Berg Wins N.D. GOP U.S. House Endorsement | Video

Amanda Tetlak | 3/20/2010

The most awaited moment of the state Republican Party`s Convention came early Saturday afternoon as about 15 hundred delegates made their endorsement for United States House.

4 candidates made their case... but a majority of the votes went to Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer and Legislator Rick Berg.

It was an impressive show at the Alerus Center as J.D. Donaghe of Kenmare, DuWayne Hendrickson of Minot , Kevin Cramer, and Rick Berg gave their last effort to round up support from delegates.

But it will be Rick Berg on the ballot in November for United States Congress.

With 972 votes out of nearly 15 hundred, Rick Berg won the endorsement, by a margin much larger than originally speculated.

Kevin Cramer rounded up 442 votes.

Berg says the fight is just beginning, and he will run a campaign on a platform that includes limited government, tax cuts, and less government spending.

He says representation in Washington hasn`t been listening to wants and needs of North Dakotans and he`ll change that if elected.

"I will serve you with an open door and an open mind, and I will leave Washington with a clear conscience so help me God!" he said.

Cramer says while he didn`t get the endorsement, he doesn`t regret the past couple months he spent campaigning across the state.

He says now it`s time for the party to get behind Berg in his race to Washington... as getting a Republican in Congress is the number one goal of the party.

"I think we`ll be fine, by tomorrow we`ll all be on the same page, I don`t know... maybe even by tonight!" said Cramer.

"Next the question is, how do we take the message that we took to 16 hundred delegates, how do we take that message to 640 thousand North Dakotans?" said Berg.

Republicans say the political climate is in their favor this election year and are confident that Berg will be the next Representative of North Dakota.

So what`s the next step for Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer?

He says the liklihood he will run for reelection to the PSC is almost certain, even though he once said he wouldn`t.

He says he enjoys the position, but wants to talk with delegates to gauge their support and also state legislator Bob Stenehjem, who has also expressed interest in running.

Stenehjem told us he was planning on seeking the endorsement and even had speeches planned but says he`s not interested in challenging Cramer as the incumbent of the office.

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