There are two big stories in North Dakota politics.

One you know about. Doug Burgum is running for president of the United States. He's just the second North Dakota resident to do so in the country's history.

The other is flying under the radar of all but the wonkiest of state political observers, and it's what's happening to NDGOP. While Burgum seeks the White House, his state political party may well be taken over by people who don't like him very much.

Current party chair Perrie Schafer, a Republican in the traditional mold, is facing a challenge from Sandi Sanford, who is not only an ardent culture warrior, but an outspoken critic of Burgum. And, to add an extra layer of intrigue, she's also the wife of his former Lt. Governor Brent Sanford, who left office late last year.

Robert Harms, a long-time leader in the NDGOP, having served as treasurer and party chairman in the past, joins this episode of Plain Talk to discuss this turn of events with co-host Chad Oban and I.

Also on this episode, state Sen. Sean Cleary, a Republican from District 35 and a former staffer for Burgum weighs in on his former boss's national campaign.

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