United States Senate candidates Katrina Christiansen-D, and Rick Becker-Ind., were on stage for a debate at this community’s Memorial Hall Monday night. Between them was an empty chair with a microphone lying on it, a constant reminder of Hoeven’s absence. The long-time North Dakota senator declined an invitation to participate.
Becker, a state Representative who staged a strong but losing challenge at the North Dakota Republican convention for party endorsement to run for Hoeven’s senate seat, decided to run as an Independent challenger for U.S. Senate in the November general election.
In his opening remarks Becker said he was opposed to “skyrocketing” spending by Democrats and fellow Republicans.