Governor Wants ‘Reset’ From North Dakota Ethics Commission as Committee Deadlocks on Candidates

Sen. David Hogue, a Republican from Minot, speaks to Gov. Kelly Armstrong. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – The selection process for three seats on the North Dakota Ethics Commission reached a stalemate after the governor adamantly refused to reappoint incumbent Murray Sagsveen.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong argued the Ethics Commission needs a “general reset,” citing a strained relationship with executive branch agencies. Armstrong also strongly disagreed with a response Sagsveen gave during the selection process in which he said the North Dakota Legislature has passed laws to limit the commission’s authority, in violation of the state constitution.

“I just won’t vote for him,” Armstrong said.

However, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, the other two members of the selection committee, strongly support reappointing Sagsveen. The appointment requires a consensus of the three members, not a majority vote.