GOP presidential hopeful admires Charles City whitewater project

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum visited Charles City on Wednesday, Nov. 15, as part of his campaign across Iowa seeking the nomination to be the Republican presidential candidate in the 2024 election.

A whitewater enthusiast, Burgum met with Tourism Director Ginger Williams and former Parks and Recreation Board member Bob Kloberdanz to get a look at how Charles City has transformed the Cedar River into a popular whitewater attraction.

“It’s fantastic,” said Burgum. “It’s just wonderful to hear about the thought that went into this. … You’ve got to keep innovating in these Midwestern communities to take control of your own destiny.”

Acknowledging the uphill climb ahead of him to win the nomination, Burgum recognizes his disadvantage in name recognition on the national stage. He narrowly made the 3% poll threshold to qualify for the second GOP primary debate in October and did not qualify for the third debate that was held last week.

“We have a unique opportunity and have a very clear challenge,” said Burgum. “We’re fighting against forces at the national level.”

Still, Burgum says he remains committed to competing for the caucuses in Iowa and New Hampshire, bucking the national polls in favor of a strategy of appealing to primary voters directly, focusing on the economy, energy, and national security.

“Our unique opportunity is that when people meet us, they like us,” said Burgum. “We know we have an opportunity to represent Iowa in a way it hasn’t been represented in a long time.”