Should Stephanie stay, or should she go?
Congressional Quarterly today is noting that Democratic party leaders in DC are encouraging Herseth Sandlin to stay on in Washington while State party activists see her as the only chance they have to possibly be competitive for the Governor’s seat:
As Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin ponders a bid for South Dakota governor, Democratic leaders in Congress are quietly urging her to run for re-election.
“They are making it clear they want me to stay,” Herseth Sandlin said. “The conversations have started in the last couple of weeks. I’m trying to decide by the August recess.”
Herseth Sandlin isn’t the only incumbent whose ambitions are causing some heartburn in the higher ranks of Congress.
Leaders of both parties are trying to figure out what to say or do to hang onto about 10 ambitious lawmakers who are undecided about possible races for other elective offices.
and…
Herseth Sandlin says she’s been getting gentle pitches to seek re-election from Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and other members of Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’s, D-Calif., leadership team.
”I’m letting them know the factors that I’m considering. And I’m letting them know the pressure I’m getting on the other side,” said Herseth Sandlin, referring to requests from party activists to enter the governor’s race.
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Comments
You guys are crazy…If we have such no it alls in South Dakota, why aren’t we number 1 in the nation. Everyone seems to think they can read minds to know just what everyone is thinking……Blah, Blah, Blah, I am sick of it all.
Why can’t this woman make up her mind? spare us the drama queen bit, we know you love the attention and want to be in the spotlight, but just decide already
I think she is trying to figure out how much her un-blue dog votes and her Pelosi coattails are going to hurt her and what she has the best chance of winning. Before she didn’t have a record and got elected on name recognition and cute and perky. She knows that alone won’t work this time. But to play games like having Max become a SD resident are just plain stupid; people are smart enough to see thru that political ploy.
It is refreshing to see a War College post about SHS that doesn’t include a partisan swipe. Thank you PP.
Clint: Thanks as I never thought about Max but I think that it does matter who he is working for. Steph should take as much time as she needs to make her decision as it is hers and only hers to make.
Anon,
Are you sure is isn’t just a matter that I didn’t mention her voting record in this post? I suspect your angst over what I have to say is because many of her views and votes are contrary to what South Dakota thinks.
BTW, just for you…..
Rep. Herseth Sandlin loves Washington. When campaigning, yeah, she can tolerate Sioux Falls for a day, Pierre for an hour. She won’t run for governor because she doesn’t want to live here.
“State party activists see her as the only chance they have to possibly be competitive for the Governor’s seat.”
I’m sure Scott Heidepriem loves to hear that!
The Princess is being selfish. If she cared about the party she would s—t or get off the pot. She is keeping people from raising money, etc. ‘Course if the Dems had any balls they would announce they are running anyway.
Anon 11:09, if you know her, please enlighten us on her plans. I’m simply observing human nature — her reluctance speaks volumes. Golly, maybe someday I can be an insider like you.
One other thing: I know Rep. Herseth Sandlin well. That’s why I’ve voted for someone other than her in every election.
In my opinion, Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin takes a calculated risk whatever she does.
I suspect that she knows she could lose if she runs for Governor. I sense a massive, growing swell of opposition among the American people to what the Democrats are doing (and the ways in which they’re going about it). It’s like the tide going out in advance of a tsunami: Slow and huge.
Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin would likely lose if she runs against John Thune with the idea of replacing him. She might have an eye toward replacing Tim Johnson should he decide not to run again. But will he? She could easily win that spot, in my opinion, if Tim Johnson endorses her for it.
Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin might be conflicted as to where she wants to live, and where she wants to raise and school her child. She ought to be! It’s a big deal. No bond is stronger than that between mother and child …
I give SHS the benefit of the doubt. I assume that she is not arrogant. We tie ourselves in knots over what SHS might or might not do, but she’s the one who will live down the results of her decision.
No wonder SHS is taking so much time. In her place, so would I.
Pat, your headline failed to note that if she stays there will be trouble, and if she goes it will be double.
I guess the President didn’t call asking her to run against Thune like she thought.