Is Knudson the Kranz choice for Governor?
Over at the Argus Leader this Monday Morning, Dave Kranz spends some time gushing over Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson, announcing that the 2007 Legislative Session was the "Knudson Session," and notes how Knudson's name is in the hunt for Governor:
When the 2007 South Dakota Legislature is gaveled to an end, it will seem clear that this was Sen. Dave Knudson's session.Read it all here.
Powered by his new role as Senate majority leader, Knudson guided the Republican agenda, offered the script for many of the major measures offered this year and, in the process, gave his party a new image.
and..
One would think this Democrat-turned-Republican was in the middle of everything this session, while at the same time acting with a rational voice and low-key style.
and..
It's no secret that he wants to be governor, competing in what is expected to be a herd of Republicans who want the nomination for that second floor office.
One of the spectators of the political process is Joel Rosenthal of Sioux Falls, former chairman of the state Republican Party.
"It is very clear in the 2007 Legislature on the issues of increased state aid to education, technical school governance, and property tax valuation reform that the Knudson Plan became the Republican Plan," Rosenthal said.
Being in the Legislature comes with rewards and also has risks of failures. In Knudson's case, he illustrated the importance of being in office – building a resume for the day he makes a decision about a bid to move up the ladder.
Comments
Knudson has lost points with the conservatives for not supporting the abortion ban or even going the extra few miles for it.
Further, he has alienated many members of the ag community for coming out with the wrong 150% bill that taxes unevenly.
Additionally, he shot himself in the foot trying to carry the water for Rounds with increased government spending.
There is a reason why people at Lincoln County GOP dinners roll their eyes when Rounds is speaking...his complete failure of leadership at building a party and caving in on most GOP principles.
Thus, the base is yearning for a viable conservative, even-keeled voice to run for Governor. That person is not Dave Knudson.
Lee Schoenbeck fires up the base, he has the balls to tell special interests no, and he is respected by all the right party activists.
Knudson and Michels do nothing to fire the troops up. Lee on the other hand is who the GOP base has been yearning for ever since Janklow left office.
Ooo...was that you, Lee...
Michels = Lt. gov
Now that would be a winning ticket....no questions asked.
Has a nice ring to it.
When Rounds runs for Congress in 08, Dennis will get to be an incumbant for the 2010 Governors race.
Who is going to beat Rounds?
Name any Dems who have better name recognition.
But Daugaard seems like the frontrunner and strongest candidate for 2010. A Daugaard/Michels ticket would be hard to beat.
As for Lee, posters on this board seems to claim he has a broad base of support, but I have trouble finding any "flesh and blood" supporters to back up the Internet hype.
Where is Lee these days anyways???
He knows how to get it done and is a speaker who can get the message across! He is not afraid to step up to the plate.
GO MAT!!!!!!!!
Daugaard/Schoenbeck is a full house.
Daugaard/Dykstra is the Royal Flush.
I'm calling it...
Daugaard/Dykstra in 2010
"Who is going to beat Rounds?
Name any Dems who have better name recognition."
That's easy. Johnson, Daschle, and Herseth would all crush Marion.
The guy simply has no political talent whatsoever. That'll fly in a state-wide race. Heck, about 99% of our elected officials have no talent. But it won't work with a national office.
Rounds just isn't Senator material. He is insurance sales material who fell into the gov's office by dumb luck.
"Daugaard/Dykstra in 2010"
That will never happen imho.
I heard that Dykstra wants the house job???? Not sure about that either to be honest. I am not saying i am against it just not sure.
BUT Matt M. is our next Governor!
Knudson and someone else less known (lust?) from W. River will be the ticket.