Jun 29, 2007 - 09:47:19 CDT
Jason Stverak, executive director of the North Dakota Republican Party, is leaving his post to work for presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani. His resignation is effective today.Republican Party Chairman Gary Emineth confirmed the move Thursday evening. He said Stverak will begin his job in a few weeks as the North Dakota state director for Giuliani's presidential primary campaign, which will be based out of Fargo.
Stverak, who's held the executive director post since 2001, said he sees the 2008 elections as a crucial year in Republican politics. He offered praise for Giuliani's stances, especially his fiscal conservatism.
"He is the one who is most closely aligned with my beliefs and the changes I'd like to see in Washington, D.C.," Stverak said.
Jarrod Agen, a spokesman for the Giuliani campaign, said he couldn't confirm Stverak's hiring because the campaign hasn't made an official announcement. He did confirm that Giuliani intends to hire staff in North Dakota ahead of next year's primary.
Stverak, a native of Rapid City, S.D., has worked in politics in North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. Recalling that one of his grade school activities included campaigning door to door for Ronald Reagan's re-election, he said politics has always been a natural interest for him.
"I've always seen politics as a way to make a difference," Stverak said.
During his time as executive director, Stverak's duties included candidate recruitment, election organizing and overseeing volunteers.
Republicans have maintained control over state government during his tenure, holding majorities in the Legislature and every statewide office but one. Roger Johnson, the state agriculture commissioner, is a Democrat.
Despite Republican victories on the state level, the party saw little success on the national level.
Democratic senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad both won re-election by large margins in 2004 and 2006, respectively. Democratic Rep. Earl Pomeroy narrowly beat former Republican Tax Commissioner Rick Clayburgh in 2002, and then cruised to victory by large margins in 2004 and 2006.
Jaime Selzler, executive director of the North Dakota Democratic Party, could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.
Stverak's replacement will be chosen by Emineth, who said he hopes to have a new director in place by August. The search will include both national and North Dakota candidates.
Emineth praised Stverak for his political acumen, and said he's glad he'll remain involved with Republican politics in North Dakota.
Don Larson, a press and policy aide for Gov. John Hoeven who previously worked for Stverak, said the Republicans' next director "would have big shoes to fill."
He said Stverak taught him the valuable lessons of seeing politics as a local game and always working hard.
(Reach reporter Jonathan Rivoli at 223-8482 or jonathan.rivoli@;bismarcktribune.com.)
Don't blame him for leaving wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:59 AM:
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.