so whats the political atmosphere like in the Fargo area?

[LastKnight]

im moving to Moorhead MN in about 2 weeks for college, but ive already got a job lined up in fargo. so im wondering, whats it like? what are the major local issues, whats the demographics like? im moving from SD so im not expecting a world of difference but i just figure it cant hurt to ask.

-LK

[dakota_democrat]

1. It's ever so slowly shifting...

First off, welcome to the area! I'm going to college at NDSU, nice to see more young people on the forum. Anyways, it's fairly set in Republicanism here, although it's more of a classic conservativism as opposed to a land of neo-cons. The big issues in the area are a smoking ban that'll be voted on in November, as well as North Dakota's got a constitutional amendment on the ballot to ban same-sex marriages (and I think civil unions as well, but don't quote me on that). I've actually seen more Kerry bumper stickers than Bush ones, so that's a positive sign, I guess. Overall, I like Fargo; I'd like to get a job here after I graduate from college, but the job market for HR work isn't very strong.

Once again, welcome to the area!

the dakota_democrat

[markus]

3. Yes, the ND initiative will ban civil unions as well

Welcome to the area. I've been up here about nine years. Morehead is solidly and reliably GOP, as is most of Fargo. The dems hold a few districts in the central city--just barely--which the GOP trired to gerrymander away.

Your Congress critter will be Collin Peterson, who I heard today is holding out still from endorsing Kerry (he wants a promise about sugar and CAFTA).

We do hold onto a moderate/centrist/DLC Congressional delegation, but it is effectively a one-party state at the state level.

[SmileyBoy]

2. It's half-liberal, half-conservative.

But the conservatives aren't obnoxious and in-your-face about it.

Let's just say I feel safe with my John Kerry bumper sticker on my car around here.

[billlanger]

4. Amen.

Both parties are fairly civil around Fargo. No dirty politics (really). To be completely honest, I don't see a hell of a lot of difference between them. Then again, we are in ND - so there's not a hell of a lot to disagree about besides out of state hunting priviliges and wind generators.

[SmileyBoy]

5. Exactly.

The average ND Democrat is in the left 45 percent and the average ND republican is in the right 45 percent. So there's only like 10 percent seperating us.

The issues regarding Bush are a different matter, however. Lots of polarization.