June 9, 2008

Welcome!

Welcome to Stephanie Herseth Sandlin's campaign blog!

I want to take a moment to introduce myself and the rest of Stephanie's campaign staff and let you know we're here for any questions, comments, or suggestions that we can answer regarding Stephanie's re-election campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives. All of our contact information can be found at Stephanie's website at http://www.stephanieforsouthdakota.org/. Please stop by the site, check out Stephanie's stance on issues important to you, find out ways you can be involved in the campaign, and always feel free to contact us.

My name is Emily Lefholz and I joined Stephanie's team as Campaign Manager just a few months ago. Having been born and raised in the Gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City, I graduated from Stevens High School and have been volunteering and working for South Dakota interests ever since. My lineage, however, is a little more East River slanted, with a mom from Sioux Falls and a dad from a farm just outside of Webster. I've had the pleasure over the last few months to get to know my mom's hometown a little better, as Stephanie's Campaign Headquarters, where I'm based, is in Sioux Falls.

While South Dakota has always made me homesick when I've traveled away, I did take some time to explore the world recently by completing a two year service as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Southern African country of Lesotho. I spent my time in Lesotho working as an English, Life Skills, and HIV/AIDs teacher in a rural, village high school. I finished my Peace Corps service in December of 2007.

It's been a long road home, but not only am I more grateful than ever to be from this amazing country and state, I am thrilled to be back working for such an exceptional and strong leader for South Dakota. I had previously worked for Stephanie on her Congressional staff in Rapid City as well as in her campaign office during the 2004 special and general elections. I know Stephanie well and continue to be inspired by her work ethic and dedication to South Dakota priorities. From my first hand experience, keeping up with her energy and schedule traveling around the state and making it back to vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives can really wear a person out, so it's good there are a few of us trying to do it.

Stephanie's Finance Director, Katy Hayes, works hard for Stephanie to connect supporters with opportunites to become and stay involved in the campaign. Katy hails from Sioux Falls and is proud to be a graduate of Lincoln High School. While growing up on the eastern side of the state, Katy spent numerous summers in the Black Hills at her family's cabin and makes the trek west whenever time permits.

Katy has lived in many places including Phoenix, AZ and Minneapolis, MN. The decision to move back to South Dakota came in 2006 and returning to her hometown's engaged, supportive community has proven to be a rewarding decision.

If you or any friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers are interested in contributing or volunteering on Stephanie's campaign, let Katy know, she's only a phone call or email away.

Stay tuned for a post from the Deputy Campaign Manager, Erin McCarrick, out in Rapid City, along with information on new staff in the coming weeks.

Again, we're here for you. Check back for periodic blog updates on campaign events in your community and across the state. Enjoy the new website!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fantastic job, Ms. Lefholtz. You and Stephanie are great examples to the young people of South Dakota that we can and should make a difference. And your work in the Peace Corps should inspire us all to seek ways to make this world better.
TM

caheidelberger said...

Good intro—now keep working hard!