Custer County Democrats

Roosevelt Rally

The Custer County Democratic Party Roosevelt Rally will be held on Friday, Sept. 10 at 5:30 pm at Crazy Horse Memorial Laughing Water Restaurant. This will be a meet the candidtes event with a lot of interaction with them.Our next Governor, Scott Heidepriem will be the keynote along with Tom Katus and Julie Bartling. A $15 donation is asked and appetizers will be provided. A cash bar is available. Plan to attend, help fire up our candidates and get motivated to work hard to get these people in to office. This year is so critical because of the 2011 redistricting. Stop the decades long domination by one party, put some Democrats in office.

See you on the 10th of September, 5:30 pm at Crazy Horse Memorial. Just mention the event and entrance to the memorial is free.

Heidepriem to Visit Custer

Democratic Candidate for Governor, Scott Heidepriem will stop in Custer for a short visit. People are invited to come a meet Heidepriem at Baker's Cafe in downtown Custer at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday May 13. He will there for just an hour so don't be late.

No Primary for Democrats

Tuesday, March 30 was filled with enthusiasm at Dunn Bother's Coffee in Rapid City where a steady stream of petition signers came to sign Dr. Kevin Weiland's petition for U.S. Representative. Weiland, who chose to take out petitions to run against Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-SD (Blue Dog) sparked a ground swell of activity from thousands of progressive Democrats across the state. The Democratic Party was going to have a primary and progressives were hoping to send a message to Herseth Sandlin about her position on Health Care Insurance Reform and other issues. That energy turned bittersweet when Weiland, late on March 30 decided to negotiate with Herseth Sandlin who agreed to not vote for repeal of the Health Care Act, and to work with Weiland and others to improve the Act.
More than 4,000 people had signed petitions for Weiland, a sizable number of people who are aligning with the more progressive movement in the Democratic party. What was most encouraging is that many young people took pen in hand and signed Weiland's petition and these young people were also circulating the petitions.
All is not lost, however. This grass-roots progressive movement will not return to the sidelines or closets, they will, according to many statements, will continue to work to move a progressive agenda in the state and in Congress.
Democrats failed to come up with a candidate to run against Sen. John Thune, which may be an historical event. The Republicans will have a hay-day on that move. That means Thune can send some of his campaign money to other members of the party of NO.
The good news is that we in District 30 will not send,(at least for a couple of years)the state's most disliked state Senator, Gordon Howie, back to the state legislature. That comes as a relief to not only Democrats but many Republicans statewide as well. He has taken his personal ideological agenda to the governor's race. In his stead there are two Republicans who have filed, Bruce Rampelberg, Rapid City; and George Ferebee, Hill City will face off in the Primary. No Democrat filed for state senate in District 30.
In the House, Kathleen Ann, Scenic, filed as a Democrat to run against the two incumbents, Mike Verchio, Hill City; and Lance Russell, Hot Springs. Ann is chairwoman of District 30 Democratic Party. There will be no primary in District 30 for either senate or house. Both of the incumbents are vulnerable based on their voting and bill support records. Verchio, the Exec. Dir. for the Hill City Chamber introduces legislation that will support Hill City, and Russell has submitted some questionable legislation that is not relevant to either District 30 or the state, but supports his personal agenda. People need to question Russell about his possible move out of Fall River County.
All west river house districts, except two, 32 and 33, have Democrats on the ballot.
Democrats are on the ballot in five senate districts.
There was a gain and loss in the Democratic Party; Jim Bradford, Pine Ridge, re-registered as a Democrat and is unopposed for state senate in District 27; and Ryan Maher, Isabel, switched to the Republican side in District 28.
Across the state filings went much as expected with no surprises. Ron Volesky, who withdrew his attempt to run against Scott Heidepreim for Governor has filed for state Senate in District 22. Volesky has previously served in both the state house and senate.
Even though a full slate of Democrats have not filed in some districts in west river there is the potential and a strategy to enlist Independents to run and support the Democratic Party Caucus. Independents have until June 8 to file for office.

Weiland Will Not File Petitions

Joint Statement from Dr. Kevin Weiland and

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin

Rapid City - Dr. Kevin Weiland announced today that he would not be filing petitions to challenge Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin in the Democratic primary for U.S. House.

Dr. Weiland said, "After a great deal of thought and consideration, I have decided today not to run for Congress, both because of my concern for what the net effect would be on our political party retaining the seat in the next Congress, but also after receiving assurances from Stephanie that she will not vote to repeal the recently-passed healthcare reform law, however will work to make it better.  That is the positive way forward, not dividing Democrats in a contentious primary battle in which the winner is unable to effectively unite our party in the fall election.”

Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin noted, “I have advocated for health care reform since I was first elected to Congress, and I look forward to working with Kevin and others to improve health care access, quality, and affordability in South Dakota.  Although I could not support the recent legislation that passed the House, the bill does include a number of good provisions that I support, including eliminating insurance companies' ability to exclude people with preexisting conditions or to cancel coverage when someone gets sick; allowing children to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26; and creating transparent health insurance exchanges for individuals and small businesses, where private insurers compete for their business.  While some have called for repealing the law, I think the better way forward is to work together to continue to improve this bill and our health care system for all."

Dr. Weiland concluded, "From the bottom of my heart, I also want to thank everyone who worked to circulate my petitions.  I'm convinced that this is the best possible outcome we could have had, and I hope everyone who signed the petitions will join me in voting to re-elect Stephanie this fall."

Remove the Stickers

Opposing views expensive

This political blog is intended to provide information about the Democratic Party of Custer County, but will also include state-wide and national information as well. The purpose is to allow anyone a chance to see another side of issues and political ideologies in order to come to intelligent conclusions. Half truths, misleading information, downright lies and intentionally misguiding people through newspapers, TV and radio is not what this country is about, and to continue that process a democracy will have little chance of advancing.

The Custer County Democratic Party attempted to use the Custer County Chronicle to present opposing views not only of the Republican legislators, but also that of the Chronicle. The cost to do so was prohibitive. When we asked to have an ad placed in the Chronicle that directed people to read this blog because the Chronicle was so expensive the publisher refused to allow that ad to run because as stated, “if would be demeaning to the paper.” So we had to rewrite it to suit their editorial philosophy.

The Chronicle and other newspapers in this area are extremely one-sided. They repeat information that comes directly from right-wing and conservative organizations. The editorial staff formulates their ideas based on the one-sided informational highway and does little to understand any other view so the highway becomes a one-way street.

Our Republican Legislators are allowed to use the newspapers as a method of advancing their personal agenda, free of charge, under the guise of reporting what occurs in the legislative sessions. Other newspapers who are present true journalism require their legislators and congress people to keep to the topic and not include any political propaganda or campaign talking points. We are not so fortunate to have such newspapers in this area.

So, the point is, the Custer County Democratic Party will continue to pay for a small ad asking people to log on to our blog to get information with “Another View.” People can also log on to our website at www.sddp.com and click on the local site, scroll down to Custer and you will get all the information with a calendar of events as well.

As the campaigns get closer and the general election looms on the horizon we will continue to update this blog as often as possible and also include updates to our website. We promise to present an objective and reasoned source of information in order for you to enter in to conversations with friends and others with facts not innuendo and misinformation.

Another View

By David Melmer, chairman, Custer County Democratic Party

  I recently received one of those passed-around emails that for once struck me as funny, not irritating.. The message seemed to fit the situation that just occurred in our state legislature..

It goes like this -- IDIOT SIGHTING: “We had to have the garage door repaired. 
The repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a large enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower. I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4. He said, 'NO, it's not.' Four is larger than two.'”

When our legislators, specifically Rep. Kopp, R-Rapid City, decided to inform teachers how to present climate change in science classes I was reminded of that email. In the early version of the resolution nothing scientific was used as an argument. In the original language, Kopp miss-interpreted science, even ignored it all together; and his premise is that teachers should teach a balance. Hmnm, isn’t that what they are trained to do? But the most shocking part of this is that so many legislators went along and passed HCR 1009; by a short margin in the Senate. Two of Dist. 30 legislators, Mike Verchio and Lance Russell, signed on as co-sponsors of the resolution. For Kopp to state that “Astrology can be a possible contributing cause to global warming,” should have been the first clue that this was not something to take seriously, let alone sign on too.

What’s next for our legislative foray into our teacher’s lesson plans; a change in how algebra is taught? I can only imagine what that House Resolution would look like. “X does equal Y unless Z and K are added, multiplied and subtracted from Q, then X equals B. Teachers must present a balance.”

As the rest of country lambasts our state legislature as the “Dumbest Legislature” in the country we can emphatically state, we have “sighted the idiots.” They walk among us and actually govern our lives.

A concurrent resolution shows the opinion of the legislature and does not have the force of law.

Another View

By David Melmer, chairman of the Custer County Democratic Party

 Congratulations to the House Taxation Committee for attempting to move forward a bill that would eliminate state sales tax on food. This move has been a long time coming and is essential in poor economic times. Many of the opponents of this bill said it was not wise right now, but for the family that lives on two or three minimum wage jobs, or maybe a single mom or dad with one income will welcome being able to buy one or two more meals a week for their children.

Food tax brings in $56.8 million per year, according to Rep. Marc Feinstein, D-Sioux Falls, author of the bill. To counter the loss of revenue the general sales tax would have been be raised to 4.3 percent on all other items. Not acceptable to some. Jane Page of the Department of Revenue opposed the bill because it might be difficult to calculate how the loss would be replaced. Look at it this way: 100 families spend $100 on food, they save $400 to spend on other essentials. It should not be difficult to figure that out.

