Join Stephanie for South Dakota at McGovern Day!

McGovern Day, an annual event hosted by the South Dakota Democratic Party, is in Rapid City next Saturday, April 10th. Stephanie for South Dakota will be taking buses to Rapid City, leaving from various locations across the state (locations and meetings times listed below). For those riding on the bus, Stephanie for South Dakota will pay for transportation and tickets to the weekend's main event, the McGovern Day Dinner.

There will be a rally followed by the dinner during which Senator Johnson, Democratic Gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Scott Heidepriem, and Stephanie will be speaking. In addition, our constitutional candidates for offices like Secretary of State and auditor, state and local lawmakers and state party leaders will be in attendance. Following dinner and awards, the buses will head back to Sioux Falls.

There's a strong slate of candidates this year and tremendous momentum for Democrats in South Dakota. McGovern Day will help us kick off election season 2010 and make sure Democrats are represented at all levels of elected office.

Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Please call my campaign office at 605-332-1901 if you have any further questions or you would like to RSVP.

Wagner/Pickstown
Fort Randall Casino and Hotel
10:30AM

Rosebud/Mission
Turtle Creek Crossing Supermarket
10:00 AM

Sioux Falls
Sioux Empire Fair Grounds
(Madison Street entrance, west of the Grandstand in the Midway area)
9:30 AM

Aberdeen
Public Parking lot at corner of 4th Ave SW and S First Street
(South of US Bank building)
9:00 AM

Pine Ridge
Big Bat’s
12:30 PM

The Sioux City Journal Recognizes Stephanie for being a Strong, Independent Voice for South Dakota

Political retaliation: An ugly aspect of health care debate
By the Journal editorial board | Posted: Saturday, March 20, 2010 12:00 am

Contentious debate over controversial health care reform legislation has laid bare the many unattractive aspects of American politics and the process of passing federal legislation in Washington, D.C., today.

One of them is the outright threat of political retaliation against members of Congress who don't toe the party line when the time arrives for a vote.

Most Americans, we believe, want their elected representatives in the House and Senate casting votes on something as momentous and far-reaching as an overhaul of our health care system from a position of principle, reason and research-based consideration, not simply from the position of one political party or the other.

Unfortunately, on this bill it appears you either follow your leaders or watch your back.

Take, for example, the position of Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D.

On Thursday, Steve Hildebrand of Sioux Falls, who was deputy national campaign manager for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, said he may challenge Herseth Sandlin in the Democratic primary because of health care reform. Herseth Sandlin on Thursday said she does not support the Senate version of health care reform or the so-called "reconciliation" bill. She also opposes a procedural maneuver commonly known as "deem and pass" under consideration by Democratic House members in an effort to push through a health care bill.

If Herseth Sandlin helps to defeat health care reform supported by President Obama, she doesn't deserve re-election to the House, Hildebrand said.

Let's see if we understand. If after almost a year of discussion, debate and study, Herseth Sandlin concludes health care reform in its present form isn't in the best interests of her constituents at home or the nation as a whole, then Hildebrand may work to encourage fellow Democrats to defeat her? Despite whatever good South Dakota Democrats may believe she has done for her state and her country through her work and myriad other votes over almost three full terms in the House, Hildebrand believes if Herseth Sandlin doesn't get into line on this vote and help this bill pass, then she needs to go?

Our view? The spirit of independence on display in her approach toward health care reform is one of the qualities we respect most about this moderate congresswoman, and we believe most South Dakotans feel the same way about their lone U.S. representative.

In fact, we think Congress could use more, not fewer Herseth Sandlins.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Stephanie for South Dakota getting ready to march in the Sioux Falls St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Wearing green and having fun marching down Phillips Avenue. Great to see so many Stephanie supporters along the way!

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sioux Falls

Show your support for Stephanie and other Democratic candidates by marching with the Minnehaha and Lincoln County Dems in the St. Patrick's Day Parade through downtown Sioux Falls this Saturday. The line-up starts at 1PM at 5th and Main and the parade starts at 2PM.

There will be a potluck afterward at the Labor Temple in Sioux Falls hosted by the Minnehaha and Lincoln County Dems. Bring a dish to share (dishes can be dropped off before the parade). Cash bar available and suggested minumum donation $5.

See you there!

