By Lura Roti, Reporter - Tri-State Neighbor

As the June 3 primary quickly approaches, younger South Dakotans in some districts have the unique opportunity to vote for their peers.

This year there are several young leaders under 30 eager for the opportunity to serve in the South Dakota state Senate or House of Representatives.

“It happens every once in a while, but it's rare that you get this many young people jumping in and making a commitment like this,” said Rick Hauffe, executive director for the South Dakota Democratic Party.

Hauffe adds that today's young people have a greater interest in politics. His counterpart, Max Wetz, agrees. Wetz, executive director for the South Dakota Republican Party, says that the Millennial generation is exposed to politics at an earlier age than other generations.

“I think kids are more exposed to politics and the work of government sooner in their lives than they used to be,” Wetz said. “We live in a 24-hour news cycle with CNN, Fox and MSNBC - not to mention the blogosphere. We are exposed to politics and news constantly throughout our day. It's second nature for people growing up in this day and age to have politics a part of their everyday life.”

Jason Frerichs, 23, is a prime example. The cow/calf producer, farmer and the Watertown Area high school agriculture education instructor says growing up he and his family made a point to keep up with new policy and state and local politics.
In March, Frerichs announced that he was running for District 1 seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives. District 1 includes Roberts, Day and Marshall counties.

“My dad served 14 years in the Legislature. I was only 4 when he finished but like most leaders, you don't stop serving people when your term is up. We always stayed involved in issues. At the state fair every year we would always take the time to go to the candidate forums and listen and ask questions - we always take an interest,” Frerichs said.

Read More at the Tri-State Neighbor

Read more about Jason at his website www.frerichsforhouse.org

KELO TV

All the attention on South Dakota's last primary in the nation and the visits by the democratic candidates is prompting more people to want to get involved. Angela Kennecke has more in the video attached to this story.

"There have been 4,100 new registerd voters in Minnehaha County before the upcoming primary, 4,000 of those are registered Democrat..."

Check out the video

General Wesley Clark to headline salute to Senator Tim Johnson

SIOUX FALLS - Former four-star General Wesley Clark, widely considered a strong prospect to run for vice president, will keynote the salute to Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., on Saturday, April 19, as the headliner of McGovern Day 2008 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Democratic Party Chair Jack Billion said.Billion said he expects the event will be the most successful fund raiser in the annual event's history. He said ticket sales to the banquet are strong because Clark is a popular speaker for Democratic audiences."We are very fortunate to feature this former presidential candidate and former Supreme Allied Commander in the Kosovo War in our salute to Senator Johnson's personal and public service accomplishments," Billion said."General Clark is on the short list for consideration as the Democratic Party's nominee for vice president. He is also one of our nation's most inspiring speakers on the major issues. "

The evening banquet, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, will also feature presentations by Sen. George McGovern, Sen. Johnson and his son Brendan Johnson and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. There will also be a video presentation on Sen. Johnson's life in public service.

Two other meal events will be held at McGovern Day. Representative Herseth Sandlin will be the featured speaker at the luncheon program and Sen. Scott Heidepriem, D-Sioux Falls, will be the keynote speaker for the breakfast event, also at the Sioux Falls Convention Center on April 19.

Tickets for all three events are available by contacting the S.D. Democratic Party office in Sioux Falls. Ticket orders can be made by phoning 605-271-5405, and by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The daylong event will include a meeting of the SDDP State Central Committee and training seminars for courthouse and legislative candidates, campaign volunteers, and advocate and issue organizations. The breakfast will start at 8:30 a.m., the luncheon will start at 12:30 p.m. and the evening reception and banquet will be at 6 p.m.