Pat Powers continues to feed his desperate need to insult Rick Weiland. This morning he recycles his tired language about Weiland being an "awful" candidate. His latest attack spins around the shaky thesis that Weiland "shuns" President Obama and thus loses his Democratic base to Obama-loving Larry Pressler.
Reality check: I am Rick Weiland's liberal, Obama-loving base. I like Pressler better than Powers does (insult-addicted Powers today calls Pressler "foppish"), but there is no way Pressler pulls me from Weiland.
As "evidence" of Weiland's shunning the President, Powers says Weiland did not attend the President's visit to "a ND/SD Indian reservation." President Obama visited the North Dakota side of the Standing Rock reservation in June. I get the feeling that if Weiland had traveled to Cannon Ball, 40 miles north of the ND-SD border, Powers would have teased Rick for campaigning where no one could vote for him (and I might have, too!).
Powers the insult-fop (yeah, I can call names, too) doesn't address real policy differences between Weiland and Obama. If he did delve into policy, he'd find that where Weiland diverges from the President, Weiland is actually tacking even more strongly into the Democratic base camp.
Consider health care. Weiland affirms the merits of the Affordable Care Act, but he dings the President for not going far enough. Weiland says the President should have kept the public option on the table, and he supports creating a public option by letting anyone buy into Medicare. That's a great pitch to a Democratic base that craves gutsy Dems not accepting the GOP fear-narratives.
Or consider Keystone XL. The President has helpfully delayed the project, but he's never come out and said no to the Canadian tar-sands export project. Weiland has taken much firmer stands against the pipeline, again cheering the Democratic base.
Weiland agrees with the President on the need for net neutrality, although Rick was ahead of the President in speaking out on the issue.
Even Pat's own SDGOP handlers disagree with Pat's morning burp. The GOP calls Weiland a "loyal foot solider" of President Obama (pick a message, guys!)
Whoever Weiland may be losing to Pressler, it's not the Democratic base. Maybe it's Indies who lean left but get nervous about being called Dems. Maybe it's nostalgic old folks. Maybe it's just a figment of Powers's wishful imagination, lacking for original and accurate arguments to make. But as the campaign kicks into high gear, we'll dismiss the latter, and win over the former as they realize Weiland means business. Weiland is with the President on the good stuff, and where Weiland diverges from the President, Weiland is pushing for even stronger, gutsier Democratic positions that will be good not just for Democrats' aspiring souls but for South Dakota and the country as a whole.
Update 08:37 MDT: If any doubt as to Weiland's credibility as a candidate and a Democratic base booster, consider this announcement fresh from Team Weiland: Rick has just hired fiery Democratic consultant Steve Jarding as senior advisor and spokesman. Jarding works for winners, and he's working for Weiland. Now let's really rumble!
The more things change, the more they stay the same. So goes Pat. Words.
The Blindman
Just a couple days ago, you said that Weiland stood to gain from Pressler defections. By definition, that is true only if Pressler's presence hurts him on aggregate. The road to victory against almost any incumbent is hampered by multiple challengers (and Rounds is, effectively, the incumbent).
The map that has Pressler's race helping Weiland requires a fair number of assumptions: that Pressler generates interest in an "alternative," that he is a more effective critic of a Republican than a Democrat can be (Nixon and China), that he does not siphon off fund-raising that could have gone to Weiland, that before the election, he bows out or loses most of the voters in whom he generated that interest, and that, if he stays in, he only takes those voters who (perhaps due to party loyalty) would never vote for a Democrat anyway.
The fund-raising and criticism factors would seem to fall in place, but that still leaves some important caveats left to fulfill. I'm with my friend, Occam, on this one.
Great news about Jarding!
Powers is waging a one-dolt war employing his anonymous and pseudonymous charge of the light-headed in the comment section of his dying blog: pathetic really.
Hopefully SDGOP isn't paying him very much.
However, whatever Wadhams is paying Pressler is probably worth it.
What difference can Jarding make this late in the campaign? Too little too late. Regardless of who may or may not vote for Pressler, the Weiland campaign has had no steam to move down the track for some time. The national party and state party has let us down again.
