Patrick Lalley at Sioux Falls Live is writing about the Sioux Falls mayoral contest in a column yesterday, and noting how he views the race. Particularly that as he sees it, former Legislator and former At-Large Council Member leads the pack in both campaign organization, and fundraising potential:
It feels like Erickson has the upper hand in this category. She’s clearly been planning a mayoral bid for some time and considered running eight years ago. Since then, she’s built a wider network of potential donors and volunteers and brought on big-time professional campaign advisors.
and..
Also, the candidates in this run can raise a lot of money.
I’d give Erickson the edge. Why? In short, she’s connected.
Shortly before leaving the council in 2022, she took a job as president of the South Dakota Trucking and Auto Dealer Associations. It’s a lobbying gig, among other things, but it’s also a networking and relationship-building opportunity, which comes in handy when you need campaign cash.
Also, did I mention that her brother is the greatest kicker in the history of the National Football League. If for some reason this little fact has eluded you, Christine’s maiden name is Vinatieri, as in Adam, as in former New England Patriots legend and all-time leading scorer in NFL history.
It’s worth mentioning because at her announcement event last month, candidate Vinatieri-Erickson (as per her LinkedIn page) told the assembled to expect a visit.
So he can kick. Would it not be better to be supported by an individual who has the education and mental capacity to actually have done something productive for society?!?