The divisions in the North Dakota Republican Party became clearer a few days ago when two former party executives (not one, two) reinforced their break with the party. No matter how party regulars – or the new irregulars – spin it, the news is not good for Republicans.

When Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer bolted from the U.S. House endorsement process a few weeks ago, it was greeted with muted but obvious anger and bitterness.

Cramer is a former party executive and chairman. After decades of party loyalty during which he won endorsements for several runs for statewide office, Cramer decided to ditch the 2012 endorsing convention and run as a Republican in the June primary against the party-endorsed candidate. His move was unprecedented in the state’s political history.

As if to further stick his thumb in the party’s collective eye, Cramer named Gary Emineth, another former chairman and executive director, as his campaign manager. Emineth has been lately identified with the tea party wing of the North Dakota GOP.


http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/349902/group/Opinion/