Schaffner Dropping Out of GOP House Race

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The first person to enter the North Dakota

Republican race for the U.S. House endorsement says he's dropping

out.

Paul Schaffner says he wants to let Fargo state Rep. Rick Berg

and Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer "fight it out."

Schaffner says he's not backing anyone now in the endorsement

race. He says he'll work on behalf of the Republican choice to run

against Democratic incumbent Earl Pomeroy.

Schaffner is a Bismarck businessman and political newcomer. He

announced last August he intended to seek the Republican

endorsement. Since then Cramer and Berg have gotten into the race.

DuWayne Hendrickson of Minot and J.D. Donaghe (DON'-ah-gee) of

Kenmare are also competing for the GOP endorsement.

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