Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Jim Long seeking senate seat

Jim Long seeking senate seat

Mar 02, 2008 - 13:47:44 CST

By JONATHAN RIVOLI
Bismarck Tribune

Jim Long, a suspended Workforce Safety and Insurance employee, told the Tribune Saturday that he's running as a Democrat for the state Senate.

With a home east of Lincoln, Long is set up to take on state Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden. He is officially seeking the Democratic Party nomination today at the District 14 convention.

Long, 38, said the problems at his agency are his main motivation for running.

"I had a position at WSI where I've found myself unable to fix it from within. Now I want to fix it from outside," he said.

Long was chief of support services at the agency until his November suspension. An e-mail from WSI's attorney said Long's effectiveness "has become compromised to the point that we must step back and regroup."

Long contends the suspension is retailatory for his cooperation in a criminal investigation into former WSI executive director Sandy Blunt.

He said he'll work to solve problems in the agency that have made it a subject of outside turmoil, a criminal investigation and a management shakeup over the last year. He also said he'd be more personally involved with state employees in his district if they encounter similar situations.

Although WSI is Long's main issue, he said he doesn't intend to be "a one-trick pony."

"I'm looking forward to dealing with many other issues, especially employment issues," he said.

As chairman of the Senate Industrial Business and Labor Committee, Long's opponent has been heavily involved with reviewing past legislation aimed at making changes at WSI.

Klein did not return a call for comment Saturday night.

(Reach reporter Jonathan Rivoli at 223-8482 or jonathan.rivoli.)@bismarcktribune.com

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Comments

OZ wrote on Mar 4, 2008 4:11 PM:

" What a joke. The Dems must really be desperate to have him run for office. Maybe we now understand the whole whistle blower stance. Political fodder. He will be beaten worst than a rented mule at the Grand Canyon.

"

LETS BE BLUNT wrote on Mar 2, 2008 9:29 PM:

" Wouldn't it be nice if an upset occurred and the troubled Long defeated the WSI home boy Klein? He was chairman of the Senate IBL committee that overhauled the bill to move WSI back under the governor. Everyone in that district, all you workers unite and send Jerry Klein packing. "

Law wrote on Mar 2, 2008 5:57 PM:

" Might as well , he does have all the time in the world with a big fat paycheck. "

Kimberly wrote on Mar 2, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Interesting turn of events. I don't know how Long would be in the Senate, but I do know two things - he can't be worse than what we have now, and if he's willing to shake things up a little, let's turn on the blender. "

Big. wrote on Mar 2, 2008 2:20 PM:

" Up against a big fat mustache and what will be a big fat campain war chest. Senator Klein has done everything right for the Chamber of Commerce. They will be throwing money at him like a cheap stripper on Satuday night. I gotta say you picked a great district to live in Jim. Klein is as responsible for this WSI mess as anyone. Good luck! "

Oh my goodness!!! wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:26 PM:

" He is a perfect politician! He says exactly what whoever is listening wants to hear! That's perfect! "

Go for it Jim! wrote on Mar 2, 2008 12:57 PM:

" I'll vote for anyone that will shake things up. Preservation of the 'old ways' and cronyism is stifling North Dakota. But I want to hear - in detail - what Long proposes. "

=^..^= wrote on Mar 2, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Congratz Dr. Long on your new run. I hope your *win* will give you the opportunity to finish and remove the communist regime from WSI once and for all. "

Swamp Land wrote on Mar 2, 2008 11:38 AM:

" Well Mr.Long you have my vote,it's pass time to put some people on the breadline an behind bars,what these people are doing to this states injured workers is a crime,and whats funny is that lately you have folks yelling about the homeless people-oh lets help the homeless which is great but where are these people to help the injured-theres two major differences in the homeless an the injured the homes are able to get a job the injured are'nt,well maybe with the help of Mr.Long we wo'nt be homeless or on wellfare.... "

Jim Long deserves our respect and support! wrote on Mar 2, 2008 10:18 AM:

" Yesterday, the tribune ran a letter to the editor by Tim Sandstrom who contends that the problems at WSI are the result of empty criticism by this states Democrats rather than the political corruption fostered by John Hoeven and his band of merry Republicans. He ignores the Governors utter failure to act for the last eight years and counsels that “we should follow our governor's lead, emulate his calm and reasonable demeanor and assess the situation, rather than embroil the agency even further in the melodrama that only complicates the situation.” Out west this procedure is know as lazy incompetence but let me translate; WSI is what the corrupt political machine in control of the states government has fashioned it to be and they are going to lay low until after the election, do nothing and blame the Democrats! At some point the treatment of workers and employees by this states government will become a civil rights issue and out of the reach of Hoeven’s Judicial cabal. We need Dr. Long and his education and experience in the Senate and not only to rescue WSI but to help bring North Dakota State government back honesty and respect. Unfortunately, due to “Political Termination”, Dr. Jim Long also now has the time! (Thanks Wayne, nice job!) "

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