A new poll suggests that a competitive U.S. Senate race could be developing in North Dakota.
The statewide poll of voters deemed likely to vote in the state’s June primary — conducted by Essman/Research on behalf of Forum Communications Co — shows that Rep. Rick Berg (R), who was elected to Congress in 2010, leads former Democratic state attorney general Heidi Heitkamp, 51 percent to 44 percent. Democrats and Republicans will hold their primaries on June 12, with both Berg and Heitkamp regarded as the favorites to claim their respective party’s nomination.
Berg and Heitkamp are seeking the seat being vacated by four-term incumbent Sen. Kent Conrad (D), who announced last year that he will not seek re-election.