4 People to watch in South Dakota politics in 2007
1. Representative Elect Russ Olson
Many Republicans (including myself) wondered if Russ going solo against Gerry Lange and Dave Gassman was such a good idea. Every time people exercised both of their votes, they could cast one vote for him, and one against him. It just didn’t matter. Russ took the legislative seat away from Gerry Lange.
But don’t keep an eye on Russ for that reason. Keep an eye on Russ because he’s the favored candidate to replace Dan Sutton in the State Senate.
As I’ve noted previously, after Sutton resigns or is expelled, Russ will likely be the favorite to fill that seat. And that will put him in the unique position of serving as the defacto leader in a renewed “republicanizing” of the Madison legislative district, going from zero GOP legislators last year to 2 before summer after Sutton resigns/is
expelled.
2. Former Representative Ted Klaudt
You might be thinking “Didn’t Ted lose to Ryan Maher?” Well yes, that is correct. But don’t look at him for his recent loss. Look at him for what else he has going on.
Ted runs the South Dakota Conservative PAC, which just completed its second election cycle and is still handing out money to conservative candidates. This PAC, which originally started back in 2004, might not have been terribly active to date, but there have been rumblings that the organization might get more serious about a mission of conservative activism.
With conservatives feeling a bit shut out after this election, and Ted having more
time on his hands, you might see this organization become more politically aggressive as the moderates did through Stan Adelstein’s MAINstream coalition.
3. Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth
With Tim Johnson’s recent medical troubles, aside from everyone wishing him a speedy recovery, the spotlight is shifting to whether or not he’ll run again in 2008. I’m guessing the answer will be no. And this puts Herseth in the driver's seat for the
Senate.If it’s going to happen, I suspect we’ll hear more serious rumblings about it around the end of 2007.
4. House Majority Leader Larry Rhoden
It used to be that the Senate was the conservative wing of the legislature. But with the recent shift to a more moderate culture in that chamber, it signaled that the House is probably going to be where the whimsy of moderates expressed via legislation goes to die.
And why wouldn’t it? Larry is a West River conservative leading such other conservatives as Roger Hunt, Tom Hackl, Gordon Howie, Al Novstrup, Betty Olson, Hal Wick, and several others. When you sit down and put pencil to paper, the House is where the rubber meets the road this year for conservatives. And accordingly, you’ll see more House members in the spotlight for it (for better or worse).
And Larry will bear their standard as they march into battle.
I'm driving back to Pierre this afternoon, so as I have my weekly contemplation time, I'll see if I can add to this list before the day is done.
Happy New Year!
Comments
Um, what about Sen. Scott Heidepriem? Former GOPer, now leader of the state senate Dems, possible candidate for higher office, big agenda ranging from Sutton to schools?
Seems like a no-brainer to me.
Maybe his name will come to you during the drive across US 14 to Pierre. (grin)
I kid because I love. Happy New Year, buddy! Hope this is a great year for you, your family, and your blog.
Todd
S.D. Watch
http://thunewatch.squarespace.com
You really need to look past your favortism and pay some attention to the new crop of leaders in the legislature.
To start, take a look at who is in the driver seats in both chambers.
The leadership on both sides of the aisle which includes whips and committee chairs.
If reason and common-sense conservatism are to take hold in the state capitol it won't be under Rhoden's watch.
He assigned the rinos to those committees so that they can raise taxes by getting rid of the 150% taxation rule without actually calling it a tax increase.
Our current Republican leadership team is doing everything in their power to place the GOP in the minority.
http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2007/mem.htm
Knudson and Rhoden are two guys who the taxpayers should keep their eyes on while keeping their hands on their pocketbooks.
Russ Olson raised and spent $31,600 as opposed to Dave Gassman's $3,100 and Gerry Lange's $5,200. My God what an effort for a non-incumbent! And Russ didn't have to dip into his own piggy bank to do it. When you can outspend your opponents 10/1 and 6/1, it's no wonder he came out on top.
If Russ applies only 1/2 that effort in the legislature he'll do fine.
• Stephanie Herseth – Stop the Google! She’s running in ’08. Take this one to the bank, baby! You will find her name on the ballot again.
