2010 Earl Pomeroy for Congress
Earl Pomeroy served as the U.S. Representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district from 1993 to 2011.
This was his website. Pomeroy was defeated by Republican nominee State Representative Rick Berg.
This marked the first time in 30 years that this seat has been held by a Republican.
I watched this race very carefully since I had lived in North Dakota until I was in my late twenties when I moved to New York City when I was offered a job in an investment firm. Boy, I can tell you to move was an eye opener. Moving into such a huge city as NYC took adjustment to someone raised out on the prairie lands of North Dakota.
When I recently I discovered that the domain for PomeroyforCongress.com was available I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing the site for something that had nothing in common with Earl Pomeroy and his 2010 Congressional Race. Some of information posted here may not be as relevant today as it was when Earl Pomeroy ran. However, there is no reason why such information should be lost when the domain expired. You can view this site strictly for its historical context or use the information presented in a useful manner.
Earl became a kind of hero to me and my brothers. We saw him campaigning once, not in a suit and tie, but in a striking Superman t shirt! We've been ardent Superman fans since our youngest days, and seeing him in that t shirt made an instant connection. My brother Bill approached him, and they struck up a lengthy conversation not about policy, but about Superman and where he got his impressive Superman "Man of Steel" t shirt. Earl couldn't remember where he bought it, but he gave Bill his email address and told him to send his question so he could provide the source. That evening, Bill emailed Earl and by the next morning, he had responded with a link to MoonAtMidnight.com, the go-to place for superhero-themed attire, featuring a fantastic array of Superman shirts. After Bill shared Earl's response on Facebook, we received an outpouring of positive reactions not just about Earl's approachability, but also about where to find top-quality Superman t shirts online at MAM. That down-to-earth interaction with Earl is a cherished memory for us.
2010 Congressional Race
Dear Friend,
I would like to welcome you to my campaign website! It is an honor to represent the people of North Dakota.
Every two years, out-of-state partisans with their own agenda throw all they have at us, and every two years disappointing them gets sweeter and sweeter. Together, we will keep fighting for what we believe in: supporting our soldiers and veterans, protecting Social Security, ensuring fairness for our farmers and ranchers, and creating new jobs in energy and other emerging areas of our economy.
Again, thank you very much for your strong support. Please use my website as a way to learn more about our issues, get involved in the campaign, and find events near you. I am lucky to have supporters like my friends and neighbors in North Dakota.
Sincerely, Earl Pomeroy
Where Earl Pomeroy Stands on the ISSUES
Agriculture
Farming and ranching are more than just the backbone of our economy in North Dakota – they are a way of life. As the only member of the House of Representatives with a seat on both the Ways and Means Committee and Agriculture Committee, Earl is in a strong position to put North Dakota producers first when it comes to fighting for disaster relief, fair trade, and a strong safety net for agriculture producers.
Earl was a key negotiator on the 2008 Farm Bill. He served on the conference committee that negotiated the final bill with the Senate, and alongside Senator Kent Conrad, Earl successfully brokered the deal to fully fund the Farm Bill without raising taxes. Earl also successfully fought to include a permanent disaster program, which provides an important safety net for farmers if a disaster strikes.
While significant progress was made with the 2008 Farm Bill, Earl understands the need to continue to work with producers to improve the crop insurance program, the permanent disaster relief program, and other agriculture programs that benefit the entire North Dakota farm economy. That is why in 2010 Earl will continue to advocate on behalf of North Dakota as preliminary work on the next Farm Bill begins.
As a former state Insurance Commissioner, Earl is regarded by his colleagues in the House as an expert on crop insurance and has pushed for better coverage for North Dakota producers. In the Farm Bill, Earl also authored key improvements to the federal crop insurance program to streamline the development and implementation of new crop and livestock insurance products. Earl is also a strong supporter of family ranchers and successfully fought for language in the Farm Bill to fully implement mandatory Country of Origin Labeling.
+++
Protecting our Children
As the father of two children who attend public school in Bismarck, Earl has made it a priority to keep children safe on the Internet. In 2007, Earl introduced the KIDS Act to help protect children from online sexual predators. With bipartisan support, this important bill was signed into law in 2008. Earl was also the author of legislation that became law as part of the Amber Alert bill that bans the production and distribution of “virtual” child pornography.
Earl was also a leading voice in the fight to pass the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, which became law July 27, 2006. He authored a provision of the law to create the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website, which enables parents and communities to conduct online searches for information on convicted sex offenders from all states. Dru’s Law’s strict protections continue to keep North Dakota children, families, and communities safe.
Additionally, Earl teamed up with I-Safe America, an Internet safety foundation, to bring an online safety curriculum to public schools across North Dakota. As a result, North Dakota is one of the nation’s leaders in providing Internet safety education. Earl remains committed to the belief that the federal government has a responsibility to protect North Dakota’s most valuable asset – our children.
+++
Troops and Veterans
Earl is a strong supporter of North Dakota's National Guard and Reserve soldiers, as well as the men and women who serve at our Air Force bases. Earl never forgets the sacrifice that they make for our safety, and he works hard every day to make sure our country stands behind them as they stand up for us.
