Kevin Cramer Advances to ‘On the Radar’
North Dakota Republican Candidate Takes Second Step to Achieving ‘Young Gun’ Status

For Immediate Release Contact: Press Office, (202) 479-7070
February 17, 2012

Washington — The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced Kevin Cramer as an ‘On the Radar’ candidate, the important second step in the ‘Young Guns’ program. Founded during the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the ‘Young Guns’ program is a Member-driven effort that is the primary method for recruiting strong candidates for both open-seat and challenger races. Cramer is running for North Dakota’s sole Congressional District.

“We are looking forward to working with Kevin Cramer, who has already proven himself by meeting rigorous benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program that will position his campaign for victory,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Kevin Cramer’s dedication and experience enables him to advocate effectively for pro-growth policies and fight the failed status quo in Washington. This will stand in stark contrast to the Obama-Pelosi record of spending, borrowing and taxing that North Dakota families and small businesses know has failed.”

The ‘Young Guns’ program encourages candidates who have proven their ability to meet crucial campaign benchmarks to develop their campaigns further in order to achieve victory on Election Day. In achieving ‘On the Radar’ status, Kevin Cramer has met organizational and fundraising benchmarks and has already begun to establish himself as a strong contender. Cramer will now work toward even higher goals that will help him advance in the ‘Young Guns’ program and build an effective, winning campaign.

Kevin Cramer has been elected statewide as Public Service Commissioner twice, winning over 61 percent of the vote in both elections, and helping to oversee the most dynamic energy economy in the nation. Beyond that, he has a distinguished career in government service including eight years in Governor Ed Schafer’s cabinet, first as the State Tourism Director, and later as the State Economic Development Director. It was under Cramer’s leadership that tourism first became a $1 billion industry in North Dakota. Prior to his government service, Cramer served as Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party. Cramer is a native of Kindred, North Dakota, and is now an adjunct instructor of business and management and a university trustee at the University of Mary in Bismarck.

With the second set of rigorous benchmarks met in order to achieve ‘On the Radar’ status, Kevin Cramer will now work toward even higher goals that will help him advance in the ‘Young Guns’ program and build an effective, winning campaign.

The additional candidate(s) for North Dakota’s sole Congressional District that are advancing to ‘On the Radar’ status in the Young Guns program include: Shane Goettle.

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Given the prominent role of domestic energy policy and national security in shaping the country’s future, not to mention North Dakota’s growing influence on the national level, Senator Santorum accepted an invitation to come and see for himself the incredibly rich resources and vast potential of North Dakota’s Bakken oil and gas industry.

“It was an honor to show presidential candidate Rick Santorum firsthand how North Dakota is leading the way in economic freedom through energy security,” said ND Public Service Commissioner and US House candidate Kevin Cramer, who accompanied Santorum on his visit to Tioga and took part in an energy roundtable there.

“As a candidate for congress, I have watched Senator Santorum closely as he and the other candidates debated energy policy on the national stage, knowing North Dakota epitomizes the solutions our nation seeks,” Cramer added.

After Tioga, Santorum and Cramer headed to Fargo, where Cramer emceed a rally for Santorum. Despite the short notice, well over 1,000 people made up a standing room only crowd at the Holiday Inn. Impressed with Santorum’s message on compassionate conservatism, a strong national defense and solid family values, the crowd loudly applauded their support.

February 16, 2012

Emineth had been serving as Cramer’s fundraising chairman since November.

“He brings a number of things to the table,” Cramer said.

Cramer said he and Emineth have known each other for more than 20 years. Emineth was the state party’s executive director in the 1980s, and Cramer spent time working alongside him as assistant executive director.

“He’s someone who’s a seasoned pro who knows the state very well,” Cramer said.

Cramer said Emineth not only has extensive experience in running campaigns but also has strong fundraising skills. According to year-end campaign finance numbers from the Federal Election Commission, the Cramer campaign had raised more than $210,000 through the end of last year, more than any of the other five Republicans and one Democrat running for the House.

“I think we make a really good team when it comes to raising money for various campaigns and initiatives,” Emineth said.

Cramer said he is also impressed by Emineth’s ability to engage in grassroots organization and ability to bring conservatives of all stripes together.

