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CNN Live At Daybreak

Some in North Dakota Would Drop 'North' From Name

Aired June 27, 2001 - 08:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BRIAN NELSON, CNN ANCHOR: We've got a new image makeover for North Dakota -- possibly.

That's the goal of a movement that wants to change the name of the Peace Garden State, and the effort is gaining some ground. as we hear from Susan Stokes (ph) of CNN affiliate KVRR, in Fargo.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TIM MATHERN (D), NORTH DAKOTA SENATE: People relate to North Dakota as, in fact, being always cold, as, in fact, being close to the North Pole. We need to do new things in our state.

SUSAN STOKES (ph), KVRR REPORTER (voice-over): Fargo State Senator Tim Mathern isn't kidding. He is proposing to change North Dakota's name to just Dakota.

MATHERN: It is a word that expresses the most positive part of our state, that we are friendly people.

STOKES (ph): Mathern's idea took a nosedive the last time he tried, back in '89, but he says North Dakota needs a new marketing push, and believes his name change proposal will pick up speed in the 2003 session.

MATHERN: It's going to take some courageous folks to come forward and say, yes, this is good, and let's move with it.

STOKES (ph): Mathern plans to spend the next two years talking to constituents and building support for his vision, but not everyone is jumping on his bandwagon.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We were founded as North Dakota, and why change it? We're called North Dakota, because we're the furthest north state, pretty much.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I can't agree with that idea. I don't see how that would fool anybody into coming up here and thinking we're not going to have snow, which, it seems to me, is what he's up to.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a good idea, but maybe think of something else to bring a more positive idea, because North Dakota should be proud of the heritage of North Dakota. I don't see how a name change could do much. STOKES (ph): Mathern realizes changing the state's name will be an uphill battle, but thinks any controversy is an opportunity to promote the state.

MATHERN: We are in charge of our destiny.

STOKES (ph): Mathern says he will continue to work on key issues like education and the economy, but hopes to spark interest in the future of Dakota.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NELSON: And that was reporter Susan Stokes (ph), in Fargo.

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