I agree with Bernie Hunhoff, D-Yankton who said we should figure out what kind of “state we want to live in. We don’t tax advertising or corporate profits, but we tax food.”

Rep. Lance Russell R-Hot Springs, almost earned a kudos for his response to the bill when he agreed with people who consider the food tax “abhorrent,” but he then said it was bad timing and it should wait for better economic times. He considers the tax of food as the “most stable portion of our tax structure,” and when the state has to cut $40 or $50 million from the budget it’s not the right time. Tell that to families who are struggling. Send them a message that the state wants to help.

I listen to Republican rhetoric about infringement on personal rights and getting government off our backs and lowering taxes, but I don’t see any walk in relation to that talk. Let’s rebuild our state one family at a time by letting the family keep some of that money in their pockets, or spread a few more dollars around to other businesses. Isn’t that what George W. Bush always said? So, let’s help the people and let the elected officials figure a way out of financial problems.

Another way to regain revenue from the loss of food tax would be to tax the oil that will eventually cross our state. Such a bill was introduced by Rep. Jason Frerichs, D-Wilmot, who agreed the tax would help the state balance the budget. The pipeline, according to proponents of the tax bill, said once the pipeline is in the ground no additional jobs will be created. Thus the removal of the exemption for sales and excise taxes would help create more jobs in the state. Russell agreed, saying that the state should encourage businesses that promote job growth.

Republicans need to read the tea leaves and learn that in the past 32 years they have been in charge, they could have prevented the current struggle to find ways to save our state financially by not allowing the growth of state government in the first place. But what was heard from candidates at election forums was that we are a conservative state and won’t be hit by a recession. Excuse me? Denial is a symptom of the gullible.

What are our Dist. 30 legislators doing anyway? It seems that Sen. Gordon Howie, R-Rapid City, is more interested in running for governor. His reports to the people read like his campaign talking points instead of telling us what he is doing. He is more interested in unnecessarily expanding gun rights and disallowing people in the state from taking advantage of  any future benefits in health care reform. That could help send young people to other states.

Guns are important to people in this area for hunting and target shooting, but not for carrying helter-skelter into every venue in the state. I don’t see any local movement to restrict gun ownership, now or in the future. It’s just a scare and fear tactic.

Mike Verchio would do well to research bills he introduces a little more deeply. He either voted against some of his own bills or asked to have them removed. Just because the coffee club and good-ol’-boys want something doesn’t mean a bill needs to be written. And what might be good for Hill City, may not be good for the rest of the district.

The defeat of HB 1148, that would have shown how progressive and contemporary South Dakota is by not permitting discrimination in the work place or any place was extremely disappointing. Opponents labeled the bill a pro-homosexual bill, but it was more of a bill that would help to make people more comfortable in any setting, such as women, seniors or workers who are getting older, military veterans and many others. South Dakota needs to move into the 21^st century.

Young people don’t see gay rights or discrimination as important, they are more tolerant and aware than most of us; they are more knowledgeable of our society it seems because the issue of gay rights or similar issues does not show up on their radar as issues to be concerned about. Older people who maintain their prejudices are the ones who have problems.

If religious organizations opposed this bill because they may not be able to discriminate or preach hate because of it, they need to rethink who they are.

All in all this legislative session is pretty feeble and not very interesting. Bills on the floors are obviously put there to appease pockets of local voters and “special interest groups,” a phrase used mostly by Republicans.

After the past eight years of growth in government – by 15 percent – I would think that Republican legislators would have figured out that they were in charge, in fact in charge for the past 32 years. Maybe they could have figured out they had been the problem that allowed the growth of government all the while preaching against growth and now would stand tall and solve it. But few bills introduced this or in past years by District 30 legislators or Republican legislators across the state have encouraged the reduction of government. Governor Mike Rounds has had little opposition from his own party, therefore, growth in government. Thus, the status quo continues to be the status quo. Thirty percent of all bills introduced by Democrats during this same time that would have reduced the growth and expense of government were not allowed to leave committee.

Redistricting will be a hot topic in 2011. If we don’t change the system we will continue to live under one party rule for another decade. Can this state live through it? Unless a bi-partisan or non-partisan panel is established, such as the one in Montana, to redistrict the state and avoid law suits, we will be forced to live through another decade of one party rule.

February Meeting and Forum

Custer County Democrats will meet at the Telco Federal Credit Union in Custer, Feb. 16 for the Monthly meeting. Join your friends at the pot luck to discuss such issues as the upcoming Roosevelt Rally, Precinct elections, selection of local candidates, selection of delegates to the pre-convention/caucus in April, upcoming cracker barrels, and other items of interest to you.