Mr. Cook, I presume: stick with what you know, K?
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/communities/hot-springs/opinion/dr-thomas-h-cook/article_03a1c1ce-4587-11e3-aee1-001a4bcf887a.html
Thomas, the answer is "a lot of difference." Elections have been won as late as two weeks out from Election Day with candidates behind by as many as 15 points. Please do your part by keeping an open mind. Thanks!
Having been raised as a Republican during the Eisenhower years by my grandparents, I came to believe in certain values. My grandmother was very active in the Republican party, registering voters and volunteering in all elections. Her example taught me that it was extremely important to help all people have the opportunity to vote, regardless of party affiliation.
I was taught respect for the government as an institution that was designed to help people, including those in need. Police did not wear military gear, but were local people who thought their job was to help their friends and neighbors, rather than use dogs to search and arrest people. I suppose I thought life was sort of like the Andy Griffith show in those days.
That was then, this is now. There are those in the current Republican party that would evict my grandmother as a RINO because she cared for the poor and advocated that everyone voted, including those with different viewpoints than hers. As I advocate for equal rights, women's autonomy, care for the poor, increased taxation on those who hoard income and money, decent treatment of people who come here to work and care for their families, I am called "liberal" as if that is a dirty word.
So perhaps I am one of those Republicans that Pressler should appeal to. I do like many of his ideas, yet Rick Weiland impresses me more. At this time I plan on supporting Rick. If he was not in the race, I would support Pressler. Today's Republican party leaders have adopted positions that are totally inconsistent with my fundamental values. I will support any Republican that breaks with this leadership and supports liberal policies on human rights, taxation, etc., yet they are rare birds (nearly extinct) today given the influence of the TEA party and the fear of losing primaries.
I haven't switched parties and do not intend to at this time because I believe the Republican party can grow and improve with time. Perhaps it will split like the Whigs, so that the anti-immigrant and extremist element chooses to establish another party, like the old American party. Until things change, however, I will continue the ride and continue to encourage independent thought and open mindedness among the Republicans I visit with.
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/215384-dccc-outraises-nrcc-by-35m-in-july
I noticed, while perusing thread titles, that every one could be augmented by adding "Sibby argues religion" after every one.Just a thought.
I predict great heartbreaking disappointment for the supporters of Mr. Weiland, Ms. Wismer, and that other gal come November. Don't say I didn't warn you. I know you will put a pretty face on it by saying "Oh but we won some obscure race in the legislatures" but your hearts will be broken.
I predict great heartbreaking disappointment for the supporters of Mr. Rounds, Mr. Daugaard and that other gal come November. Don't say I didn't warn you. I know you will put a pretty face on it by saying "Oh but we won some obscure race in the legislatures" but your hearts will be broken.
http://www.indianz.com/News/2014/014772.asp
http://listen.sdpb.org/post/doj-joins-lawsuit-alleging-icwa-violations
Great post bearcreekbat, I thought of this today as well. Former Senator Jim Jeffords has died. He was a "moderate Republican" and a damn fine fellow. He left the Republican party in 2001 with some of these words :
"After struggling with his conscience for six weeks, an emotional Sen. James Jeffords on Thursday left the Republican Party and became an independent, saying he no longer felt at home in the party he has loved all his life.
Jeffords' centrist Republicanism -- the party of "moderation, tolerance and fiscal responsibility" -- is gone, the anguished 67-year-old senator lamented.
Saying that "independence is the Vermont way," he returned to the Green Mountain State seeking understanding and support while acknowledging his decision would infuriate President Bush and some GOP colleagues in Washington."
You are now in the minority bearcreekbat, regarding your party. So welcome to the independent thinking of voters who support Rick Weiland. You are also correct, in my mind, regarding Pressler. If Rick were not in the race, I surely would support him over Rounds.
