Mike Reardon is back! The Rapid City musician filed 140 signatures last week to run as an Independent for District 34 House. Reardon now contends with two incumbent Republicans—the data-driven David Lust and Dan Dryden—and Democrat John C. Willman.
Reardon may not have filed as a member of a party, but he is fun at parties. His personal website says he has played jazz, '50s rock, acoustic world rock, and "Celtic new grass pop fusion." Eclectic, indeed! He cites among his musical inspirations Peter Gabriel, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Willie & Lobo, Neil Young, and Crowded House. If that's not enough to make you fall at Mike's feet, my fellow lefty crusaders will note that Mike Reardon played Dennis Kucinich's May 2004 fundraiser at the Rapid City Labor Temple. Reardon flew kamikaze as a Democrat that year against GOP firebrand Bill Napoli in the District 35 Senate Race and won 36% of the vote. Rock on, Mike!
The only other Indy to file so far for a Legislative seat is Pastor George Dummann of Pierre, who will challenge the winner of today's GOP primary between incumbent Tad Perry and Jeff Monroe for the District 24 Senate seat. He told KCCR Radio yesterday that he's waiting to see how the primary comes out before deciding whether he'll mount an actual campaign. Dummann has worked as exec for South Dakota Right to Life. He's obviously hedging SDRTL's bet on its preferred candidate Monroe.
Indies, if you're inclined, you have until 5 p.m. today to get your petitions to Pierre!