I feel like everything I write or say about North Dakota’s U.S. House race needs to have a disclaimer, assuring you I do really like Kelly Armstrong. Let’s just get it out of the way and I’ll admit that I do. I find him to be honest and unafraid of tough questions.
That doesn’t change the fact that we disagree on politics though.
Cara Mund and Congressman Armstrong took part in a lively debate this week at NDSU, hosted by KFGO. Both candidates were questioned by three of the most professional journalists in the business: Paul Jurgens and Don Haney from KFGO, and Dave Thompson from Prairie Public Broadcasting.
Mund made it perfectly clear that she entered the race to defend women’s rights. The right for women to make personal decisions regarding their bodies.
She also pointed out that Armstrong was one of the higher ranking members for number of votes missed, 29th on the list to be exact. Mund went on to point out that as an Independent, she’s pledged not to take PAC money and wants to work with the January 6th Committee.
Armstrong pushed back and cited his work on energy and agriculture. He said an East Coast member of Congress stated that he’d be there for North Dakota through the energy transitions. But Armstrong assured him that North Dakotans don’t need the help of the East Coast. We’re a tough breed and have made it so far without their help.
In other words, they both said exactly what they hoped to say. The only difference between the two is that Mund did it with a passion that Armstrong was lacking. She never backed down or conceded on any challenge thrown her way.
Mund also pointed out what has happened to her since entering the race. She’s been called the c-word and b-word, all because she had the courage to challenge an incumbent, Republican Congressman.
The Armstrong campaign is nervous. In this era of Donald Trump defining their party, they’ve decided to use what they’ve seen work. Simply diminish the opponent and begin labeling. They might not have said the c-word, but they certainly haven’t discouraged it.
On top of all of that, there’s now been a letter to the editor signed by a group of Republican women calling Mund out for speaking out on her beliefs. Beliefs that many agree with, but are afraid to say. When they could’ve been helping her up, they instead were instructed to push her down.
The Fargo Forum denigrated Mund for being a success in life. From Miss America to a Harvard Law graduate, Mund has more than proven herself. But that’s what scares them the most.
She’s a woman that can get the job done.
And a woman that won our debate.
Good riding with you,
Joel
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