FARGO - The campaign manager for Republican U.S. House candidate Rick Berg has resigned after admitting to improperly using an e-mail database obtained from the North Dakota State Republican Party.
Paul Sorenson quit after meeting with Berg Monday and admitting to having misled him about the origins of the e-mail list, which was used to send out an electronic newsletter. Originally, Sorenson said the e-mail addresses in question were his personal contacts made during his time as executive director of the state party.
"Obviously, I am very disappointed that Paul was not truthful with me," Berg said in a press release. "In light of the revelation, I had no choice but to ask for his resignation. I have pledged to take a different approach to Washington and that must start right here with my own campaign."
"While I did not sanction or condone Paul's use of the state party e-mail list, I am responsible for the actions of all my staff," Berg continued. "I called (state party chairman) Gary Emineth following the meeting and apologized for the inappropriate use of the list."
Berg and Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer are the front-runners for the Republican endorsement. Whoever receives the GOP endorsement will try to unseat Democrat Earl Pomeroy, who is running for his tenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tom Nelson, longtime political advisor and friend to Berg, was named campaign manager.