South Dakota Democratic Party Responds to Tapio Entering U.S. House Race
Sioux Falls, S.D. – The South Dakota Democratic Party released the following statement from Executive Director Sam Parkinson responding to State Senator Neal Tapio’s announcement this morning that he is entering the Republican primary for South Dakota’s U.S. House seat:
“In a Republican Legislative caucus filled with out-of-touch, right-wing extremists, Sen. Tapio stands out as one of the most out-of-touch, right-wing, and extreme members of the State Legislature. Even before his announcement, he succeeded in dragging the Republican primary to the far right by creating a race to embrace the unconstitutional and discriminatory policies of Kris Kobach and the Trump administration. His recent outburst at the Interfaith Day at the State Capitol and suggestion that the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom does not apply to people of all faiths further demonstrates his extremism and unfitness to serve in Congress.
“While the Republican Party and their candidates continue to become more extreme, discriminatory, and divisive, Democrats will keep fighting for equal opportunity and equal protection under the law for everyone, regardless of race, religion, or background.”
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