North Dakota gubernatorial candidates building on political foundations

BISMARCK—Some have likely seen them waving from parade floats, spoken to them at public events or gatherings or had a conversation at their doorsteps: Candidates have fanned out across the state to engage in summer retail politics.

Gubernatorial candidates and state party officials say the summer has been a good time to build a foundation as well as momentum. Soon the post-Labor Day fall election blitz will begin.

"There's one last little pocket — one last weekend at the lake or get the kids ready for school," North Dakota Republican Party Chairman Kelly Armstrong said. "I like being us right now. Complacency is my biggest concern. I think we're in a pretty good spot."

New legislative and statewide candidates have run highly energetic campaigns, a good sign of the party's overall health and strong bench of candidates from which to draw, according to Armstrong.

Read more: http://www.jamestownsun.com/news/state/4103650-nd-gubernatorial-candidates-building-political-foundations