Hi Larry, it was great to meet you at Rickstock. Sorry about the Wifi password so you could live tweet. It's one I don't remember and have to look up. I was so busy as you can imagine, I forgot to go into the house and find it. Next time.........(cfg4-zuvt-nnuc6)
Powers is putting up a smokescreen, he knows Rounds doesn't dare campaign among South Dakotans and won't visit all the small towns like Rick has down.
From what I have seen, the liberal base is intact and with events like Rickstock gaining strength. The liberal base appreciates Pressler's support of the president and we thank him it.
Rick has already campaigned heavily in Indian Country, I personally set up one such event and will set up more. The question is for Rounds, Pressler, and Howie, how many campaign stops have you made to the state's reservations?
I also know that Indians are making financial contributions to Rick's campaign.
Anyone that has been involved in politics knows that attaching your candidacy to a lame duck president isn't always the smartest thing to do. It doesn't make a bit of difference if the president is black or white, or Republican or Democrat. Remember how Republicans in 2008 and 2012 didn't dare mention George Bush's name on the campaign or at the convention?
What is the solution for a Rick Weiland victory?
All of us South Dakota Democrats need to get people registered to vote and get them to the polls to vote for Rick Weiland.
Voter registration and participation in the up coming election is the solution to Mike Rounds.
Thanks, Doc! A great time was had by pretty much everyone: what a beautiful venue for the West River community of nations!
Roger, you are so right.
Voting in the "off years" is essential. It is perhaps a glitch in the Democratic political DNA that makes many of us think that the only critical time for us to vote is in Presidential Election years.
We need rid ourselves of that collective notion.
It's also important to get it that not voting is not cool.
The sign I've been seeing lately perhaps puts it best:
"Skipping voting isn't rebellion, it's surrender."
Go tell it on the mountain, brother Roger!
Larry Pressler will say that he's not "stealing" anyone's voters, he has his own voters, and that's probably right. The fact that some of them would otherwise vote for Rick, is perhaps a good thing, in that it gives us a snapshot of Rounds' soft support. Think about it. If he's as strong a candidate as SDWC is pretending he is, what's he doing polling at only 38% this late in the game? Shouldn't he be breaking 50% or at least be close?
"Take It Back!" is a terrible campaign slogan for a Democrat candidate wishing to replace a Democrat incumbant in a chamber held by Democrats since 2007 and ruled with an iron fist by the Majority Democrat leader Harry Reid.
Bill,
Since that poll came out, it seems to have gotten some attention that has excited Rick's base, at least among some people I know.
Again, I must express my disappointment with the state and national Democratic Party for their nonchalance at this point in the campaign. Voter registration, voter education, and physically getting people to the polls should be their highest priority.
Maybe after the limited number of debates that Rounds is allowing where Rick can show his cred as a legitimate candidate, they'll loosen the purse strings and get off their butts and elect Rick and other Democrats.
Thad,
Do you know what the "TAKE IT BACK" campaign slogan means?
thad-did u hear about the 01.10.09 iron fist repub summit that settled on obstruction of government, shut down of government, death of majority in favor of super majority and abuse of filibuster, and 50 health care failed votes by rusted iron fist Boehner? it is no surprise you perceive reid as strong. he is. don't come here and call us names. govern with your party, not terrorize.
What's Rounds thinking with that luxury SUV? He calls it "grassroots." Say what?
To most folks it reminds us of how he abused the state airplanes for personal use as Governor. Eight years being treated as royalty in a new $3 million mansion obviously went to that boy's head.
Sorry Larry Kurtz, I am not Thomas Cook. Please do not try to paint me into someone else's corner. Mr. Fleming, I have had an open mind for years. At this moment in time I cannot get excited about rick and I just can't seemed to get excited about our party anymore. One bad step after another and the only thing I look forward to in an election anymore are the referendums and initiated measures. Only there do I feel my voice is heard and that I make a difference at the voting booth. We need a attitude check soon. We have no spunk anymore.
Okay Doubting Thomas. :-) I see what you're saying. Just do us a favor and vote for Rick anyway, okay? You can get excited about it later.
"What's Rounds thinking with that luxury SUV?"
First of all he's thinking, its nice to have a mini bar stocked with hooch produced by his relitives, made possible because of his personal lobbying while governor.