• Larry Rhoden – That sound you hear is the big door slamming shut on the asses of ConINOs (Conservatives in Name Only) like Larry the former moderate turned pseudo-conservative, praying that someone would see the value of the huge voting base found in Red Owl, Union Center and Bullhead and make him a star. Yep, this rocket’s ready for anything … ‘cept the Taliban Wing of the Republican Party will not be taken seriously in SoDak for another decade, maybe longer. Sorry Larry. You jumped on the wrong horse. Happy trails. And if you run for statewide office, just remember to wave to the traffic on Minnesota Avenue in your drugstore cowboy git-up. It worked for that Roads scholar Jarrod Johnson. Maybe lightning can strike twice. You da man, Larry!
• Russ Olson – This is the new Chauncey Gardner (most of you know which movie, but in case some don’t, it’s “Being There,” a political classic. Run down to the video rental today and pick it up to put a groovy slant on the new year). Russ will serve one term, and then it’s buh-bye. Voters only thought it was time for a fresh face, a la Peggy Cruse and Jacquie Kelly in Pierre. Nothing personal, but don’t make big plans for your desk in Pierre, Russ.
• Ted Klaudt – Your future is in outer space. You will either qualify to serve as the 9th planet since Pluto was demoted, or you’ll appear in the next Star Wars episode as the son of Jabba the Hut. Do I hear a “Yaaahuuuwaaaayooooo (burp!) Jedi Sky-walker!”
Back with more.
You need to own up and strut your stuff now, because you just opened a can of. Now I want a reply, who do you think you are to say that after Sutton resigns or is expelled Olson wil take his place. You DO NOT KNOW if Sutton will expelled or even if Sutton will resign. Now I know Dan on a very personal level and although I can not say what he is thinking, I can say that if he were to fight this, as long as both sides are prosecuted and heard, he would come out of it ok. I normally have no problem with your oppinions, they normally help keep me a more conservative liberal(sorry for the oxymoron, but it is the best way to describe it) and I appreciate that, but you can not say that Sutton WILL be expelled or he WILL resign, because nobody knows what WILL happen. All that I ask is the next time you make a post do not guaruntee a result unless you are positive it will happen, because if it doesn't then you should own up to your oppinion, which is all I am asking, because that is something you MAY end up having to do with this post.
I hope you have a happy and productive 2007.
P.S. A great resolution would be to become more liberal.
Whoa there Lee Harvey. It's PP's blog... if you've been reading, much of his postings are opinion. So calm down. Plus, he's probably closer to reality than you.
Having said that, I laugh and gasp at the idea that Ted Klaudt is one to watch in 2007. The key to a successful PAC is the ability to raise money. My bet is that Klaudt's PAC will go belly up by year's end due to lack of contributions. Heck, he only made $1500 in contributions during the '06 general election from the PAC... all to the usual suspects.
I'm not just pulling this out of my rear end when I say that Ted's PAC may start to kick into gear.
Conservatives are P.O.'d, and as an established PAC, it's a natural magnet. It was put into place by Klaudt, Apa, Napoli, and several others to counteract Stan Adelstein. Despite the fact it doesn't have reams of cash, it does have a board of directors who are likely going to be more active.
It's not outside of the realm of possibility (and I've heard it's being looked at) to get it kicked into gear. "Pooh pooh it" all you want, but there's more going on than what you read in papers.
And as for dawg and anon 4:50, Russ is the real deal, and well thought of all the way up the political food chain in SD. As to the other, while it may be my opinion, I think I'm pretty safe in believing that Sutton is not going to survive the hearing (if he makes it that far).
Allegations of groping aside, do you think he's going to just get a slap on the wrist when he's asked about sleeping in the same bed as an employee who happens to be an 18 year old high school boy?
You can bet the bank that the descriptions that the boy's atty (Bill Janklow)will provide are going to horrify most South Dakotans.
If a businessman shared a bed with his 18 year old female intern, regardless of hanky panky, it's a good bet that he would not be at that place of business much longer.
It wasn't just a Republican leader asking him to resign - I have it on very good authority that the Dems did as well.
