Back

Endorsement: Herseth Sandlin right person for U.S. House
October 30, 2008 | Aberdeen American News

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin is one of 435 voices in the United States House of Representatives - but her voice is strong, and resonates.

She's a team player who understands the challenges involved and isn't afraid to reach across party lines to get things done. That, plus her record, is why we believe she should again represent South Dakota in the U.S. House.

Herseth Sandlin, a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, was sworn in after a special election in June 2004, making her the first woman ever to represent South Dakota in the House of Representatives. She won relection in the fall of 2004 and 2006.

This Congress will face unprecedented challenges ranging from ongoing war and affordable health care to determining the best future energy path and a way out of the nation's current financial quagmire.

Herseth Sandlin has a firm grasp of the problems and the drive and the intelligence to make things happen. Having grown up on a farm in Brown County, she knows the agricultural issues that fuel much of our economy. She understands and is well-versed on the huge health care problems faced by most people - especially our senior citizens - and is determined to help find solutions.

The fact that Herseth Sandlin is willing to reach across the aisle is incredibly important as South Dakota's lone voice in the House. Our representative can sometimes have more in common with colleagues from Midwestern states - regardless of party affiliation - than with most of those from the same side of the aisle. Diplomacy and consensus building are important characteristics for the South Dakota representative. Herseth Sandlin has them.

Herseth Sandlin serves on the House Agriculture Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, the Natural Resources Committee and - because of her advocacy for and leadership on the issue of renewable fuels - the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

Herseth Sandlin has passion for South Dakota. That passion, combined with her intelligence, tenacity and Dakota work ethic makes her the best bet for South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Back