Then he's thinking. Well if I cant just fly and get it over with, this is ok.
Or possibly, this bed aint to damn bad, and the shower makes me look rested and refreshed after what could be a long drive.
Or maybe hes just glad to have sat tv so he can watch Fox News.
Now if he just knew where Long Valley was?
The Blindman
Thomas it's frustrating realizing what has been happening in our state but what are the alternatives? Not voting as stated above is surrender and offers zero contribution if the election is close.
The state Democratic Party although facing serious challenges that are fairly obvious and well covered has the best chance to bring about change. I stress the best chance. It may not be what you, I and others would like to see but it's a step in the right direction.
Otherwise we are at greater risk for the same old same old of mismanagement, corruption and those elected to office that are more concerned about lining their own pockets and their friends rather than the citizens of South Dakota.
There are SD Democratic Party candidates out there making sacrifices and exposing themselves and their families to what happens when you run against the machine. Their out there trying to make a stand and make a difference.
correction: "It may not be to the extent what you, I and others would like to see but it's a step in the right direction."
Lynn did you get my mail?
The Blindman
Bill I did and thank you! I'll send you an e-mail shortly
@ Roger Cornelius, I know what Weiland means and I assume his national Democrat party leaders know as well and their showing it by their lack of SenateMajority PAC money for Rick.
Thad: Weiland requested time to prove himself. The flood gates have opened:
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/215384-dccc-outraises-nrcc-by-35m-in-july
@ Larry Kurtz - R.W. has until November 4th. If he can pull it off with no money no visible DC support and no Daschle/Johnson/Herseth support he is a better man than me. Don't you think it would be nice for RW to get a public in-state fundraiser visit from Obama? I'm sure Obama will be nearby in Minnesota at least a couple of times for Al Franken.
We must take it back or we shall loose it all. Kareem has nailed it firmly against the wall. Great basketball player and now, a philosopher in waiting. http://time.com/3132635/ferguson-coming-race-war-class-warfare/
The Clintons are in Iowa right now, Thad: expect a visit from them first.
If Rick Perry can be indicted so can Tike Mike.
Curious whom Governor Wismer will appoint to serve out a Sen. Rounds term after his indictment.
Rep. Wismer is at the Central States Fair, btw.
I am not a fan of Rick's. I will be voting for Rick since is the only one who can beat Mike. All those against Mike need to unite behind the canidate who can win. Rick is a better option than Mike. Let's unite behind Rick. Forget those other guys
There are 2 candidates I can see myself supporting. Rick Weiland and Larry Pressler. Whichever one appears to be the leading contender come election day will get my vote.
http://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/24/us/gephardt-dukakis-split-two-races-among-democrats.html
Thad,
Wouldn't that be something if Rick could pull off an upset without a a million dollar bus, big PAC money from D.C., and without Koch Bros contributions? He would be beholden to no one, unlike Mike Rounds.
Rick doesn't need former Democrats to support him anymore than Mike Rounds needs Mitt Romney and George Bush to support him.
thad-neither rick in RED sd, nor al f. are stupid enough to ask Obama and he his not stupid enough to hinder their tight races. please explain your logic
In 2006 the Virginia Senate campaign was between then Senator George Allen and an unknown challenger, Jim Webb. Dick Wadhams and Steve Jardine were advisors to their respective campaigns. Allen had millions more in funds and at the start of the campaign led by more that 30 points. We all know what happened. So now eight years later they are once again advising opposing candidates. IMHO the dynamics of this race are about to change dramatically. I smell an upset in the making.
@leslieengland - Obama is raising money for his own PAC. Shouldnt he share his campaign fortune with a fellow Democrat?
@Genek - James Webb was not unknown, he was a decorated Marine officer who served in Vietnam. He also was Secretary of the Navy in a Republican administration. Allen was a wimp compared to Webb and it showed when the NASCAR, military and conservatives votes went to James. It was not some Jarding miracle.
any Republican who votes for Pressler is a Republican for National Health Care.
Thad, you gave us Webb's resume, care to give us Allen's?
