The 2012 United States House of Representatives election in North Dakota was held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the U.S. representative from the state's at-large congressional district. The election coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election and an election to the U.S. Senate. A primary election was held on June 12, 2012; a candidate must receive at least 300 votes to appear on the general election ballot in November.
Rick Berg, a member of the Republican Party who was first elected to represent the at-large district in 2010, had announced that he would not seek re-election and would instead run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Kent Conrad. Republican Kevin Cramer won the open House seat.
Republican primary The North Dakota Republican Party endorsed Public Service Commissioner Brian Kalk at their state convention, though general election ballot access was determined by a statewide primary election held on June 12, 2012. In contrast to state political tradition, fellow Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer did not seek the party endorsement, instead attempting to defeat Kalk on the June primary ballot.
Candidates Nominee Kevin Cramer, public service commissioner
Eliminated in primary Brian Kalk, public service commissioner and state party endorsed candidate
Withdrew Shane Goettle, U.S. Senator John Hoeven's state director Bette Grande, state representative DuWayne Hendrickson, perennial candidate Kim Koppelman, state representative
Declined Rick Berg, incumbent U.S. representative Al Carlson, state House majority leader Tony Clark, public service commissioner Cory Fong, North Dakota state tax commissioner Tony Grindberg, state senator Robert Harms, Tea Party activist and former treasurer of the North Dakota Republican Party Kelly Schmidt, North Dakota state treasurer
Debate The North Dakota Republican Party held a candidates' debate on December 14 at the campus of Valley City State University. All five GOP candidates declared at the time—Cramer, Goettle, Grande, Kalk, and Koppelman—participated.
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror KevinCramer BrianKalk UndecidedMason DixonMason Dixon June 4–6, 2012 625 ± 4% 60% 21% 19%Forum Communications Co.Forum Communications Co. May 3–8, 2012 500 ± 4.3% 38% 25% 27%
Results
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Pam Gulleson, former state representative
Declined Ben Vig, former state representative
Results
Libertarian nomination The Libertarian Party of North Dakota selected small business owner Eric Olson as their nominee at a state meeting.
General election Endorsements
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror KevinCramer (R) PamGulleson (D) EricOlson (L) UndecidedMason DixonMason Dixon October 26–28, 2012 625 ± 4.0% 50% 40% 2% 8%Forum/EssmanForum/Essman October 12–15, 2012 500 ± 4% 52% 32% 1% 15%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon October 3–5, 2012 625 ± 4% 49% 37% 2% 12%Mason DixonMason Dixon June 4–6, 2012 625 ± 4% 49% 35% 4% 12%Forum Communications Co. May 3–8, 2012 500 ± 4.3% 61% 23% – 15%
Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report November 5, 2012 Rothenberg November 2, 2012 Roll Call, November 4, 2012 Sabato's Crystal BallCrystal Ball , November 5, 2012 NY TimesHouse Race Ratings, The New York Times, November 4, 2012RCP, November 4, 2012The Hill November 4, 2012
Results
Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Barnes (largest city: Valley City) Grand Forks (largest city: Grand Forks) Name (largest city: Stanley) Ramsey (largest city: Devils Lake) Towner (largest city: Cando)
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Richland (largest city: Wahpeton)
References
External links North Dakota State Board of Elections United States House of Representatives elections in North Dakota, 2012 at Ballotpedia North Dakota U.S. House at OurCampaigns.com Campaign contributions for U.S. Congressional races in North Dakota from OpenSecrets Outside spending at the Sunlight Foundation
Official campaign websites Kevin Cramer campaign website Pam Gulleson campaign website Eric Olson campaign website