Bad news for conscience and sanity in the Legislature: Senator Stanford Adelstein has resigned from the South Dakota Senate. Here's the press release from Adelstein's office:
Senator Stan Adelstein today announced his resignation from the State Senate due to complications arising from recent hip replacement surgery. The surgery on October 4th would normally meant full mobility within 30 days. Continuing infection led to three additional operations, with mobility continually being delayed.
The latest medical schedule led him to conclude that he would not be able to give 100% to the job when the Legislative Session begins in January.
Adelstein said he did so "with great reluctance because representing the people of District 32 is something I truly loved doing. This decision is the saddest and most difficult that I can remember."
He appreciated a thoughtful and supportive call from Governor today [Stanford Adelstein, press release, 2013.12.30].
Governor Daugaard thus gets to select his seventh member of the Legislature and his fifth in less than twelve months.
In his resignation letter, Adelstein advises the Governor to appoint a mainstream Republican dedicated to education and civil liberties:
Dear Governor Daugaard,
As you may know, I have recently suffered complications from hip replacement surgery that have required additional surgical procedures. I am hoping to have a new hip replacement completed in early January and am optimistic about my prospects thereafter.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that I will recover fully in time for the 2013 Session of the Legislature. I do not wish to see the people of District 32 served by someone who is not able to give 100%, so I am therefore submitting my resignation from the State Senate, effective immediately.
I know that you have many capable people from whom to choose your appointment to fill out the remainder of my term. I hope that you will select someone who represents the mainstream of Republican thinking, someone who is devoted to improving our schools and universities, and someone who is committed to protecting the civil liberties of all Americans.
I have enjoyed my many years of service in the State Senate and am hopeful that a full recovery will enable me to find new ways to help move our great state forward.
In the meantime, best wishes to you for a successful new year!
Sincerely,
Stan Adelstein
If there is an upside to Adelstein's resignation, it may be that with a little more time on his hands this winter, Adelstein will be able to share more of his stories and good sense on his blog, A Way to Go. Someone get that man a new laptop as a retirement gift... and Stan, start typing!
Another voice of reason in politics sidelined.
Get better, Stan!
Mr. Stan is a good man. I can relate to what he is going through and wish him all the best. Let us hope that he decides to run again and comes back younger than ever after he beats this bout of the agonies.
Haven't always agreed with some of Sen. Adelstein's positions, but I have always appreciated his openness and dedication to governing by the book. Too bad we get another "rubber stamp" appointment to further wear away any semblance of separation of powers.
Get well soon, Mr. Stan, and keep on "callin' 'em as you see 'em!"
Another unearned friend because of his appreciation for my father while serving with him in the late 70's is leaving the current public spector.
Thank you for the friendship Stan. It means the world to me. And Sheldon; you could run again.......
Not sure which district Lila Mehlhaff lives in but she would be a fantastic Senator and replacement for you Stan!! I've known her since my good buddy Stew started dating her in college while attending BHSU.
My good friend Bill might be able to drop his life with just a couple weeks notice. And I bet he'd vote about the same. I'm just sayin...
At age 82, Senator Stan needs to put his health first. Get well, my friend! May you continue to be a voice of reason in the Republican Party for many more years!
Stan has been appreciated by many. Felt good to address a public servant and hear his mind and not what he thought you wanted to hear. The transparency of Pierre will miss Sen Adelstein.
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I will also add, Jonathan has been great to work with over the years, you did well Stan.
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Awesome thought Charlie. Lila would be a wonderful voice of reason.
I have respect for anybody who believes in something like he does. You don't have to agree with him but again at least he believes in things enough to stand up for them.
All the best to Stan. Perhaps Stan may enhance his contributions to our governance in his new role as a detached senior statesman. His contributions are legend already.
As an aside one cannot help but wonder whether his hip complications were "products" of the "rated" Rapid City hospital . . . lets hope not.