Okay Thad, I think I got a handle on this from your perspective.
Steve Jarding helped Jim Webb defeat George Allen for a senate seat, but since Allen was weak a candidate Steve Jarding didn't have to do anything to get Webb elected.
Is that how it works?
@ rc - Allen claim to fame is being son of famous NFL coach. Let's see Jarding win a race in Oklahoma. Then I'll be impressed.
You kidding, a RINO couldn't win a race in Oklahoma.
Maybe Rounds will make a "Macaca" mistatement and piss off normal South Dakotans and get to vote for Weiland in droves.
@Thad--a little more history for you since you haven't mastered the internet as a research source. Allen won the governorship by 18 points. He next defeated an incumbent, Senator Chuck Robb (also a Marine) for the Senate seat by 4 points. He wasn't a light weight as you assert. Your analysis is wrong too. Webb ran as a populist not as a conservative and was unknown, having never run for elected office. I see a parallel in the SD senate race, establishment Republican against a populist Democrat.
The quality of writing at DWC wasn't to high to begin with and seems to falling fast. The name calling is really kinda weird. "Slick Rick" makes headlines and is repeated often. I see what was something like "madtimesblue" is now "sadville"? No other blog links are distorted in that way. Even though I'm not a Haber fan, I'm pretty tired of seeing that stupid movie reference pic with him, it really wasn't that funny the first time. Thanks for the hard work here Cory, no question the discussions run on a higher level.
Powers would attack a dog if it was a democrat. he is very partisan in my opinion.
The public option thingy might actually sway my vote. But I'd really like to see single payer.
Here in South Dakota, proposing single payer is the equivalent of banging your head on a rock.
Obamacare got a bad rap not so long ago regarding Connecticut and the threatened 12.5% rate increase to premiums. The state took a look at that and why they wanted to increase and said no way in the world would that work. Anthem went back and refigured their mess and now have reduced the premiums to less that last years cost. If South Dakota has someone who can run a calculator at the Division of Insurance, I am quite sure we will see the same here. I do not expect Rounds to say anything about this, but hope that Rick brings it up that the ACA Obamacare works and will only get better until we see what the good folks over in Vermont are doing with universal healthcare, so hang in there Stan. http://ctmirror.org/after-rate-hike-rejected-anthem-to-decrease-premiums-next-year/
Brother Beaker, I suggest that my two posts are consistent. The PPP data suggest Weiland can gain from Pressler defections. But I suggest those defections are not Democratic base. We in the base are all going, "Holy crap! We gotta hold the Senate! Rick Rick Rick!" The folks backing Pressler who would otherwise go for Rick are middle-of-the-roaders who enjoy the idea of a non-partisan, who remember Pressler fondly, and/or who don't like Rounds. We win 95% of the latter, 40% of the former, and 75% of the former-former who see no sign from Rounds that he wont' be a big-money GOP tool and signs from the crafty Harry Reid that Weiland isn't the central party's guy and thus still offers some independence.
What people are failing to understand is that Rick won't be beholden to anyone. How many times during his campaign has he said he wants big money out of politics. That includes Harry's PAC.
If Harry Reid doesn't want to support Rick financially, that's fine, it proves Rick's point and when elected, Harry will have to answer to Rick. I like that.
If Harry doesn't like our candidate that's fine too, he doesn't get to vote for Rick anyway. He should however keep is big mouth shut and quit giving Rounds ammunition.
I really like Rick, but I am just curious since the race is tightening up and Rick is starting to gain momentum, I would bet if Harry decides to give pac money to Rick, he will take it.
Tara.
If Harry offers Rick PAC, which is unlikely, we'll have to wait and see if he accepts.
Any offer from Harry at this point in the campaign would be too little too late.
Rick would show greater strength by not accepting Harry's PAC money.
Harry Reid is going to be eating crow because Rick just kicked the Sh** out of Rounds. He got knocked down several times by Rick, Larry and Gordie. I am already starting to see the momentum change. You could just feel it in the crowd that they are starting to realize, maybe they don't like Mike anymore.