Thumbs down from Pomeroy

[PCM]

There's a story on the front page of Saturday's Grand Forks Herald headlined: "Pomeroy: Don't limit NCAA authority." I can't find the story on the Herald's Web site or anywhere else on the Web. Here are some key quotes:

Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., said Friday he doesn't think Congress needs to get involved in the dispute between the NCAA and universities that want to keep their American Indian nicknames.

Pomeroy disagrees with the NCAA decision, but he is not in favor of the bill reaching the House floor.

"My own view is that the constant ratcheting up of this issue has not brought it any closer to a solution," he said during a stop Friday in Grand Forks. "This issue, as tough as it is, does not belong in the political grist mill. It will only make matters worse."

Pomeroy has said that as a former UND student, a school alumnus and congressman for the state, he feels the Sioux nickname and logo have been treated respectfully by the university. He said UND is a national leader in creating dedicated programs for American Indians.

"I see a campus that has done its dead-level best to incorporate programs for all students," he reiterated Friday. "It's a place I'm very proud of."

It's interesting that nothing in the story supports what the headline says.

[Ranger]

Well, maybe the fine voters of North Dakota will need to limit Mr. Pomeroy's authorities in the upcoming election. It's early in the fight... enough correspondence to his office may persuade him to do the right thing. Typical fence sitting, status quo elected official. For this legislation to pass it's going to have to be tagged to a significant appropriations bill... say education, or defense (service academies are members of the NCAA), farm bill (lots of ag schools out there). The Speaker of the House does have some skills.

[choyt3]

Here is a link to the story.

Weren't we led to believe that the Herald doesn't lean one way or the other on the nickname issue? I believe there was a poster a while back trying to point that out as a fact. With headlines such as the one for this story, it's pretty hard to believe there is no bias.

[PCM]

The headline is treated as a direct quote from Pomeroy. There is no such quote from Pomeroy in the story. It's possible that there was such a quote and it got trimmed from the story.

[choyt3]

The headline is treated as a direct quote from Pomeroy. There is no such quote from Pomeroy in the story. It's possible that there was such a quote and it got trimmed from the story.

Yeah, it's possible... Probable?

[siouxforeverbaby]

Maybe Earl needs to read this idea:

"It is unfortunate that congressional intervention is necessary," Johnson said, "but if we as legislators are to represent the will of the people, we would be shirking our responsibility to do otherwise."

from the article in the Herald.

This guy sounds like he is thinking.

[HockeyMom]

I wish I would have saved my email to Pomeroy....I made some important points about economic impact on our area.

[dagies]

There's a story on the front page of Saturday's Grand Forks Herald headlined: "Pomeroy: Don't limit NCAA authority." I can't find the story on the Herald's Web site or anywhere else on the Web. Here are some key quotes:

It's interesting that nothing in the story supports what the headline says.

I guess Pomeroy needs to hear from Jim Dahl, then. JD turned me around on this issue.

[petey23]

Earl is a political lightweight who will come around on this issue once it is explained to him.. He usually thinks what Gaylord and Byron think and if they are split, he flips a coin. He was probably caught off guard and Byron and Gaylord had not had a chance to weigh the political consequences of having an opinion on this and thus, Earl was hung out to dry so he relied on a very likely liberal member of his staff to put out a statement which will eventually be restated and an announcement of how he was misquoted will follow shortly thereafter.

[BobIwabuchiFan]

There is no way the ND delegation is going to come out in favor of the nickname legislation. Especially when Dorgan has been given a clean bill of health by the tribes themselves during the whole Abramhoff fiasco with the CASINO PAC fleecing. It would not suprise me in the least that the entire ND delegation has received money from the tribes and they are probably being reminded daily that they were given protection from those tribes in the world of the press by stating they had the best intentions when receiving the money to begin with...Don't depend on any strong actions by the ND delegates because they have already been bought and paid for by the tribes and most likely the DNC is telling them to keep quiet on the issue so as not to direct any of the focus away from the republicans...Just my little conspiracy theory, but wouldn't be suprised if its dead on...

BobIwabuchiFan

[MafiaMan]

There is no way the ND delegation is going to come out in favor of the nickname legislation. Especially when Dorgan has been given a clean bill of health by the tribes themselves during the whole Abramhoff fiasco with the CASINO PAC fleecing. It would not suprise me in the least that the entire ND delegation has received money from the tribes and they are probably being reminded daily that they were given protection from those tribes in the world of the press by stating they had the best intentions when receiving the money to begin with...Don't depend on any strong actions by the ND delegates because they have already been bought and paid for by the tribes and most likely the DNC is telling them to keep quiet on the issue so as not to direct any of the focus away from the republicans...Just my little conspiracy theory, but wouldn't be suprised if its dead on...

BobIwabuchiFan

Behold, the voice of reason! I believe I mentioned quite some time ago that Dorgan, Conrad, and Pomeroy couldn't be counted on because they're NOT ON OUR SIDE, FOLKS!