Dinner at Aunt Connie's House

Stephanie talks with friends, family and supporters at a dinner at her Aunt Connie's house in Pierre.

Thank you SD Home Builders for your support!

A big THANK YOU to the South Dakota Home Builders Association for your support.










Stephanie discussing issues affecting Home Builders in South Dakota.

5 Ways You Can Help Stephanie

As you are probably aware, Republicans are hungry for Stephanie’s seat in Congress -- with four GOP challengers in the race already, they believe 2010 is their year.

Please join us in our efforts to make sure that Stephanie returns to Congress this fall!

5 easy ways you can help:

1) Sign a Petition to get Stephanie’s name on the ballot this fall! Stop by your local Democratic County Party office or call our campaign headquarters at (605) 332-1901.

2) Help us collect signatures -- circulate among your family and friends and relatives, or join us in going door to door. This weekend Saturday 2/27, volunteers are meeting at the IBEW Labor Temple, 922 1/2 E. St. Patrick St, Rapid City (across from Boyd's Drug Store) at 10:30 am.

3) Join Stephanie’s Facebook page and invite others to join too!

4) Volunteer - walk in a parade, make phone calls or stuff envelopes (*studies show it’s good for you!)

5) Donate online here. It’s fast, easy, and very much appreciated!

*“Volunteering doesn't just help others -- it may also benefit your health. Reviewers from the Corporation for National and Community Service (a government agency that promotes volunteerism) reviewed two decades of data from over 30 studies and found that volunteers had less depression, reported greater satisfaction with life, and lived longer than those who did not volunteer.”

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THANK YOU!!!

To all Stephanie's all-star volunteers, supporters, friends, and staff: THANK YOU. It is an honor to work for such a talented, articulate, caring Member of Congress and it is just as much of a priviledge to have met so many dedicated, active supporters and friends throughout this campaign. Stephanie's acceptance speech last night was for YOU. You are the people who make victories like yesterday's possible.

Check out Stephanie's acceptance speech here and photos from the election night celebration here.

South Dakota has a strong, independent voice in Congress because of you, so this one is for all of those supporters who saw Stephanie through this election. Thanks again and keep in touch!

VOTE TODAY!!!

Polls are open across the state from 7 AM until 7 PM TODAY!! Be part of this historic election, participate in our democracy, PLEASE GO VOTE!

If you need any help with locating your polling location or if you need a ride to the polls, call Stephanie's office at (605)332-1901 or the SD Democratic Party at 1-877-868-3208.

Pumped Up and Ready to Go!!

Stephanie joined Senator Tim Johnson, former Senator George McGovern, and local legislative candidates in Sioux Falls tonight for a standing-room only, HUGE rally at the Labor Temple. There was an electricity in the room from all the fired up supporters excited to hear from these outstanding candidates. No one is taking this energy or the enormity of this election year for granted. The crowd and candidates were pumped to do all they can to get out the vote tomorrow.

Check out photos from the event here. And don't forget to get out and vote on Tuesday! This huge, excited crowd was there for a reason - don't pass up your opportunity to make your voice heard and VOTE! If you have any questions on your polling location or need help voting, call Stephanie's campaign office at (605)332-1901.

Pancakes Feed and Rally in Sioux Falls

Stephanie's bi-annual Pancake Feed and Rally at the Sioux Falls Labor Temple on Sunday was a great success! With over 150 people eating a pancake breakfast prepared by Stephanie's team, the crowd was energized and ready to head out to walk their neighborhoods and help get out the vote. Dozens of local candidates were in attendance to rally their supporters and volunteers as well. Stephanie's husband, Max, emceed the event with State Senate Democratic Leader Scott Hiedepriem, PUC Candidate Matt McLarty providing their perspectives on this year's historic election, and Stephanie serving as the keynote speaker.

Thanks who all turned out and helped out! To see more photos of the event, click here.

Info on Election Night Celebrations

Come Celebrate the Results Together!

Candidates and supporters across the state will be celebrating together on Tuesday night. If you live near one of these three locations, come join the gathering as we watch the results come in live from across the state and country.

