Andersen to challenge Grabinger, State Senate

Jamestown (CSi) District 12 Republicans nominated Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen as its candidate for the North Dakota Senate during its district convention Thursday.

Bernie Satrom and Jim Grueneich were also nominated as candidates for the two seats on the North Dakota House of Representatives.

Andersen is in her second term as Jamestown mayor. She said she intends to hold both positions if elected to the Senate.

She said, “There are a few state legislators who serve in either city government or as a county commissioner.”

In her acceptance speech for the nomination, Andersen talked about seeking a balance that includes “limited government that practices fiscal responsibility.”

Andersen will face Sen. John Grabinger, D-Jamestown, who was elected to the Senate in 2012.

Andersen anticipates the state’s financial and budget issues and how they impact Jamestown residents will be the biggest issue in the election.

Satrom said the region faces challenges in the future.

Grueneich called for improvement in education and law enforcement in his acceptance speech.

Satrom and Grueneich will face Rep. Jessica Haak, D-Jamestown, and Democratic candidate Pam Musland for the District 12 seats on the House of Representatives. Haak was elected to the House in 2012. The other incumbent from the district, Rep. Alex Looysen, R-Jamestown, is not seeking re-election to the House.

Andersen, Satrom and Grueneich will be on the June 14 primary ballot with the general election for the offices Nov. 8.