MINOT — The NDGOP's District 42 committee may have appointed Dustin McNally to replace Rep. Emily O'Brien, who stepped down to take a position in Gov. Kelly Armstrong's administration, but that doesn't mean the internecine drama in Grand Forks is finished.

I'm told by multiple sources in District 42 that they've had people knocking on their doors asking them to sign a petition forcing a special election. Sandra McMerty, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State's office, also confirmed that their office advised petitioners on the process.

The process here is a little arcane. Under North Dakota law, when a vacancy in the Legislature occurs, the district committee for the vacating lawmaker gets to choose a replacement. But, as an alternative, the governor can call a special election, or

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