How did the parties do in filling legislative positions this election? It was historic, in more ways than one.

Pat Powers

It’s probably a little premature, since we have a couple of days’ worth of registered mail to go – but this election appears as if it’s going to be historic when it comes to the filling of legislative seats – in a couple of ways.

The South Dakota Republican Party appears to have filled all State Senate seats. All 35 have candidates, with around 1/4-1/3 having primary elections.  Of the 35 seats, so far Democrats have filed petitions for about 14.  If this number holds, Republicans would only need to beat 4-5 of their candidates for a 2/3 supermajority.

In the House, I anticipate the GOP will concede 5 of the 70 seats. District 1 had some false starts, so Tamara St. John will likely be the only House candidate for the GOP. I’m hearing word that one of the District 18 seats was also a challenge.  Aside from that I’m told District 26A, one of the District 27 house seats, and District 28A – all Democrat majority areas – are also likely to be unfilled.

Whereas in the House, Democrats laid back and died a little bit less.  But unless there’s a tremendous rush of mailed petitions, they’re still going to be taking a beating.

I’ll be putting up a list later today, but the candidate recruitment by the SDGOP was a phenomenal effort.. while the SDDP paid the price for their collapse and abandonment by their ex-chair Paula Hawks and ex-ED Stacey Burnette in late October of 2019

When they should have been recruiting, Democrats were stuck reconstituting. And it shows.

18 thoughts on “How did the parties do in filling legislative positions this election? It was historic, in more ways than one.”

  1. There will be more Democrats and progressives running as Republicans this time around. The Democrat party is in smambles – I agree with Pat – but progressives are organizing.

    1. Exactly my thoughts: how many GOP candidates were registered Republicans and/or moved into another district since the last election?

  2. For example, District 7 Republican primary pits Progressive Larry Tidemann versus Conservative Doug Post.

    1. Larry Tidemann is a Republican, who for example, has been handily elected by the voters in Brookings on several occasions. History would confirm that he is their kind of a Republican. Isn’t that how elections and representative government are supposed to work?

        1. yeah liberal college town and you elect liberals, that is fine but be true to the voters and put the D behind your name then

          Tiedeman
          Reed
          VJ Smith

          Anyone see a conservative…neither do I

          1. Strange anti- American voting system comment. When only Republicans could vote, primary, and they could choose what Republican those Republicans wanted – They didn’t choose Doug. He won the one time he ran when Republicans in Brookings didn’t have a primary choice. Unless I’m missing something that’s how we see who are party feels best represents us. Doug’s a nice guy, that’s not the issue.
            The winners you don’t like – we’ll you need Soviet elections (if you get to be in charge). Guess it’s time for you to move😜, like your buddy Clooney

            1. I couldn’t agree more Lee. It always amazes me when a group of ideologically driven folks burn every bridge down around themselves in order to put their one issue up on the mantel.
              I’ve said it before and will reiterate here that the next legislative session is going to be the most challenging since Statehood. It’s going to make 2010 look like a cake walk. Proven leadership is going to be needed on day one as we will all be forced to think our way out of this mess physically and financially.

              1. The Hard Left Bernie Bros and Hard Right have more in common than they realize. They are like cousins. Purity tests are the norm rather than being practical. If they were combat engineers they do not just burn the bridges down they blow up the roads leading to those bridges.

          2. Anyone who disagrees with me on any topic is not a republican. I am the arbiter of what is republican.

  3. That new Democrat leadership is doing great, good job Randy Seiler—oh wait, nevermind #fail

  4. I cannot tell the difference between a Democrat or Republican in Pierre with the exception of a handful of conservatives. How do you think Trump got elected?

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