the weekend GOP convention ended." Kalk: "After the first ballot, I felt pretty good. We looked at the districts where I thought we should have done better in, and I went right over and talked to those folks."

Cramer said in Jan. "he would run in the state's June primary." Candidates endorsed at the Dem and GOP conventions "are guaranteed a place on the primary ballot, as well as access to party mailing lists and fundraising resources. However, any candidate may run in either party's primary by collecting petition signatures from at least" 300 ND voters. Kalk: "Right now, we're going to enjoy the victory. Kevin and I are very good friends and everything we've always done is professional work, and we'll keep it that way."

State Rep. Bette Grande (R) declined to say on April 1 "whether she would run against Kalk and Cramer in June, saying she'd decide 'after I've slept.'" Grande: "The campaign for me was one of the best experiences of my lifetime. ... We're going to just move forward."

Dems endorsed ex-state Rep. Pam Gulleson (D) (Wetzel, AP, 4/1).

Kalk: "We have 65 days until the primary. We plan on winning that thing and winning in November."

In a speech before the vote, Kalk "said he was the strongest candidate capable of keeping" the seat in GOP hands. He also focused on repealing Obamacare and other "overreaching federal legislation." Kalk: "The American dream is under attack. We have got to get to Washington. North Dakota's going to lead the way in getting this country back on track" (Smith, Bismarck Tribune, 4/1).