In reflecting upon the self-governance of the American people, Thomas Jefferson wrote:

In the great work which has been effected in America, no individual has any right to take any great share to himself. Our people are wise, because they are under the unrestrained operation of their own understanding. Those whom they have assigned to the direction of their affairs have stood with a pretty even front. If one is withdrawn, others entirely equal have been ready to fill the space with good abilities. A nation composed of such materials furnished hopeful implements for the interesting experiment of self-government.

After 230+ years of the “interesting experiment of self-government,” Jefferson’s words just as aptly describe the people of America today, including us out here in North Dakota. The citizens of this state - people like you: small business owners, industrial workers, teachers, farmers, clergy, professional people - are qualified, as free thinking and freedom loving people, to step into positions of leadership and influence.

We Republicans believe in grass-roots government. The power to make decisions which directly affect us the most should be in the hands of our local, elected officials. I was stunned recently when a friend of mine wondered out loud whether “those school board members” should have so much power. Are not “those school board members” our own, locally elected people that we as a local community put into power? If we do not agree with them, we have every right to elect someone else.

What is happening out there? Legislative candidates are becoming harder and harder to find, due in large part to the sheer cost of executing an effective campaign. The average dollar amount is nearly three times what it was less than 10 years ago. Recently, a ND democrat legislative candidate raised $25,000 dollars to fund his campaign. The fund raiser was held in Washington D.C. Guess who was at the door?

This raises another foundational concern. If this trend continues, gone will be the day when the average citizen runs for office. Instead, it will be only the affluent or one of the political “chosen.” It will be someone singled out by the incumbent elite to become the beneficiary of large sums of money - money from out of state sources, money with long strings attached to special interest agendas.

How do you think our children’s textbooks became full of the “facts” about the origins of man and such scientifically proven “facts” as global warming? How is it that exaggerated, environmental fears are keeping the United States – the third largest oil-rich country in the world behind Saudi Arabia and Russia! – from responsibly drilling our own natural resources?

We must fight these trends. How? By supporting Republicans with our time, talents, and involvement in the process of communicating long held Republican beliefs and values. These are not things that need changing. We must work for candidates who believe what we believe; we know what they believe because they live and work in our communities. They are grass-roots, in touch, citizen representatives to the law-making bodies—NOT professional politicians with a retirement plan funded by yours truly and truly yours!

Of course this effort requires money. Follow your beliefs; put your money where your heart is. Give it locally. Support the candidates you know and trust. Give it to a party organization where you have a say as a district chairman or a delegate to convention.

And while we’re talking money—where do you suppose the $40,000,000 Obama raised in one month came from? How about the $10,000,000 Hillary raised in the 24 hours following the Pennsylvania’s primary? Do you really think it came from small town businessmen, farmers, and local professional people?

Maybe we should make it our business to find out. One thing is sure—if we find the source of the funding, we’ll find out who they plan to represent if elected. Theirs is not the voice of America!

Speaking of Obama, he promises “change.” It’s not too difficult to define the change he has in mind: Raise taxes, spend our money and leave us with loose change in our pockets. No thanks!

We are Republicans—the party with the ideas, message, values and outlook for a bright future which will keep America strong, free and one nation under God.

Join me in your contribution to the noble cause of keeping government where it belongs—under our noses and under our thumbs—not the other way around. Let your voice be heard. America needs to hear what you have to say!

Together we can make a difference,

Gary Emineth

State Chairman