NORTH DAKOTA FAMILY ALLIANCE CRITQUES 2008 ELECTION

And Applauds Passage of Marriage Protection Initiatives 

(FARGO, ND) -- The North Dakota Family Alliance (NDFA) sees reason to be concerned and to be celebrative post-election 2008.  "On the federal level we are concerned that the Freedom of Choice Act will be supported by the new administration, and we very disappointed with the defeat of the South Dakota ballot initiative to save the unborn," states Tom Freier, NDFA Executive Director.  "However, we are very pleased with the passage of marriage protection initiatives in 3 states." 

The NDFA applauds successful ballot initiatives in California, Arizona, and Florida to constitutionally protect the institution of marriage.  The California effort overcame great odds and extreme circumstances to preserve marriage as between one man and one woman.  Even contending with being outspent and the attorney general changing and confusing the initiative's title, the measure passed. "This is a great victory for the people of California, overturning an activist state Supreme Court ruling, and vindicating a previous vote of the people. The people still rule," said Freier. 

These ballot initiatives protecting marriage in these three states bring the number of states constitutionally protecting marriage to 30, including North Dakota which passed a constitutional amendment in 2004 (which was initiated by the NDFA). 

The NDFA was pleased with the high voter turnout reflecting great interest in the general election.  In North Dakota, 320,341 citizens (65%) cast ballots.  "We received many calls asking for information in regard to issues important to the family, and others as general as ‘where do I vote?'" shares Freier.  Even with the high focus on economic conditions, 20% of 2008 American voters when asked listed moral issues as their 1^st or 2^nd most important issue. 

The NDFA eagerly anticipates working with those successfully elected as well as incumbents as it initiates pro-family legislation.  Freier anticipates NDFA tracking 30 to 40 pieces of legislation in the upcoming North Dakota legislative assembly beginning in January, including issues on life, marriage, and parental rights, in addition to monitoring federal legislation in Washington. 

The North Dakota Family Alliance is online at www.ndfa.org.

 

Interview Talking Points

Focus on the Family's (Dr. James Dobson) Public Policy Division seeks to have a presence in all 50 states; is the NDFA its only North Dakota representing organization?

What other "successes" has NDFA experienced besides helping to uphold marriage in North Dakota as being between one man and one woman (as stated in the press release)?

Some say ND could be the first state to ban abortions. How possible is this, considering the South Dakota effort failed to do the same this week? And, what would it take?

What was the track record of NDFA's involvement in the last 2007 session?

What is your (Tom Freier's) ND legislative experience? How did this position lead to your (Tom's) role now as executive director of the North Dakota Family Alliance?

The North Dakota Family Alliance is a Christian-based statewide non-partisan organization that exists to strengthen families, protect family values and defend religious freedoms by educating and empowering citizens. NDFA is online at www.ndfa.org, and is located in Fargo, ND at 3220 18^th Street South, Suite #8.

Copyright © 2008 North Dakota Family Alliance