McGOVERN DAY A BIG SUCCESS

Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 April 2010 03:22

Three Statewide candidates emerge and Democrats excited for November

The South Dakota Democratic Party held their annual McGovern Day dinner in Rapid City over the weekend.  The event drew over 300 Democrats from across the state.

In a change from previous years, the party recommended for nomination the constitutional candidates at the Pre Convention Caucus. While candidates for constitutional offices will not be officially nominated until the state party convention at the end of June, this approach allows them to begin organizing and fundraising earlier. 

The Pre-Convention Delegates, who were elected through their County Democratic Parties, cast their votes for three statewide candidates.  The votes resulted in the following endorsements:

State Auditor – Julie Bartling

Secretary of State: Ben Nesselhuf

PUC – Doyle Karpen

Current candidates benefited from trainings and speeches during the day and everyone came together for the big celebration dinner at night.  Sen. Tim Johnson, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, and Gubernatorial Candidate Scott Heidepriem gave speeches that excited the crowd encouraged our party members from all across the state! 

The winners of this year’s McGovern Day awards are:

Kneip Young Leader’s Award – Paula Schmidt, Custer

McGovern Grassroots Award – Bill Thompson, Sioux Falls

Goldie Wells Memorial Award – KO & Tootie Kauth, Huron

Congratulations to our award winners and thanks for all you do!