BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Despite dropping oil prices and increased pressure to bridle spending, some North Dakota lawmakers have not given up on the idea of building a new home for the state's first family.
The House Appropriations Committee has recommended a do-not-pass recommendation on the proposed $5 million governor's residence. But many lawmakers are still pushing hard for the new home to replace one built in 1960.
Fargo Republican Representative Jim Kasper says the current home poses a security risk for the first family.
Fargo Democratic Representative Ron Guggisberg says the issue has become a "political football." He says a new residence for the governor is needed but there are other projects that also are being cut.
Lawmakers have defeated measures in the past two sessions for a new governor's mansion.