Lawyers in the North Dakota Legislature
By Kylie Blanchard, Clearwater Communications
When the 66th North Dakota State Legislature convened in January,
seven lawyers were among those representing the citizens of North
Dakota in the state’s lawmaking body.
The Gavel interviewed the lawyers* serving in the state legislature and
below are their thoughts on the decision to run for office, how a law
degree impacts their service, and issues facing the state today.
SEN. DAVID HOGUE
District 38
Majority Caucus Leader
President Pro Tempore
Serving since 2009
University of North Dakota
School of Law – 1987
Why did you decide to run for the State Legislature?
I decided to seek election to the North Dakota Legislature because
I thought I might enjoy drafting and debating public policy issues
that affect North Dakotans. It’s been a rewarding experience from
that perspective. The older I get and the more I travel outside North
Dakota for business or pleasure, the more I appreciate the quality of
life we have in North Dakota.
How does your law degree help you in your
legislative work?
I genuinely believe having a law degree is a significant advantage for
legislators. Aside from writing budgets for state agencies, the vast
majority of legislative bills relate to amending the North Dakota
Century Code. Lawyers deal regularly with the language of the
Century Code and policy behind the relevant statutory provision.
Lawyers are advocates too. Being successful in the legislative arena
requires advocacy skills as well.
What do you think are the most important issues
facing North Dakota today?
First, our inadequate workforce is holding our economy back from
reaching the next level of its potential. We have more than 13,000,
and perhaps as much as 30,000, jobs permanently unfilled. We have
employers who have stopped looking to fill the position because they
regard the search as futile.
Second, our initiative measure process, with respect to constitutional
amendments, is flawed and should be fixed. The members of the bar
should review this process and speak out. We are seeing a parade of
out-of-state interest organizations hire petition signature gatherers to
get their pet measure in our constitution. This is a fundamental threat
to our self-governance that should be restrained.
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THE GAVEL
SEN. MIKE DWYER
District 47
Serving since 2019
University of North Dakota
School of Law – 1977
Why did you decide to run for the State Legislature?
I’ve done legislative advocacy my whole career and I am now retiring.
This was a way I could continue to represent my state. This gives me
the opportunity to work to improve the economy and quality of life
for our state. It’s a way to serve in an area I am comfortable with and
it’s what I’ve done my whole career.
How does your law degree help you in your
legislative work?
In the Senate, there are only two attorneys this session, and I
am serving as vice chairman on the Judiciary Committee. My
background and training will be very helpful.
What do you think are the most important issues
facing North Dakota today?
Everything goes back to budget. There are important needs and the
areas of infrastructure, education, behavioral health, and long-term
care are examples of priority needs.
REP. LAWRENCE KLEMIN
District 47
Speaker of the House
Serving since 1999
University of North Dakota
School of Law – 1978
Why did you decide to run for the State Legislature?
I have always been very interested in the legislative process and
represented many legislative clients in the 20 years of my law
practice before I was elected to the legislature. I have served in many
leadership positions in the legislature, such as committee chairman
and vice chairman for several standing committees. This year, I was
elected as Speaker of the House. It is an honor and also carries great
responsibility.
Since 1999, I have been appointed by the legislature to represent
the North Dakota House of Representatives as a commissioner on
the National Uniform Law Commission. I am also chairman of the
North Dakota Uniform Law Commission (ULC).