Rep. Scott Parsley's decision to run for Senate again has left an open seat for District 8 House. And before local Dems could come up with a candidate, Republicans have found a powerful candidate, Mathew Wollmann of Madison. Check out the items Wollmann can craft into campaign power (in no particular order):
- He's a Marine, meaning he's got the Stace Nelson vote.
- He's a DSU computer guru, meaning he can get all wonky on cybersecurity issues (not often discussed in the Legislature, but an interesting way for a candidate to differentiate himself in the marketplace)
- His dad Darwin is a Municipal League Hall of Fame cop, meaning he has a great resource for talking local law enforcement issues.
- His mom Kelli is a county commissioner, meaning more relevant policy talk at family dinners.
- He's 23. On Election Day, Wollman will be just shy of his 24th birthday. He would be the second-youngest legislator elected in South Dakota, behind David Novstrup of Aberdeen, who was elected at age 23 years 9 months. (Other young legislators: Angie Buhl won her seat at age 26; Jon Hansen and Jenna Haggar were 25 when elected, 26 when sworn in.) Say what you want about the merits of youth; Wollmann will get extra free press on that human interest angle, and free happy face time on KELO or in that Sioux Falls paper is campaign gold for a legislative candidate.
- He's a triathlete, and there's no beating triathletes... right, Jennifer Wolff?
- And according to Facebook, Wollmann is hanging out and playing hockey with Erin Schoenbeck. Recognizing that intelligent, confident women named Erin are awesome demonstrates Wollmann's good sense. While I impute no Machiavellian calculation to Mathew's good heart, hanging around with an Erin whose dad happens to be running to return to the Legislature in District 5 and who enjoys great esteem within the SDGOP doesn't hurt a young man hoping to get into politics.
With Russell Olson quitting the Legislature for the quiet, comfy view of Pat Prostrollo's white buffalo, the GOP needs a new golden boy. Pile all of the above together, and dagnabit, Mathew Wollmann could be that new golden boy.
So, District 8 Dems, whom do you have to run against that?
p.s.: The only ding I offer against Mathew is that darned name of his. Only one t in the first name, but two n's in the last. Not that a guy named Heidelberger should complain about the spelling of other folks' names, but expect numerous typos in articles on Wollmann's campaign, confounding reliable Googlization!
pp.s.: Wollmann evidently didn't get the generational memo: new Pew research finds that "millennials" (also with two n's), ages 18 to 33, are unmooring from political and religious institutions and voting heavily Democratic and liberal.
http://mtcowgirl.com/2014/03/06/tea-party-young-guns-tweet-things/
Semper Fi to this fine young Republican Marine from a fine (well, that's my opinion anyway) old Republican Marine. And speaking of last names, Cory, you've got it easy, my man.
Great stuff CAH!! LOL
So Charlie, when are you bringing some of those young Hoffmans back to run for office and establish the Eureka dynasty?
Charlie your not running for re-election?
The young Hoffman daughters, beauty queens all, would be media darlings should they ever decide to run for office.
Cory,
Mat Wollman is a fine young man, and Erin's parents heartily approve of her friend. We also think he will make a great legislator for Madison.
PS she kicked his tail on the ice skating rink, the day that picture you referred to was taken. He's learning the limits of Semper Fi :)
You might be on to something Cory. We triathletes do seem to be highly electable. My fellow triathlete friend Mike Waldner won his city commission seat quite handily. The type of personality that has the dedication it takes to train and the gumption it takes to put your body through the physical and mental punishment must translate well to the challenge of politics. (There's probably a conspiracy theory about triathletes trying to take over politics in there somewhere for you.)
Scott Parsley has dabbled in triathlons too! Definitely conspiracy. :)
I am totally on that conspiracy trail. It's obviously a plot against all of us non-swimmers; you're probably going to move commission meetings to a new artifical island in the middle of Lake Herman.
An endorsement from Mr. and Mrs. Schoenbeck is worth a lot. Now let's see if Wollmann brings any high-sticking to the race....
Sounds like tri-athletes have something against us short,fat and ugly guys with "bad backs". I'm a tri,too. A third tri-mester-I try weakly. Take that you athletic peoples.
Blindman-I think there may be a poem in here for you,somewhere.If you can rhyme ugly.
I've competed in triathlons, summer triathlons. Those are the ones that, over the course a summer, one completes a marathon, rides bike 100 miles, and swims 12 miles. It's also known as a Lazy Triathlon.
How's this: In 1997 I rode bike from Minneapolis to Chicago, 400+ miles. My longest day was 97 miles. I was 44. And I never want to do that again!
Thanks for the mention CAH
I have to also apologize to Lynn and Nick for not responding to their response. Nick you are a true cowboy! A true cattleperson will never do or say anything to purposely hurt another. Lynn you are correct in my not running this election. Other big things on the horizon and timing in politics is everything; my time right now is to not be in the legislature. But, I'll be BACK!
CAH all three of my kids wish to spend their working life here in the great State of South Dakota. They all like to argue politics and agree with most of what I think is right in the world and that which needs changing. So; you will be able to argue the finer points of policy with any of them should they make the leap into the Legislative frying pan.
Toss in the brains those daughters inherited from their mom on top of the beauty queen looks they also inherited from their mom and they will be formidable candidates.
What did you toss in to the mix Charlie, a gift of gab?
Sorry to hear you're leaving the legislature Charlie. You're one of the good guys. Which statewide office did you say you're running for this year? Don't make us wait till the GOP convention to find out.
Nick I added Girth!!
Rorschach truly taking two off. And thank you for the kind words!! :(
So, Charlie, you'll be back... in the Legislature after two years of fishing and grandpa-ing?
Holly will get sick of him by then and kick him out for the winter.
CAH I plan on being back in two years if things work out the way I believe they will. Timing is everything in politics and there are two triggers which need to get pulled to send me off next time. One I control and the other someone else must fire. Don't overthink it as it has to do with House Leadership and who I believe will run and be very strong.
Nick you are so right.