“He’s a coalition builder,” Cramer said.

Emineth said the Take Back Washington Rally he organized in February 2010 while state chairman was one such event that drew a wide range of conservative voices together. A majority of the state’s elected Republican officials participated in the event. Hundreds gathered to voice their concerns and criticisms to the elected officials, who were there to listen, not talk.

“I took a lot of heat from within the party,” Emineth said of the event.

Cramer said he thought the rally was a great idea. He added that he’s a strong believer in working to increase the number of North Dakota Republicans, whether they’re tea party conservatives, traditional Republicans or moderates.

“If we’re confident in our philosophy and we’re confident in our platform, we shouldn’t be concerned about allowing others in and having a rigorous and open discussion,” Cramer said.

Emineth said he considered Cramer’s decision to bypass the Republican convention and be on the primary ballot to be bold.

“It does threaten the establishment. But you know what? I don’t think it’s all that bad because it makes us stop and reflect,” Emineth said. He said moving forward, the Cramer campaign intends on visiting with North Dakotans statewide while raising money. Emineth said the Democratic Party is expected to pour a lot of money into North Dakota, and it’s important to raise the funds necessary to be competitive.

“I think we’re poised for the Republican Party to have all three congressional seats in 2012,” Emineth said.

Cramer also named Kate Bommarito as his campaign’s communications director on Friday. Bommarito most recently covered the 2011 session of the North Dakota Legislature for the Plains Daily.

North Dakota Republican Party Chairman Stan Stein has said since Cramer’s announcement that he was bypassing the primary that the full support of the North Dakota Republican Party will be behind the person nominated at the state convention, which will be held March 30-April 1 in Bismarck.

“It’s going to be an exciting next few months,” Stein said.

Article published in the Bismarck Tribune, February 6, 2012

Cramer and Gary Emineth are both former party leaders.

Emineth was the party’s executive director during the 1980s, and Cramer was his replacement after he left that post.

Emineth later served as NDGOP chairman from 2007 until a few months prior to the 2010 midterm elections.

After his stint as the party’s executive director, Cramer served as party chairman in the early ’90s.

He said Emineth brings “a wealth of political experience and knowledge” to his House campaign.

“I’m grateful Gary has joined the team,” Cramer said. “He is a seasoned professional who definitely knows how to run a winning campaign.”

Cramer faces five other Republicans, one Democrat and a libertarian in his bid to be North Dakota’s next member of Congress.

Article Written By: Associated Press, INFORUM, February 5, 2012

“I’ve known Kevin Cramer for decades, and over that time, he has proved himself to be a trustworthy, consistent, and principled conservative leader who is aligned with the values and principles I believe in,” Emineth said in a campaign statement.

Cramer and Emineth are both former party leaders.

Emineth was the party’s executive director during the 1980s, and Cramer was his replacement after he left that post. Emineth later served as NDGOP chairman from 2007 until a few months prior to the 2010 midterm elections. (He resigned to focus on business opportunities.)

After a stint as the party’s executive director, Cramer served as party chairman in the early ’90s.

He said Emineth brings “a wealth of political experience and knowledge” to his House campaign.

“I’m grateful Gary has joined the team,” Cramer said. “He is a seasoned professional who definitely knows how to run a winning campaign.”

Emineth said that national Democrats’ focus on winning back North Dakota’s House seat is one of the reasons he’s putting his efforts behind Cramer.

“I believe that it is vitally important for North Dakota Republicans to put forth the absolute strongest fundraiser and the most well-recognized, publicly vetted candidate possible, and I know that Kevin Cramer is that person,” Emineth said.

Cramer faces five other Republicans, one Democrat and a libertarian in his bid to be North Dakota’s next member of Congress.

Emineth has been helping lead Cramer’s fundraising efforts since November, Cramer said.

Article originally published by Forum Communications on February 5, 2012 by Kristen M. Daum

Gary Emineth will run Kevin Cramer’s campaign. He was the state GOP chairman from 2007 to 2010, before quitting for business reasons.

Emineth calls Cramer the strongest fundraiser, most recognized and vetted candidate.

Reprinted from article published by WDAY TV, February 5, 2012

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