Are you going? Those other places besides the fair.
In the next few days there’s going to be a massive festival where prospective politicians are going to have the opportunity to meet thousands of potential voters, campaign workers, and generally people who have a strong interest in what the politicians have to say.
And I’m not talking about that event in Huron.
The state fair is a traditional kickoff event for the campaign season, especially in an election year. It gives politicians a place to do the walk-by meet and greets, and it’s ingrained in the psyche of South Dakota statewide politicians that “you must do the fair.”
But as the years have gone by, conventional wisdom seems to be breaking that tradition as an absolute. Heck, in recent years some politicians have even forsaken debates held at the fair. (Just ask Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin the last time she had a debate there).
Dakotafest has stolen a lot of that thunder (not that Herseth debated there last election, either) as the place where agrarian populism and politics meet, somewhat diluting the State Fair’s former “all important” impact in the political season.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The State Fair still is an important event. Both the Democratic party and the GOP have significant infrastructure investments at the fair in terms of buildings and equipment, and it’s worth it for the number of people that go by. But especially in the past decade, it’s not the “end all be all” for politicians that it used to be.
In the post-fair environment, If I was going to direct a statewide Republican politician to a event that they might be able to reap a benefit from, there’s a huge one happening this weekend that comes to mind - the Lifelight Festival.
No, it’s just not that Christian music thing anymore. It’s a massive, massive festival. Whereas the state fair has around 150,000 attendees yearly, this year’s Lifelight festival is planning for attendance in the neighborhood of 300,000 this weekend. For those counting, that would be twice as many.
There aren’t likely to be any political debates there. You aren’t going to be called on stage. But what is there is an opportunity to meet people. Lots and lots of people. And the best part? Think “values motivated” voters. “Values motivated” grassroot activists.
(Hint - Republicans - these are YOUR voters.)
A Republican candidate could easily walk into that festival, spend a few days, and walk out with a list of community contacts, workers, letter to the editor writers, etcetera and so on. All for the cost of the booth, and a little shoe leather.
By all means, Republican candidates should spend time at the State Fair this weekend. But they should also turn the car southeast, and dedicate themselves to making a trip to Sioux Falls and the Lifelight festival.
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Comments
I believe that a few years ago lifelight did not want political booths out there or anyone involved in running a political race. This may have changed.
I also question the fact that ya maybe 300,000 people out there but how many are going to be voting in SD.
This maybe a great place for a national campaign but I think the locals should stay home.
Leave it to Republicans to suggest turning a friendly, pious, community-strengthening event like Lifelight into a crass, self-serving political opportunity. 
Dem candidates ought to go to Lifelight, too, to enjoy the music and fellowship first, and maybe remind everyone that piety is not the particular province of any party.
And don’t forget — Dems are as “values motivated” as anyone else. I hear belief in social justice is a very Christian value….
Lifelight is actually mostly out-of-staters. My company had a booth there last year and the majority of attendees were from Minnesota and Iowa. Obviously there are South Dakotans attending but the vast majority aren’t from here.
Coralhei,
That works if you can find any Democrats with Family values.
I don’t imagine they would be well received at Lifelight as they promote devaluing the pre-born, and a bible that talks about “Adam” and “Steve” in the garden of Eden.
Yeah, number 5, those people at lifelight would probably give em a blessed thumping right out of leviticus.
1. I heard the same type of gripe about Diedrich. Feel free to run if you can do better.
I would choose sipping coffee and answering local questions in front of 500 people rather than sitting on a stage answering canned questions.
Someone did an analysis of the Vermillion event and made a great argument that is was a made for TV special in support of Herseth. I was sick that day and almost walked out after the first question and should have according to the analysis.
The fact is Herseth created a history of dodging public debate. Anyone that suggests otherwise I will call a liar. I think she will continue with that dodging tradition.
PP, my friends and I go to Lifelight every single year because we love the music and fellowship. We are definately not “Republican voters.” And I’d rather not see such a fun event turn into a political rally.
Revelation 3:15-17
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
Lifelight does not allow booths for political candidates.
Places to register to vote are allowed–like the SD Family Policy Council–they will register anyone regardless of Political Party.
There are some socially conservative Democrats out there–look at Sioux Falls District #15.
There are some socially liberal Republicans–Casey Murscel, Dave Knutsen, Joni Cutler.
Anyone is free to “Walk and Talk” visit with the voters, hear what they are saying, gain name recognition, pass out ink pens or whatever.
Many who enjoy Lifelight ARE from out of state–last year as far north as Canada and as far south as Texas.
It is a GREAT event–fun, clean, great music, good food–and we are planning on NICE WEATHER this year. It is a great place to make new friends!
The Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls has higher turnout than the State Fair, and given the electoral importance of Minnehaha County, I’d say it’s more important to have visibility there than in Huron.
Your point about the Lifelight Festival is well taken. The point about Herseth “avoiding” debates while running unopposed is a little tired. I watched at least two debates on television and all they did was make me angry about the horrible recruiting job done by our celebrated party leadership…