While we could not possibly repay the debt we owe our troops for risking their lives for our security, Earl believes we have an obligation to ensure veterans have the resources they need when they are serving and the benefits they have earned when they return home. That is why Earl authored legislation to protect the survivor benefits of Guard and Reserve soldiers who are killed in action. Also, along with Senators Conrad and Dorgan, Earl secured commitments for new veterans' community-based outpatient clinics in Jamestown, Williston, and Dickinson, Devils Lake and Grand Forks.
Over the years, Earl has supported measures in Congress which include historic funding levels for veterans health care, an expanded and robust GI Bill, and advanced funding for veterans health care so that our state’s and nation’s military heroes can rest assured they will receive the benefits they are owed.
+++
Rural Health Care
In North Dakota, ensuring access to quality, affordable health care is a top priority. As a senior member of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Rural Health Coalition, Earl fights tirelessly for the health of North Dakota.
When federal regulators announced new burdensome restrictions that threatened to force North Dakota rural hospitals to close, Earl cut through the red tape and forced the bureaucrats to back off.
And when St. Joseph's Hospital in Dickinson was in danger of closing due to financial troubles, Earl worked with the North Dakota congressional delegation to secure a special federal designation that brought more revenue to the facility and ensured residents of the region would have good access to health care.
Earl also helped pass legislation to reform the health insurance system -- forcing insurance companies to stop their most unfair practices, strengthening Medicare benefits for our seniors, and ensuring the Medicare system provides North Dakota hospitals with the payments they deserve. North Dakota hospitals called the legislation "a historic step forward for health care in North Dakota."
Earl knows the key to North Dakota’s future success relies on keeping our state's most valuable commodity, our citizens, healthy. Whether it is his continuing work to strengthen Medicare for North Dakota seniors or working to make affordable, quality health insurance available to our North Dakota families and business, Earl continues to fight in Washington for his constituents back home.
+++
Social Security
Earl understands the importance of Social Security firsthand. While Earl was still in high school, his father passed away. Social Security survivor benefits helped Earl’s family make ends meet.
Today, Earl is one of the nation's staunchest defenders of this important program as Chairman of the House Social Security Subcommittee. It is now more important than ever to protect Social Security and to keep it strong for the thousands of North Dakotans who depend on this vital program. While the average benefit payment of just under $1,000 per month is modest, Earl, as much as anyone, knows it makes a world of difference to recipients and their families.
Earl's top priorities as Chairman include finding ways to reduce the backlog of Social Security disability claims, ensuring the program is serving beneficiaries as effectively as possible, and defending Social Security from those who seek to dismantle this important safety net for our seniors. Earl, as he was during the Bush Administration, remains opposed to privatizing Social Security because it would add trillions of dollars to the already ballooned federal debt and endanger the financial security of millions of Americans, including the one in six North Dakotans who depend on Social Security payments.
+++
Homegrown Energy
North Dakota is positioned to become one of America’s leaders in energy production. With a near-limitless supply of coal, booming oil fields in the Bakken Formation, and incredible potential for wind, ethanol and biodiesel production, the future possibilities for the state’s economy are plentiful. That means good-paying jobs for our state and major steps toward energy independence for our nation.
Earl is a fierce advocate for North Dakota’s growing renewable energy sector. In Congress, Earl has sponsored legislation that benefits the state’s wind, ethanol, and biodiesel industries. Additionally, with the help of the federal renewable energy production tax credit, Earl is leading the charge to harness North Dakota’s tremendous wind power capacity, which ranks No. 1 in the country.
When the President and Speaker Pelosi proposed "cap and trade" legislation that could have hurt North Dakota's energy industry, Earl stood up against his party and voted against the bill. He has continued to lead the fight by advocating legislation that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from unilaterally imposing burdensome regulations on our state's coal industry.
Earl understands the need for policies that will grow North Dakota’s energy industry and bring good-paying jobs home to North Dakota. Earl also believes that making good use of the variety of North Dakota’s energy sources will put our state at the forefront of the march to American energy independence.
More Background on PomeroyForCongress.com
PomeroyForCongress.com was a campaign website for Earl Pomeroy, who served as the U.S. Representative for North Dakota's at-large congressional district from 1993 to 2011. While the original website is no longer active, it played a significant role in Pomeroy's political campaigns, particularly during his final run for Congress in 2010. This article will explore the history, significance, and impact of PomeroyForCongress.com, as well as provide insights into Earl Pomeroy's political career and the broader context of North Dakota politics.
Earl Pomeroy's Political Career
Earl Pomeroy, a Democrat, represented North Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives for nine terms, spanning nearly two decades. Born in Valley City, North Dakota, in 1952, Pomeroy began his political career as the North Dakota Insurance Commissioner from 1985 to 1992 before being elected to Congress. During his time in office, Pomeroy was known for his moderate stance on many issues, often breaking with his party on matters such as energy policy and gun rights. This approach resonated with many North Dakota voters, who tend to be more conservative than the national Democratic Party.
