The 2008 election for North Dakota's at-large congressional district took place on November 4, 2008. The incumbent, Democratic-NPL Congressman Earl Pomeroy, was re-elected to his ninth term. Republican Duane Sand formally announced that he was running on March 20, 2008. He previously challenged Pomeroy in 2004.
Initial speculation for a Republican challenger included North Dakota Governor John Hoeven and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, who were enjoying very high approval ratings throughout their terms of office. State Representative Kim Koppelman and State House Majority Leader Rick Berg ruled themselves out of the running on February 20, 2008,Rob, Kim Koppelman Definitely Not Running For US House February 20, 2008Rob, Rick Berg Definitely Not Running Against Earl Pomeroy Another possible challenger was Brian Kalk, who decided to run for Public Service Commissioner and was successful in the November election.
As of , this is the last time that the Democratic-NPL won North Dakota's House seat. Sand later ran in North Dakota's 2012 U.S. Senate race and lost the Republican primary.
General election Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report November 6, 2008 Rothenberg November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal Ball November 6, 2008 Real Clear Politics November 7, 2008 CQ Politics November 6, 2008
Results
Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Bowman (largest city: Bowman) Dunn (largest city: Killdeer) Emmons (largest city: Linton) Golden Valley (largest city: Beach) Oliver (largest city: Center) Sheridan (largest city: McClusky) Slope (largest city: Marmarth)
References
External links Elections and Voting from the North Dakota Secretary of State Race ranking and details from CQ Politics North Dakota House race from 2008 Race Tracker Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets North Dakota At-Large from OurCampaigns.org U.S. Congress candidates for North Dakota at Project Vote Smart Official campaign websites Earl Pomeroy, Democratic-NPL Incumbent Duane Sand, Republican