So...what's wrong with that?
Crazy Dawg
Klaudt's health may cause him to pop, or implode, sooner rather than later.
Just the amount the PARTY spent on his race was more than THE TOTAL spent by Dave Gassman and Gerry Lange COMBINED. It was like the US taking on Iraq.
Not very many candidates this year can claim "full-buy-in" by the Republican Party. Many got by with token support.
Unless #1, you use your real names, and #2 you have documented evidence to back up your claims, then don't bother to type it.
It's ok to say you don't like someone, but if you're going to call them a pervert or a pedophile, or what have you, that's a different thing entirely.
The Sutton matter is a slightly different deal as the principals involved have been releasing information, as well as documented information coming out through official channels.
You'll note that I didn't touch that story until I had paper in hand.
"What you wont post stuff on your website that IS the truth? Anything bad said about Russ Olson is taken off even if it is the truth. Trust me I could get quite a few people to verify my story."
Because absent identifying yourself and providing documented evidence, you're as likely to be a 50 year old man making these accusations.
If you wouldn't write it in a letter to the editor, it doesn't belong here either.
This website might provide some anonymity in expressing your opinion, but it needs to remain as opinion and not delve into accusing someone of improper acts without the benefit of them to refute their accuser based on their actual identity.
In the case of something you're trying to set forth as factual... no name, no evidence, no post.
It's not that difficult of a concept.
Time to turn on IP address tracking (or PP, did you do that already?).
I don't see any evidence that he drinks. You're presenting no evidence other than your say so that he "hit on" girls at some point in the distant past. Oh - care to prove he was at this mysterious dance, on such and such a date?
And most of all, you're still anonymous, so as I've said before, all I know is that you could be a 50 year old man who happens to be a political opponent.
You claim to have a masters degree, so I'm assuming you've written a thesis. Weren't you required to document your assertions, or did they say "it doesn't matter as long as you said so?" Regardless, I'll bet they wanted your name on it when you turned it in.
You have yet to do that as well.
I've required no less of a burden of proof when someone has made questionable allegations against Herseth or Stan Adelstein, 2 people who I've taken after on occasion.
Don't like it? Sorry, but that's the way it is here.
If you don't like it, you're welcome to start your own weblog.
And, PP-
Denny Wiese made allegations that Dan Sutton groped his son (second hand information) to the leaders in the Senate and poof you post second hand allegations. At least my allegations (which I can assure you are true) are first hand allegations.
[Redacted by pp]
And, may I point out that this is really all the evidence that the Wiese's have (Austin saying it happened).
There isnt any proof that Dan Sutton groped Austin Wiese is there?
Also, I am sure that law enforcement would not be too apt to investigate something that happened to a long time ago. I'm just saying Russ isnt the frickin golden child that you are trying to make him out to be.
I'm reposting the second part of your argument, with the questionable information redacted, because at least that part is an argument/opinion as opposed to an allegation.
But to respond on the Sutton allegations, what I and everyone else are reporting on is the fact that there are allegations, and what they are.
In that case - unlike your unproven allegations - you have someone who is publicly standing behind the testimony in the light of day, as opposed to hiding behind a pseudonym.
In addition, much of it HAS been investigated by Law enforcement, with witnesses to various parts of his story. From you, we're getting some anonymous uncorroborated tale.
Think I'm being harsh? Anonymously E-mail the Madison Daily Leader with your tale and see how far you get. I'd be willing to bet that this response here is far more than you'd receive because you have yet to meet a burden of proof other than your simple say so.
It would be like me saying you're a 50 year old flatulent man.
I have no documentation of that fact, nor any indication it's based in reality. It's just my say so - no more and no less than your tale is to this point.
so it's gone.
I guess I can understand why you are deleting stuff (even though it is true), but...how in the heck is someone supposed to PROVE it happened? How are they supposed to prove he was at the Egan street dance? Or that he did what they are claiming?
Its not like the poster is claiming rape or any other extremely serious accusation. They are claiming that he acted inappropriately. Period. And, may I note that this happened years before running for the House.