[mikeypat15]

Behold, the voice of reason! I believe I mentioned quite some time ago that Dorgan, Conrad, and Pomeroy couldn't be counted on because they're NOT ON OUR SIDE, FOLKS!

Which is sad because when we elect officials its so that they can carry there constiuents (sp?) ideas to Congress, and vote as there constiuents would, not how they feel on an issue. I'm not saying that the ND delegation are the only ones guilty of this, but someone needs to remind all of Congress of this fact.

[siouxfan499]

There is no way the ND delegation is going to come out in favor of the nickname legislation. Especially when Dorgan has been given a clean bill of health by the tribes themselves during the whole Abramhoff fiasco with the CASINO PAC fleecing. It would not suprise me in the least that the entire ND delegation has received money from the tribes and they are probably being reminded daily that they were given protection from those tribes in the world of the press by stating they had the best intentions when receiving the money to begin with...Don't depend on any strong actions by the ND delegates because they have already been bought and paid for by the tribes and most likely the DNC is telling them to keep quiet on the issue so as not to direct any of the focus away from the republicans...Just my little conspiracy theory, but wouldn't be suprised if its dead on...

BobIwabuchiFan

Yeah, I'm sure this is a very pressing issue for the DNC, or the RNC for that matter. They both know that they have bigger fish to fry.......as much as I love the nickname....this will never see a vote.

[Goon]

Behold, the voice of reason! I believe I mentioned quite some time ago that Dorgan, Conrad, and Pomeroy couldn't be counted on because they're NOT ON OUR SIDE, FOLKS!

The US house as stepped forward with a bill to stop the NCAA from over stepping its bounds. And wouldn't you know it Earl Pomeroy is trying to strattle the fence by saying he likes the name but doesn't want to have the US house get involved. How nice Earl show some back bone. Of course Earl has come close to losing his job so he has to play both sides of the fence. That my friends is a travesty. You are either for it or against it. Make up your mind.

Thats a man pandering for votes. Native vote DNC almost exclusively, and Pomeroy doesn't want to upset the natives but still wants to be for the name. Typical Dem. YOu will not be able to count on these guys because they are pandering for votes. This is what we got for voting this way in ND. But that is for another debate. Its the reason I will never vote for the three amigos.

[The Sicatoka]

Dear Earl Pomeroy,

I'll remember this on November 7, 2006.

And I'll remind many, many others.

Signed,

A voter in North Dakota

PS - Tell your buddy Kent Conrad the same.

[Goon]

Dear Earl Pomeroy,

I'll remember this on November 7, 2006.

And I'll remind many, many others.

Signed,

A voter in North Dakota

PS - Tell your buddy Kent Conrad the same.

Only thing is the voting public has short memories and will have forgotten by then.

These guys know that.

[nodakvindy]

Wow! I can't imagine this is a swing vote issue for someone. We're in a war, gas is $3 a gallon and a wishy-washy statement on a bill that hasn't even gone through committee yet is deciding your vote. You obviously don't get how DC works. The only way North Dakota has any say is by keeping members in for a long time. We have that right now.

As for having to cater to the tribal base, all three members work to get federal contracts for companies like Uniband. That and helping with legimate tribal issues like health care weigh far more than this issue. Even if Pomeroy supported this, do you really believe the tribes would vote Republican?

Perhaps Earl really believes this isn't a place for federal interference. I think most North Dakotans would agree they don't like the feds jumping in on petty issues. The courts are the proper venue for this issue and that is I believe it will ultimately be settled.

* I doubt the economic issue will gain much traction, as the NCAA has had a hosting ban against locations in Mississippi and South Carolina because of their state flags.

[The Sicatoka]

Perhaps Earl really believes this isn't a place for federal interference. I think most North Dakotans would agree they don't like the feds jumping in on petty issues. The courts are the proper venue for this issue and that is I believe it will ultimately be settled.

* I doubt the economic issue will gain much traction, as the NCAA has had a hosting ban against locations in Mississippi and South Carolina because of their state flags.

Reviewing Article I, Section 8, "commerce among the several States" is something that Congress has Constitutional power over. If "commerce among the several States" doesn't define what the NCAA is doing what does? Yes, this is in the realm of the enumerated powers of Congress.

Step up and do something is what I'd say.

I guess I'd rather him take a stand than appear to duck.

[nodakvindy]

Reviewing Article I, Section 8, "commerce among the several States" is something that Congress has Constitutional power over. If "commerce among the several States" doesn't define what the NCAA is doing what does? Yes, this is in the realm of the enumerated powers of Congress.

Step up and do something is what I'd say.

I guess I'd rather him take a stand than appear to duck.

This is a stretch. The NCAA is a private organization and has the ability to choose where it will conduct it's business (read: championships). What then prevents a bill to keep Wal-Mart to build in communities of certain size? That is a highly contentious issue that would likely receive far more suppot than this issue.

Unfortunately, Thomas does not yet have the text of this bill yet, but Rep. Johnson's press release indicates it is solely aimed at the NCAA and is not a broader regulation of interstate commerce. I will continue to maintain that letting this follow the proper course in the courts is better that a quixotic attempt to "step up and do something".

