The North Dakota GOP wants the Democratic-NPL Party to move a Saturday campaign rally in Grand Forks because the Republican Party says it will interfere with voters casting early ballots in the same building as the rally.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean will speak at a 10:30 a.m. get-out-the-vote rally inside the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Meanwhile, voters will be casting early ballots inside the center, but in a different room on the opposite side of the building.

Republicans are calling foul, citing a North Dakota law that does not allow campaigning on Election Day.

"For the Democrats to hold a rally at an early voting location, at a minimum, violates the spirit of the law and pollutes the integrity of our polling locations," said Gary Emineth, chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party in a Thursday press statement.

But the Democrats say they are staying put.

"We fully intend on following the law, and having a rally the Saturday before is not in violation of the law," said Jamie Selzler, executive director of the Democratic-NPL party.

Selzler called Emineth's argument "disingenuous," adding they wanted to come back to the Alerus Center because of its size, considering they're anticipating a large turnout.

The Democrats held their convention in the center earlier this year.

Peter Welte, the state attorney general for Grand Forks County, said Saturday's rally is not a violation of North Dakota's election law.

"There will be early voting and the Democrats will be having their event down the hall," Welte said.

Unhjem donates

Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Mike Unhjem said he has given a contribution of $200 or less to one of the campaigns for insurance commissioner, but did not indicate which campaign.

Contributions of that amount are not required by state law to be disclosed.

Unhjem said he's made campaign donations of $200 or less to the insurance commissioner races in 2000 and 2004 and that he was incorrectly quoted in a Thursday story that said he did not financially support one of the candidates for insurance commissioner.

"It's not going to influence the recipient of that contribution," Unhjem said, calling a donation of that size "nominal."

Republican insurance commissioner Adam Hamm said Unhjem did not give to his campaign. Democratic-NPL candidate Jasper Schneider said he didn't want to disclose who his donors are.

Both candidates have received donations from Blues employees, Unhjem said.

Pancakes and sausage for Dems

Mandan's Democratic-NPL party will hold its annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 1400 Collins Ave. in Mandan.

The event, which also features a used book sale, will feature Democratic candidates for statewide office and the District 34 legislative candidates.

There is a suggested donation: $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

North Dakota's entire Democratic congressional delegation is expected to be there.

Sen. Byron Dorgan also will be in Richardton at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Wrangler Cafe, holding a rally for District 36 legislative candidates.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@bismarcktribune.com.)