Mar 24
It’s official - Stan v. Katus ‘08
By Denise Ross
Former state Sen. Stan Adelstein, R-Rapid City, has filed petitions to run for his old seat in Rapid City’s District 32. So has the man who currently holds that seat, Sen. Tom Katus, D-Rapid City. Check out the Secretary of State’s candidate list here.
This storied race no doubt needs no explanation for the Hoghouse audience. There have been rumors that a Republican might challenge Stan in a primary. With the filing deadline on Tuesday, March 25, and a postmark grace period, we should know by week’s end if that will happen.
As a Rapid City resident (but District 35, not 32), I don’t have a good feel for this. Katus is visible and vocal yearround and seems generally to do himself favors when he’s out and about. But he is - and this is no criticism - sometimes strident and sometimes enjoys a partisan argument a bit too much to be electorally practical. (Which means reporters like to cover him.)
If it comes down to likeability, Stan has his share of critics, too - many for the same reasons - and no doubt plenty of Republicans who would not vote for him under any circumstances given all the battle-to-the-death primary he lost against Elli Schwiesow two years ago.
Given the run the Democrats are going to take at the SD Senate in ‘08 - they need to pick up 3 seats to gain a majority - Katus will have more money than most legislative candidates. But almost certainly Stan will have more. And Stan has some war horses in his strategy camp. If Katus can match the media message barrage that’s certainly coming, it’ll be an even match.
This has the potential to be this year’s most expensive legislative race. It’s long been one of the most interesting.
3 Comments so far
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Yes, Stan is a prominent businessman and a philanthropist of the highest order. Yes, Stan is a moderate whose views reflect those of his district. Yes, Stan is an egomaniac. Yes, Stan is a polarizing figure.
No matter how much Stan spends, there is a sizeable contingent in Dist. 32 that is tired of the whole Stan saga and will not vote for him. Katus has done a good job. Dist. 32 has a Senator with views not unlike Stan (Tom Katus), but without all of the drama that goes with Stan. Katus will win re-election.
I agree Stan has his own political and media critics. South Dakota has a reputation of a policy “out with the old, in with the new”. I would also agree that Stan has the financial backing, his drama cannot help but haunt him.
P.S. - I enjoyed your question and answer in our Mass Media and Politics class. (Matt’s class).
Wow. Thanks for reading. I enjoyed the class, too. -Denise
I think it’s unique and rather interesting the way the blog world works. I’ll continue to read your blogs and post comments!!
You’ve made my day. -Denise