[BobIwabuchiFan]

This is a stretch. The NCAA is a private organization and has the ability to choose where it will conduct it's business (read: championships). What then prevents a bill to keep Wal-Mart to build in communities of certain size? That is a highly contentious issue that would likely receive far more suppot than this issue.

Unfortunately, Thomas does not yet have the text of this bill yet, but Rep. Johnson's press release indicates it is solely aimed at the NCAA and is not a broader regulation of interstate commerce. I will continue to maintain that letting this follow the proper course in the courts is better that a quixotic attempt to "step up and do something".

I'm going to have to disagree with you on many points, but the courts one in particular. How is that people feel the courts should legislate in this manner ? The House is doing exactly what it is suppose to do and that is represent their constituents by passing legislation. The whole rationale behind the legislative move is to remind the NCAA that they are not the Congress and they should stick to what they were created for - managing collegiate athletics and nothing else!

Lastly, we need to have higher expectations of our legislative branch...I'm sure they can chew gum, handle donations, and get re-elected even if we are at war, with $3 gas, and a bunch of fence straddlers on the ND congressional contingent! Oh by the way, which one of the ND democrats do you work for in Washington?

BobIwabuchiFan

[MafiaMan]

I doubt the economic issue will gain much traction, as the NCAA has had a hosting ban against locations in Mississippi and South Carolina because of their state flags.

Which is exactly what's wrong with the NCAA. What's next? No NCAA games hosted in North Dakota because the two state senators are white? Or banning tournament games in Michigan because Myles Brand isn't a big fan of the Red Wings? Or maye it's just too sunny in Nevada for an NCAA event? What exactly is the criteria? Whatever Myles and his PC bandits decide is the correct way to think? He certainly doesn't see a need to investigate corruption in college football or basketball, but he's going to hang his legacy on college nicknames? Please, for the love of humanity, stop being a self-appointed do-gooder and savior of all!

[gjw007]

This is a stretch. The NCAA is a private organization and has the ability to choose where it will conduct it's business (read: championships). What then prevents a bill to keep Wal-Mart to build in communities of certain size? That is a highly contentious issue that would likely receive far more suppot than this issue.

Unfortunately, Thomas does not yet have the text of this bill yet, but Rep. Johnson's press release indicates it is solely aimed at the NCAA and is not a broader regulation of interstate commerce. I will continue to maintain that letting this follow the proper course in the courts is better that a quixotic attempt to "step up and do something".

Be careful, restrictions specific to Wal-Mart is already being done in Maryland. The legislature passed a bill that stipulates that a company over a certain size must spend a certain percentage of its revenue to provide health care benefits. The only company in Maryland that fits this description is Wal-Mart and the law doesn't apply to the local government. The legislature does have the right to regulate interstate trade and the NCAA by any measure is engaged in interstate trade. In reality, depending on the court, the laws change based on their interpretation and to ensure that the view of the courts holds a consistent view, it needs to be legislated. Of course, a court could always declare a law unconstitutional and still applies its views - wouldn't be the first or last time.

[nodakvindy]

Be careful, restrictions specific to Wal-Mart is already being done in Maryland. The legislature passed a bill that stipulates that a company over a certain size must spend a certain percentage of its revenue to provide health care benefits. The only company in Maryland that fits this description is Wal-Mart and the law doesn't apply to the local government. The legislature does have the right to regulate interstate trade and the NCAA by any measure is engaged in interstate trade. In reality, depending on the court, the laws change based on their interpretation and to ensure that the view of the courts holds a consistent view, it needs to be legislated. Of course, a court could always declare a law unconstitutional and still applies its views - wouldn't be the first or last time.

The key difference (other than being a state action rather than a federal one) in the Maryland case is the law was crafted as you stated, to regulate companies that meet certain criteria, which currently only Wal-Mart does. If another company later met the criteria, the law would apply to them. Again, since I can't read the bill online, I can only go by Rep. Johnson's press release, which has language specifically mentioning the NCAA. The bill would not apply to the NAIA, NJCAA or other smaller bodies that also regulate college athletics. I think that would almost certainly bring about a legal challenge by the NCAA.

[Goon]

Reviewing Article I, Section 8, "commerce among the several States" is something that Congress has Constitutional power over. If "commerce among the several States" doesn't define what the NCAA is doing what does? Yes, this is in the realm of the enumerated powers of Congress.

Step up and do something is what I'd say.

I guess I'd rather him take a stand than appear to duck.

I think this is where I have to agree with Sicatoka. This is where I think UND has to make a stand and why not congress, I think its ironic that congress steps up when we are talking about a big school like the Illinois.

I think this could pick up steam. But your right they are ducking and having it both ways.

[siouxforeverbaby]

The text of it should be online soon through Thomas. Right now it just says that it hasn't been received by the Library of Congress yet. I am assuming that they should get it on Monday or Tuesday and it should be online shortly after that.