Bison Alum seeks Republican nomination to run for U.S. House
Written by Brianna Ehley Tuesday, 01 September 2009 08:00
It wasn’t long ago that Paul Schaffner walked out onto Dacotah Field, the Fargodome’s predecessor, dawning green and gold, proudly representing his team: the Bison. Now, roughly twenty years later, Schaffner is back and ready to represent his team, which has expanded from the NDSU Bison to the entire state of North Dakota.
Schaffner is currently seeking the Republican bid to run against Democratic incumbent, Earl Pomeroy for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. Schaffner, a former Bison linebacker, graduated from NDSU in 1992 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Upon graduation, he went on to be the defensive coach for Jamestown College, University of Mary and Northeastern University in Boston. Schaffner currently works as an insurance salesman in Bismarck.
Schaffner said that he is primarily focused on three issues, including the economy, taxes and national security. He disagrees with the current administration’s handling of the stimulus package, and is growing in concern about current pending legislation on health care.
Though Schaffner has no experience in public service, he credits his years playing and coaching football around the country for providing him with the leadership skills he believes can get him to Washington.
“I am qualified to represent North Dakota because I am enthusiastic, I have vision and the ability to bring people together. And I understand the main issues that affect North Dakota’s economy.”
Schaffner grew up in Madison, Wis., and has traveled around the country during his time as both a football player and coach. He feels he has acquired a perspective of the people in this country and strongly advocates putting aside partisan views to get things accomplished.
“Politics should not be hostile. I embrace other views. We learn from each other. Politics shouldn’t be in our individual interest, but in the state’s interest and in the country’s interest.
As an NDSU alum, Schaffner has a great pride in his Alma Madre. He believes the Midwest has the best public schools in the country, and is very proud of not only the affordability of higher education in North Dakota, but the quality of it as well.
Schaffner is a big proponent of engaging the younger people. He is very interested in staying in tune with college students and learning from their ideas and energy.
“College forms society. I love the ideas, the thoughtfulness and the energy. That’s what I miss the most about coaching,” Schaffner said.
Schaffner believes his public school education could bring a simple “of the people” voice to Washington. He feels that Government lacks diversity from public schools and encourages students to go for their goals and take an interest in public policy.
“I think students who want to be actively heard should go for it. Get involved, get active. Public policy doesn’t need to be run by Ivy League degrees. Government lacks diversity from public schools,” Schaffner said.
Schaffner says he will face the upcoming campaign with everything he learned from coaching and playing football. He believes in a positive matter of competing, of which was instilled in him by a former coach of his.
“I remember one of my coaches at NDSU saying, “bring on the competition” and that’s how I’m going to look at this campaign. “Bring on the competition,” Schaffner said.
As Schaffner seeks the support of the Republican Party, College Republican member, Jennifer Naaden, commented on the potential candidates bid for election.
“It’s great to see a new face become involved with North Dakota politics, especially a person who is part of our Bison tradition. Mr. Schaffner offers encouragement to people who haven’t been involved with politics before.” Naaden said.
The College Republicans have not yet made any formal endorsements, as the race is over a year away.
“I know we are looking forward to learning more about Mr. Schaffner in the months ahead. As he stated in the Fargo Forum, “I have to go out and prove that I want to do this, show them that I have the will.” The NDSU College
Republicans stand ready to assist anyone with the principles, leadership, and drive to make our state and country a better place.” Said Naaden.
Schaffner will be seeking volunteers to aid him in his campaign for Republican nomination to run for the U.S. House. He will be visiting NDSU to solicit support closer to the time of the Republican Party’s convention in the spring of 2010. His official campaign website is expected to be available to the public soon.