And, PP- I am sure that if you really want to find out if this is true, you will. You just dont want to. The poster cant really give you any more information than they already have. Im sure they dont have it video taped or a picture proving it occurred.
I just dont know how they are supposed to prove it.
I heard about the Sutton thing back in April, just like the rest of the media did.
And guess what - EVERYONE had to sit on it until there was written documentation of an investigation.
I was busy over new years, but you told me to be able to back up the information that I post and if I was legally allowed to use my real name, I could tell you how close I really am to this situation and then you would know that everything I type is truthful. I would really like to use my name but I know that the reprocussions would be bad. The one thing that I will say with 100% certainty is that if BOTH sides are heard, Sutton will come out and that will make no difference even if Janklow is prosecuting, because his job is to protect the rights of the page, not to prosecute Sutton. So if you think I am wrong you can talk to Dan's laywers or himself, because as of this morning, I did.
Anon 4:50
Anon 4:50
PP, you claim to have it that some dem leaders have asked Sutton to step down. By your new-found and evolving set of cyber ethics, please document your source or identify the dem leaders in question. I'm certain that you won't. Give us a look behind the curtain, or is there a different set of rules for the all powerful and all knowing postmaster general. If there is, that's fine, just admit it.
Also, as you've recently stated, you are not a newspaper, so don't try and run for cover under what you believe to be MSM rule for letters to the editor.
And to 4:50 or whoever opened this can, flirting with girls at street dances is a long and proud SD tradition. It does make one wonder though, what in the h-e-double toothpicks is in that Moody County water? Wild Bill, Dan, Dennis, Russ - try some bottled water
Also the dihydrogen monoxide in Moody County is just fine. (maybe that means I have drank too much)
Thank you 10:55. I'll be appearing at the Royal River Casino this Saturday right after the puppet show and spelling bee.
Dan Sutton Rules (in my opinion)!!
I told Mrs. E hi and I have another mainstay teacher in the dihard conservative Fodness and I will be quarrelling with him all period.
Your just biased because Russ Olson obviously paid for advertising space on your website. Its really annoying to stare at his face everytime I visit the site. How much money would it take to permanently remove it and replace it with someone else's?
Do you get the privilege of watching The Great Gatsby? Do Fodness and Ellingson still show that movie?
actually, that's not a paid ad. It's just one of the political faces I have up, and rotate in and out from time to time.
You didnt answer the second part of my question. How much money would it take to permanently remove Russ Olsons face and replace it with someone else's?
It doesn't guarantee that Russ can't purchase one himself.
Yuck! You must not know him or where he has been. If you did, that would turn you off!
Support the man, support him in his on going battle for vindication!!!!
I Want a support "Sutton's Vindication Button." I want it set up so that by clicking it, you would be able to donate directly to Dan's checking account. This money would be used to VINDICATE SUTTON. How much would it cost me personally to get you to do that? I am serious. My checkbooks out.
If PP wont do it, we should just open an account at Farmers State Bank for the cause of Supporting Sutton. We could run an ad in the Enterprise telling people that if they would like to donante they can make the check out to the "Support Sutton Fund."
What do you all think? I know this false accusation has to be doing a number on Danny's piggy bank.
Go Dan, We support you 100%!!!!!
Go Dan!!
Dan Sutton
PO Box 282
Flandreau, SD 57028
Maybe we should just mail our checks directly to him and note that they are to assist in his vindication.
What does everyone think?
The mechanics? You'd either have to set up your own website to handle the traffic, or possibly set up a donation thing through a pay pal account, as I have for my own beg button.
It's really not tough to do. I believe you could also use the same beg button on other websites.
Contact me personally at dakotawarcollege@yahoo.com if you need help with the mechanics.
Vindicate Sutton!!!!!!!
Sutton for Senate, his seat was won fair and square. Even after the residents of District 8 had heard of this affair. They knew it wasnt true, so they showed up at the polls and voted blue. Now he needs your continued support. Send good wishes, cash, or prayers his way because soon their will be a vindication day!
Who’s the other GOP legislator you refer to, PP? Any further predictions, since Sutton didn't resign and wasn't expelled?