Wednesday, July 8, 2009

South Dakota Political Update

South Dakota Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has announced plans to run for re-election to the House in 2010. Stephanie is a pro-choice Democrat and a supporter of Planned Parenthood. She has served as South Dakota’s lone representative in the House since 2004.

In a statement from her office, Rep. Herseth Sandlin said, "I strongly believe I can best serve the state by building on the work I've undertaken over the last five years in Congress."

If Stephanie had decided to run for the Governor’s office, she probably would have been up against one of the four Republican Party hopefuls. They are Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard, state Sen. Dave Knudson of Sioux Falls, rancher Ken Knuppe of New Underwood and Scott Munsterman of Brookings.

Her decision opens the door for other Democratic contenders to run for the South Dakota Governor’s race and to run against Senator John Thune for his seat also. As of right now, State Senator Scott Heidepriem, D-Sioux Falls, is thought to have an interest in the governor's race. No other candidates have stepped forward to challenge Senator Thune yet.

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