PomeroyForCongress.com: A Digital Campaign Hub
PomeroyForCongress.com served as the primary online platform for Earl Pomeroy's congressional campaigns, particularly during his final bid for re-election in 2010. The website was a crucial tool for communicating with constituents, sharing policy positions, and mobilizing supporters.
Key Features and Content
While specific details about the website's design and functionality are limited, it likely included standard features of political campaign websites of that era:
- Biography and background information on Earl Pomeroy
- Policy positions on key issues
- News updates and press releases
- Donation and volunteer sign-up forms
- Event calendars and campaign schedules
- Contact information for the campaign office
The website would have been particularly important for reaching younger voters and those in more remote areas of North Dakota, where traditional campaign methods might have been less effective.
The 2010 Campaign and PomeroyForCongress.com
The 2010 election cycle was particularly challenging for Democrats nationwide, and North Dakota was no exception. PomeroyForCongress.com played a crucial role in Pomeroy's efforts to retain his seat in this difficult political environment.
Campaign Strategy
Pomeroy's 2010 campaign, as reflected on PomeroyForCongress.com, focused on several key issues:
- Agriculture: As a member of both the Ways and Means Committee and the Agriculture Committee, Pomeroy emphasized his work on farm policy and disaster relief for farmers.
- Energy: North Dakota's growing energy sector, including oil, coal, and renewable sources, was a major focus. Pomeroy highlighted his support for the state's energy industry.
- Healthcare: As a member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, Pomeroy worked on healthcare reform while trying to balance the needs of rural healthcare providers.
- Social Security: Pomeroy, who chaired the House Social Security Subcommittee, emphasized his commitment to protecting and strengthening the program.
Digital Outreach and Engagement
PomeroyForCongress.com likely employed various digital strategies to engage voters:
- Email newsletters: Regular updates on campaign activities and policy positions
- Social media integration: Links to platforms like Facebook and Twitter for broader reach
- Multimedia content: Videos of speeches, campaign ads, and constituent testimonials
- Interactive features: Online polls, feedback forms, and discussion forums
These digital tools would have complemented traditional campaign methods, allowing Pomeroy to reach a wider audience and engage with voters more directly.
The 2010 Election Outcome
Despite the efforts of PomeroyForCongress.com and Pomeroy's campaign team, the 2010 election resulted in a defeat for the long-serving congressman. Pomeroy lost to Republican challenger Rick Berg, marking the first time in 30 years that North Dakota's at-large congressional seat was held by a Republican.
Factors Contributing to the Loss
Several factors contributed to Pomeroy's defeat in 2010:
- National political climate: The 2010 midterm elections saw significant Republican gains across the country, partly in response to the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
- Changing demographics: North Dakota's population was becoming increasingly conservative, particularly in the western part of the state due to the oil boom.
- Campaign finance: The 2010 election saw an influx of outside spending, which may have influenced the race.
- Voter fatigue: After 18 years in office, some voters may have been ready for a change.
Legacy of PomeroyForCongress.com
While PomeroyForCongress.com is no longer active, its impact on North Dakota politics and digital campaigning in rural states is worth noting.
Innovation in Rural Digital Campaigning
PomeroyForCongress.com was at the forefront of digital campaigning in a rural state. Its strategies and techniques likely influenced future political campaigns in North Dakota and similar states.
Preservation of Political History
The content and structure of PomeroyForCongress.com provide valuable insights into early 21st-century political communication and campaign strategies. Efforts to archive such websites contribute to the preservation of digital political history.
Earl Pomeroy's Post-Congressional Career
After leaving Congress, Earl Pomeroy has remained active in public policy:
- Lobbying: Pomeroy joined the Washington, D.C. lobbying firm Alston & Bird, where he works on healthcare and financial services issues.
- Academia: He has served as a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, focusing on health and retirement security policy.
- Public speaking: Pomeroy continues to speak on issues related to his congressional experience, particularly healthcare and Social Security.
PomeroyForCongress.com played a significant role in Earl Pomeroy's political career, particularly during his final campaign in 2010. While the website itself is no longer active, its legacy lives on in the evolving landscape of digital political campaigning, especially in rural states like North Dakota. The site's content and strategies offer valuable insights into early 21st-century political communication and the unique challenges faced by moderate Democrats in increasingly conservative rural states. As political campaigns continue to evolve in the digital age, the lessons learned from websites like PomeroyForCongress.com remain relevant. The site's focus on local issues, constituent engagement, and digital outreach serves as a model for how politicians can effectively communicate with voters in the internet era, even in predominantly rural states. Earl Pomeroy's long career in Congress and his subsequent work in lobbying and policy analysis demonstrate the lasting impact of his time in office. While his tenure as North Dakota's representative came to an end in 2010, the digital footprint left by PomeroyForCongress.com continues to offer valuable lessons for political scientists, historians, and campaign strategists studying the intersection of technology and politics in rural America.
+++