Sioux Falls Convention Center

Ballroom A

7 PM

Statewide candidates to attend

Rapid City Civic Center Holiday Inn

Ballroom

7:30 PM

Food provided

Aberdeen Ramkota Inn

Courtyard/ Atrium Room

7 PM

Huron Rally

Stephanie and her husband Max were joined by Senator Johnson, PUC candidate Matt McLarty, and former-South Dakota Governor Harvey Wollman for a huge rally in Huron this past Friday. The Farmers Union State Headquarters was PACKED with over 120 people. The Beadle County Democrats served up a chili lunch to an excited and motivated crowd.

Thanks to all the folks in Huron for making this such a great event. This election year is an insipiring one, and the crowd at this rally reflected that as they listened to these three top-notch candidates and then went out to drop literature in a 'Get Out the Vote' effort the same day. See photos of the event here.

Bundled Up and Ready to Go!

Rapid City supporters bundled up for the fall weather and rallied to support Stephanie as she went into her last debate before the election. With a rally sign in one hand and hot chocolate in the other, a big crowd chanted “Go, Steph, Go!” as she entered KOTA for the debate. The group then watched Stephanie cruise through the lightening fast half hour debate with grace and intelligence.

West River showed their support for Stephanie, and in the debate Stephanie showed West River why she’s the best choice on Nov. 4th. If you missed it, you can check it out here . Thanks for your support! Keep up the momentum and sign up to volunteer this coming weekend: 605-716-3391.

KELO DEBATE!

In the third of the four debates for this campaign season, Stephanie once again went head-to-head with her opponent, and once again she shined as a Member of Congress South Dakota can be proud of. Please take time to watch the debate by following this link to the KELO-LAND TV website here.

Dozens of supporters braved the cold and drizzle in downtown Sioux Falls to cheer on Stephanie outside the KELO studio. Check out photos of the pre-debate rally here.

There's one more chance to catch a debate live and participate in one of these fun rallies to show your support of Stephanie! Tune in to KOTA in Rapid City on Monday, October 27th at 6:30 PM for the final debate. Contact Erin McCarrick at erin@stephanieforsouthdakota.org if you can join us before the debate at 5:30 PM for the rally.

South Dakota's Congresswoman is the clear choice in this election. See for yourself and watch these debates!

SDPB Debate

Stephane had the opportunity to debate her opponent last night at the South Dakota Public Broadcasting studio at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. A crowd of enthusiastic supporters also came to cheer her on - check out photos on Stephanie's Flickr page.

Please link here to SDPB's website to view the debate. See it for yourself. Stephanie clearly showed her breadth of knowledge on all the issues discussed like healthcare, the economy, and education as well outlined her hard work in Congress on behalf of South Dakotans.

Walking with Friends

Stephanie had the honor to be a part of the Grand Entry at the He Sapa Wacipi this past Sunday. The floor was packed with beautiful dancers from tribes all across South Dakota and the plains, the air was blessed by sage, and the beat of the drums resonated in the Civic Center. Stephanie had a chance to talk to the crowd, to thank them for their continued support, and to inform everyone about the hard work she is doing for the Oyate in Congress. The Wacipi was a big success. It was great to see old friends and new faces, and to honor the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen at the Democrat Chili Feed on Saturday.

Rapid City Harvest Fest Rally

Stephanie had the opportunity to participate in a huge, energetic rally in Rapid City on Monday. Senator Tim Johnson and the Pennington County Democrats helped decorate and organize this huge and energetic event. Check out photos of Stephanie greeting voters and speaking to the crowd at the rally here.

Only 3 weeks left and the campaign is running on the highest gear. Join in the excitement and volunteer your time to help ensure we keep Stephanie as our strong, independent voice in Congress! Fill out the volunteer form here and become a part of the action.

New Ad: Stephanie's message to our veterans and soldiers

Take a moment to listen to Stephanie explain her work on behalf of our veterans and military service men and women. With her position as Chairwoman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, her commitment to working to support our veterans and service members is clear through her work in Congress.

Click here for additional commercials

Vote Early - Cast Your Ballot Today!

Early Voting has started in South Dakota!! If you're like me and want to get a heads start on filling out your ballot, now is the time to act. October is a busy month and not just for us on the campaign trail. Take voting off your plate by either stopping by your county auditor's office or visiting the SD Secretary of State's website and request an absentee ballot. Be sure your voice is heard this remarkably important election year and vote early!!

If you still need to register to vote, call our office for help at (605)332-1901 or go to the state's webpage to request a voter registration form.

If you'd like to view a sample ballot or check your voter registration status, check out the Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal (VIP).