Please come, benefit the party and help it grow so the entire region can benefit from the expertise and progressive ideas of Custer County Democrats.

Also if you have problems with the way things are going within the party, locally and statewide, this is the place to bring those concerns. Together change can happen. Make this a grass-roots effort with purpose and goals.

Also, Join us on Tuesday mornings at 7:45 for the Breakfast Forum at the Wrangler Cafe in Custer for an exchange of ideas, sharing of news and other information and discussion on pollitical issues locally and nationally. It's fun, informative and very cathartic. Breakfast is good also.

Pre-Convention Delegate Selection

The Custer County Democratic Party will select delegates to attend the pre-convention caucus to be held on April 10th during McGovern Day. Custer County is allowed to send four delegates to the pre convention. One of which will either be the chairman or vice-chairwoman. If anyone wishes to be a delegate to this pre-convention please contact your party leaders at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 673-3958.

A list of statewide candidates will be chosen at thie pre-convention gathering. Other party matters will also be discussed and voted on, by delegates only.

Custer County must select these delegates by April 1.

Custer County Democrats to Stuff Food Boxes Community Action Distribution

Custer County Democrats will stuff special bags with cookies, goodies, personal items such as hand cleanser, tissue, soap and other items to be distributed to those families who receive groceries from Custer Community Action. The distribution will be held in honor of Presidents Day. Anyone willing to help stuff bags in February and/or bake cookes or purchase items for the bags are welcomed. Please call Jacqui Gerenz at 605-517-8320 or David Melmer at 605-673-3958 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cookies and other items can be dropped off at Linda Zachow's home at 346 N 4th Street, Custer. The drop off date will be January 30 at 2:00 p.m. or earlier. Volunteers will bag the cookies and box them for distribution Sunday Jan, 31st. If you need someone to pick up your cookies please call Jacqui Gerenz at the above number. Volunteers are also welcome to help bag he cookies and box them the next day.

Precinct elections

Custer County will hold precinct elections on March 23. Anyone wishing to serve as a precinct chairman or chairwoman should put their name in nomination. Call David Melmer at 605-673-3958 or Jacqui Gerenz at 605-517-8320. Voting will be held at Lynn Moran Law offices on Mt. Rushmore Road in Custer from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m.

Evening with the Artists a Success

It is hard to explain everyone's reaction to the very successful Evening with the Artists. Everyone who attended was impressed with the writers and photographer, and their presentations. Many said it should have been put together before. Each of the participants, Linda Hasslestrom, Paul Horsted and Dan O'Brien are residents of Custer County. They are also registered Democrats. What they bring to the table is a method of explaining what it is like to live here, they give us a glimpse of history so that we can look to the future with innovative ideas based on that which we have learned from them.

The three artists are artistic icons for young people to emulate and for those of us who are older to admire. We can encourage others to discover the works of these three or to expand their knowledge.

The Custer County Democrats cannot thank Dan, Paul and Linda enough for what they brought to Crazy Horse Memorial on Nov. 12. We will are grateful for their willingness to donate their time so that others may have an experience that will be remembered for a long time. If you were there, we are sure you had a great time. If you were not there, we are sorry. Maybe next time.

Welcome Independents

Custer County Democrats welcome independents who will vote in the Democratic Primary beginning June 2010. This makes our party more inclusive than before. We have a story on our blog about this change to our constitution and also a poll about the issue. Please visit Custer County Democrats.

Pencil in Oct. 29 for a great evening with the authors, Dan O'Brien, Linda Hasslestrom, Paul Horsted. They will talk about their work, mingle with the crowd, offer books for sale and everyone will get an opportunity to meet with the authors. There will be appetizers and musical entertainment. It's an evening with the authors. Nothing political, just fun and great conversation.

Custer County Democrats had a great time at the Buffalo Roundup Chili Cook Off. We didn't win, but we showed the crowd that we are most willing to participate in a community affair. We served chili to people from all over the world, and the comments about out Chili was great. Most people told us ours was better than that of the Republicans. OUR CHILI IS OUR MESSAGE.

There is a lot of work ahead to pass a Health Care Plan that will benefit all people. We all know the resistance of the right wing, and some blue dog democrats, but the biggest hurdle will be the Insurance corporation, who hold all the money. Paul Krugman is one of the best at analyzing what situations in economics and politics. Here is his latest article in the NY Times. It rings true. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/opinion/31krugman.html?hp

Custer County Democrats
Chair: David Melmer
Vice Chair: Jacqui Gerenz
Treasurer: Patty Lee
Scretary: Barb Hanson
Central Committee Man: Rick Hanson
Central Committee Woman: Elaine Whittlesy
Address: 25421 He Sapa Trail, Custer, SD 57730
Phone: 605-673-3768
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To read more about Custer County Democrats click on our blog:

http://custercountydemocrats.blogspot.com