Trygve Hammer
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Popular “Punching Up” columnist Trygve Hammer delighted about 140 people attending the annual District 24 Dem-NPL Roundup held Thursday, October 30 at The Reserve at Woodland in Valley City.
Hammer, who was North Dakota’s Dem-NPL candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024, held his audience’s attention with a blend of humor and straight talk about what makes his party strong. Hammer underscored the party’s values of honor and courage, which he internalized during his U.S. Naval and Marine Corps career. But, he said, “They (the opposition party) don’t treat others in an honorable way, and they don’t tell the truth.” With that comment, Hammer’s audience erupted in applause.
Other speakers presented touching remembrances of Larry J. Robinson and George Gaukler, both prominent Democratic-NPL leaders from Valley City who passed away. Robinson, who was extremely active in community organizations, served as District 24’s State Senator for 32 years. A lifelong supporter of VCSU, he retired in 2024 as executive director of university advancement.
For many years, Gaukler headed up the North Dakota Dem-NPL, making significant contributions to both state and district campaigns. Throughout his life, he remained a respected political leader and adviser. In District 24 he was also a successful businessman, community builder and philanthropist.
Emcee and auctioneer at Thursday’s Dem-NPL Roundup was District Chair Linda Brastrup Johnson. She urged the enthusiastic audience to “Get involved, talk with your neighbor, run for office.”
