Todd Epp anounces he's out from Billion campaign
Without a lot of details, Todd Epp announced over at his weblog SD Watch that he's no longer associated with the Billion campaign.
It's certainly their loss, as I've considered Todd to be honest and amiable, as well as having the courage of his convictions. That, and he knows that the campaign is as every bit as important as the message. And the Dems have too few people that recognize that truth.
It's like the story that was told of Judge Patrick McKeever. when his appointment for that or some other office was up in the Republican controlled State Senate during the Kneip years. It was a hotly contested appointment which caused consternation on both sides of the aisle. That is, until Clint Roberts was asked for his opiniopn on the appointment.
His reply? "I'd let him ride my ride my horse." The debate was over. And the appointment, approved.
So Todd, you might not be with the Billion campaign anymore. But if I had a horse, I'd let you take it for a spin.
It's certainly their loss, as I've considered Todd to be honest and amiable, as well as having the courage of his convictions. That, and he knows that the campaign is as every bit as important as the message. And the Dems have too few people that recognize that truth.
It's like the story that was told of Judge Patrick McKeever. when his appointment for that or some other office was up in the Republican controlled State Senate during the Kneip years. It was a hotly contested appointment which caused consternation on both sides of the aisle. That is, until Clint Roberts was asked for his opiniopn on the appointment.
His reply? "I'd let him ride my ride my horse." The debate was over. And the appointment, approved.
So Todd, you might not be with the Billion campaign anymore. But if I had a horse, I'd let you take it for a spin.
Comments
I just wish both Epp and Billion good luck in whatever follows. Having worked once many,many years on a campaign I know it is very, very tough for both the candidate and campaign managers to not get very frustrated in a state so very Republican for all the wrong reasons.
Billion for Good Government,
Not one Round cent for crony capitalism.
Gotta sloganeer a bit here.
Billion still has a huge target in Marion Mike Rounds, who continues to suffer from his own mistakes and now is under 50% voter support in polls. Billion can win this race, although it's still an uphill battle.
Rounds is against the total abortion ban, but he signed it. He's for the death penalty but against applying it.
A moment of truth: Watch the Lt. Governor Daugaard commercial talking about Rounds' two faces. Do we really want a two-faced governor?
We all know how that worked out.
Billion's only job right now is to run interference for Johnson and to bring Rounds down below 50%.
Rounds hasn't helped himself either. His junior varsity political consulting and failure to bring in consultants other than his family has only worsened his future prospects and those of the GOP majority in the state house and senate.
Thank you for your very kind comments. You don't know how much I appreciate it.
Also, to some of the rest of you who have made charitable comments, thank you. That is gratifying.
To those of you who were less than charitable, I agree, politics is a results based business. And sometimes things happen between staff and candidate. Certainly there are some things I would do differently if I could do things over. Believe me, I realize I am not perfect--far from it.
I worked very hard for Jack and Eric. I had some successes and some failures. But it wasn't for a lack of effort. Sometimes things just don't work out, despite everyone's best intentions. Jack and Eric are both good men.
One thing I will address: I have remained an attorney throughout the process and will continue to practice law for the foreseeable future. It is my profession.
I am very passionate about what I do--as a lawyer, as a political operative, as a father, as a soccer coach, as a writer, as a husband, as a person. Sometimes that is a positive; sometimes it can make life, well, interesting.
Again, thanks for the kind thoughts and even the less than kind ones.
The Todd Epp Story has not yet been written!
Best regards,
Todd Epp
I'm really not all that aware of all of the ins and outs of politics in SD. I read the WAR COLLEGE because I find it interesting to read people at their worst...and their best.
Your post is someone at their best--even in the midst of a difficult situation.
To be charitable even when under attack and stress shows character.
My hat is off to you!
Lawrence and Schiller might do nice ads, but when your 'stratergy' think tank consists of your dad, your sister from out of state and your brother, Rounds has a pretty dim star chamber.
1 - I always think it is funny when people are critical of Rounds for NOT relying on professional consultants. I would think that most people would appreciate a candidate who relies on friends and family rather than professionals.
2 - I don't understand the post about the Daugaard TV spot about Rounds being two-faced. You can watch the ad on Rounds' website (as I just did). It seems to be the whole point of the ad is that HE IS NOT two-faced.
3 - One poster said that Rounds' support has fallen below 50% - I am just curious where they heard that because I haven't heard any polling for a while. I cannot think why his support would have slipped that much. The SurveyUSA popularity poll has been varied wildly from month-to-month for the last four or five months, but there is no reason to think that Rounds' support has fallen that much.
I don't know Todd Epp, but he seemed to me to the guy who did all the work for the Billion campaign - at least in regard to the production of press releases, statements, and content on the website. He was obviously a hard worker, albeit on a sinking ship. I am sure he's a big loss for Billion. The recent staff changes have the look of a "panic" on Billion's part - and I think it is clear why he would be panicking.