Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz PC proudly announces the hiring of Stephanie Herseth Sandlin as a principal in their law firm. Says the former South Dakota Congresswoman:
I am very pleased to be joining OFW Law. This is an exciting opportunity to continue advocating for rural America. Investment in our agriculture and rural infrastructure is a key component to our country's economic growth and national security, and I look forward to furthering my commitment to these issues as I assist clients on matters related to federal laws and regulations [Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, quoted in OFW Law press release, 2011.03.02].
Kind words on the new hire come from another member of OFW Law, former U.S. Senator George McGovern:
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin is a brilliant leader in the fight against hunger among the world's most vulnerable populations. She carries on an important legacy in South Dakota agriculture to the next generation [George McGovern, quoted in OFW Law press release, 2011.03.02].
Herseth Sandlin thus follows the post-election-defeat lobbying path John Thune took when he lost his job in Washington in 2002. Grist's Tom Philpott sees the Congress-lobby revolving door spinning on. South Dakota politicos likely see the Noem-SHS 2012 rematch spinning away.
But hey: you've got to put food on the table, and you've got to do what you're good at. Herseth Sandlin knows agriculture, law, and politics. She can put her unique job skills to work making a good wage that she'd likely be hard-pressed to find in South Dakota. She's making a hard choice that is faced by all too many youthful professionals in South Dakota: stay on the prairie and struggle to find work and pay commensurate with their skills, or take care of your family by taking good work elsewhere. Whatever your politics, that's a hard choice to criticize.
Will Kristi Noem support continued funding for NASCAR? http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/02/25/109477/something-gop-doesnt-want-to-cut.html#storylink=omni_popular
[CAH: Actually, Larry, Rep. Noem voted for Rep. McCollum's amendment to cut spending Pentagon dollars on NASCAR.]
Did you make the same argument for John Thune?
I wasn't blogging when Thune lobbied. I'm also not making a political argument.
As the brain drain continues, South Dakota, not the individuals, makes the consequential choices. It wishes to be rid of the Daschles and Herseth-Sandlins, and retains the Thunes and Noems. Herseth-Sandlin will be involved in stabilizing agriculture, which under corporate control is showing signs of failing to produce adequate, affordable food supplies. Given the direction the state wishes to take, what is good for agriculture might not be good for South Dakota.
It's too bad that she left because she played into Noem's hand. Noem would apply to be on Fox News if she lost so it isn't like Kristi is any different than SHS.
I do think SHS will come back in 2014 for Senate and her being gone working for Ag will give her an oppurtunity to go at Noem when the GOP guts ethanol.
I suppose I should clarify: the press release doesn't indicate SHS has actually "left" South Dakota. The firm is in D.C., so one would assume she'll be spending significant time there, as Thune did during his lobbying period. But SHS is also on the board overseeing SDSU's Innovation Campus.
SHS will run for Senate in 2014 and I hope she does stay in SD. If I was an advisor for her I'd encourage her to get out and reconnect with the voters in the state for the next few years. Especially parades and other events. Just walk them for fun with the kids and for a good cause.
I believe that Rounds will get in also since I'm hearing from some of his friends who fundraise for him that he is going to start a federal PAC.
Let me rephrase. Would you make the same argument for John Thune?
Brain drain is SD because liberals were replaced? Hardly.
Would I? I'm not making a political argument now. Others will do that for me. Ask those who actually make the argument if they are being consistent.
As for brain drain, I'm not saying it has to do with liberals being replaced. I'm not saying we should have re-elected SHS just so she wouldn't leave the state for a better job (and it remains to be seen if she actually "leaves" the state). I'm saying on a purely personal level, it's hard to criticize a person with talent from taking good job opportunities elsewhere... though I'm sure that criticism will come. South Dakota does have issues with talent.
Thank you. Looks like Montana loves it.
C.H.these people just cant go away if your not republican you just dont fit in here shoo get away you right wingers go blog some where else C.H. does a better job than all of you.
Moses,
Discouraging discourse from those with different viewpoints doesn't do us any good. Just because I don't agree with everything a Republican or Democrat says doesn't mean I want them to leave this fine (if troubled) state.
I would contend the avoidance of Groupthink is pretty darn important. Look at the problems it's causing in the statehouse, and within each party.
I spent a full year after getting my MPA from USD to find a good job in South Dakota. Thankfully I found one that compensates me at a level approaching what my education and experience is worth. I was, however, starting to cast my job searching net wider and wider - out of state, and even out of the Midwest.
Smart, talented, driven individuals and families are going to pursue employment (or grow their own) wherever success is to be had.
I can't fault SHS for finding something that uses her Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Politically, I take exception when anyone works and practically lives out of state, yet claims residency somewhere else. Thune shouldn't have done it. Neither should SHS.
I have a friend who runs a business in Omaha, rents a place there with his military wife, yet both claim Michigan residency to get extra benefits from the military since they're "forced" to live outside their "home state". They've been in Nebraska for over a decade... I don't approve of that either.
My parents work out of state. They fly around the country during the week and then come back to SD for the weekends. Just because you work in DC and CA doesn't mean you can live in SD.
... and I thought MY carbon footprint was bad.
But hey: you’ve got to put food on the table, and you’ve got to do what you’re good at. Herseth Sandlin knows agriculture
This statement is not defending her?