In light of Sen. Byron Dorgan’s announcement that he will not seek re-election, we should look back and express our deepest gratitude for all he has done for North Dakota.  While Sen. Dorgan will be sorely missed, we should look forward to the opportunity for young and exciting candidates to make equally great contributions to the future of our state.

From where I stand, Kristin Hedger is such a candidate, and I very much hope she considers a run for the United States Senate. If she does, she’ll have my vote.

A long-time staffer for Sen. Dorgan, Kristin learned how the nation’s capital works. She knows Washington, but she is not of Washington.

With an impeccable education (including a master’s degree from Yale) and an impressive work ethic, Hedger could have chosen a lucrative career outside our state, as so many others have. But this cowgirl chose to come home. She chose to help. A lot of people talk about the need to create jobs, but Kristin Hedger has done much more than just talk about it.  Spearheading the expansion of Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, her efforts have resulted in real jobs, for real people and brought much-needed dollars to southwestern North Dakota.

Similarly, her work as founder and head of the Dakota Defense Alliance (she’s exceptionally well-versed in aerospace and defense matters) has helped North Dakota manufacturers access tremendously valuable federal contract opportunities. I knew Kristin at first as the executive director of the alliance and have been working with her since and she has a true interest and dedication to the state of North Dakota and is always trying to make sure we succeed as a state.

That’s not talk ” that’s action. That’s Kristin Hedger.

Four years ago, she surprised and impressed both party leaders and average North Dakotans with her skillful and energetic campaign for Secretary of State.  Although initially given almost no chance of election, she garnered more than 46 percent of the vote, nearly unseating the longtime incumbent.

That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by hard work, smarts, and a dedication to public service that is all too rare these days.

Other people talk, Kristin Hedger acts. Others talk about jobs, Kristin Hedger creates them. Others talk about results, Kristin Hedger delivers them.

That’s why I believe she would be a fitting successor to Sen. Dorgan in the United States Senate, both honoring his legacy and moving forward to forge a brighter and more prosperous future for North Dakota.

NeTia Richards

Lidgerwood