Some Democrats contend that candidate Fred Deutsch is a suboptimal choice for District 4 House because he has previously floated the idea of consolidating more schools to ease state budget pressures. Deutsch, to the chagrin of some who are willing to have that honest policy discussion, says he was just poking the Legislature and isn't out to close schools.
He also says a bunch of Democrats who know him think he'd be a great State Representative:
Bill Zubke? Scott and Tricia Walker? Rich Mittelstedt? Kris and Steve O'Brien? Hey, I know those people! Steve even drops by and says sensible things here on the blog.
A number of those sensible Democratic teachers live in Watertown in District 5, so they don't have to actually mark Fred's name on the ballot. But they've worked with Fred as one of their Watertown school board members. They know whereof they speak, and they would not urge District 4 folks to vote for someone who advocates bad education policy.
Of course, with all these Democrats endorsing him, Deutsch is probably putting himself squarely in the sights of all the RINO-hunters. But hey: I'd rather have the Zubkes, Walkers, Mittelstedts, and O'Briens on my side than the Sibsons, Howies, and Lautenschlagers.
I have to agree with that. I don't know the people that you would rather have on your side, and I don't know the others, I just don't like what they have to say.
I hope Fred wins. He's a great guy and has out-campaigned everyone in the state of South Dakota.
Fred has worked extremely hard to earn votes in District 4. He's a fiscal and social conservative that has earned the respect of many educators in Watertown through his dedicated work on their school board.
Based on your pursuit of him Cory I would be willing to stick my neck out and say that the Democrat running against him is very liberal by comparison.
Well since Peterson looks like a solid Blue Dog Democrat to me (based on his voting record), I'm guessing it's Kathy Tyler you're supporting. It's interesting that she has refused to answer any questions regarding her positions on the issues. Her website is notably sparse. The budget cuts weren't any fun for anyone, but anyone who calls them "extreme" and "disastrous" is channeling Pelosi.
I have addressed every issue on my web site, http://www.kathytyler.net/campaign news. As far as I know, I haven't refused any questions. Just ask, and I'll tell you where I stand on any issue.
So you decided to put your positions in the "Campaign News" area? Ok, lol. What is your position on abortion? What is your position on the 2nd Amendment?
Ok, I don't see anything in the Campaign News area of your site regarding abortion or the 2nd Amendment. It seems to be rather like blog postings, mostly your thoughts on education. I'm just skimming it of course because it is drawn out and boring. I don't think the average voter would take the time to check every cranny of your website for your positions.
I am a pro-life Democrat and am a supporter of second amendment gun rights as per laws of South Dakota.
Ok Kathy thank you. Good to know :)
So you do support restrictions on abortion access correct? Just asking because Bill Fleming told me the other day that he was pro-life so there must be a few weird definitions of pro-life floating around out there.
Yes, I do support restrictions on abortion access. Will not agree to any bill though, until I see it. Does that answer your question?
Bree,
I think the "few weird definitions of pro-life floating around out there" are the ones that define "pro-life" as singularly "anti-abortion." Is that your real question about Tyler's stand, or are you looking at the whole endorsement of life: from birth (or conception?), through a supportive, sustaining environment to a natural death (anti-death penalty)?
I think that's fair Kathy. I'm not a voter in your district, but I think you should post your positions clearly on your website. Explain your position on reviewing bills before you agree to them too - it makes sense to me. I don't think anyone would expect to look in the campaign news area; usually candidates have an "Issues" section. Most voters know a candidate will not agree with them on all issues, but they want to be able to trust their representative to keep their word.
I try to be objective in my definitions Steve, although I am conservative. I was only concerned because Bill is against any restrictions on abortion, which is clearly not a pro-life position. I feel I was being open-minded in the definition of pro-life when I stated it as "supporting restrictions on abortion" rather than "making abortion illegal and defining life as beginning at conception."
Pro-life®≠pro life
Good point and advice, Bree. 'Campaign News' will change to 'Issues' after the election!
Deutsch represents my hometown of Elkton. When i asked my retired educator sister about him on the phone she laughed out loud: "creepy" figured heavily in her analysis.
Just exactly what does creepy mean in the Kurtz language Larry?
I wouldn't bet your dad would agree.
Cory deletes graphic descriptions of the 'mentoring' of young boys, "Les."
Thank god you've got yur own site Kurtz. I made a little g for ya Lar.