By Denise Ross

Welcome back, Hoghouse readers. Sorry things went radio silent for much of last week. I got sucked into another project - the documentary - which is nearing completion at long, long last.

I return bearing gifts.

First is the list of legislative candidates endorsed by Equality South Dakota, the relatively new LGBT advocacy group. Later today, there will be video of an interview with the Democratic campaign manager from Mississippi who won the special congressional election last week. (I swear it’s true.)

OK, so Equality South Dakota endorsed seven Democrats. Here’s the list. (Read the full press release by clicking “CLICK HERE to read more” below.

• Elaine Elliott, House District 2, Aberdeen. Candidate Elliott is in a three-way primary against longtime legislator Paul Dennert and candidate John Graham for two spots on the general election ballot.
• Darrell Solberg, House District 11, Sioux Falls. Candidate Solberg faces fellow candidates Don Rose and Shawn Anderson in a three-way primary for two ballot spots.
• Martha Vanderlinde, House District 15, Sioux Falls. Candidate Vanderlinde faces fellow candidates John Madigan and Patrick Kirschman in a three-way primary for two ballot spots.
• Caitlin Collier, House District 17, Vermillion. Candidate Collier faces former legislator John Reedy, incumbent Eldon Nygaard and candidate Thomas Jones in a four-way primary for two ballot spots.
• Larry Lucas, House District 26A, Mission. Incumbent Lucas faces candidates Calvin Jones and Paul Joseph in a three-way primary for one spot on the ballot.
• Kevin Killer, House District 27, Pine Ridge. Killer faces fellow candidates Robert Fogg, Joseph White Bear Claws and Ed Iron Cloud III in a four-way race for two ballot spots.
• Jeff Nelsen, House District 33, Rapid City. Candidate Nelsen faces fellow candidate Kimberly Henderson and perennial candidate Gary Loudner in a three-way race for two ballot spots.

 EqSD PAC Endorses Primary Candidates

For the first time in South Dakota electoral history, a state LGBT group has given political action money to state legislative candidates.

Equality South Dakota PAC (EqSD PAC) has recently provided over $5,000 in funding to both Republican and Democratic candidates involved in the June 3, 2008 South Dakota primary. Full details of all candidates provided funding can be found after May 23, 2008, on the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website in the EqSD PAC’s pre-primary contribution report.

“Besides EqSD PAC seeking candidates to endorse, candidates came to us wanting our endorsement and financial support,” said Todd Epp, a straight lawyer from Harrisburg, SD and chair of EqSD PAC.  “The fact that candidates were excited about our support and that almost all of the primary surveys were so positive about LGBT issues is exciting.”

Among those EqSD PAC has provided funding to in June primary races:

    * Elaine Elliott, Democrat, House District 2, Aberdeen.  
    * Darrell Solberg, Democrat, House District 11, Sioux Falls.  
    * Martha Vanderlinde, Democrat, House District 15, Sioux Falls. 
    * Caitlin Collier, Democrat, House District 17, Vermillion.  
    * Larry Lucas, Democrat, House District 26A, Mission. 

    * Kevin Killer, Democrat, House District 27, Pine Ridge.  
    * Jeff Nelsen, Democrat, House District 33, Rapid City. 

Following the primary election, EqSD PAC will endorse and provide funds to selected legislative candidates in the November general election who it believes have progressive views on LGBT issues. General election candidates have until June 10 to return their surveys to EqSD PAC.

All legislative candidates were sent a survey on critical LGBT issues.  The survey included questions on 1) would they support adding “LGBT” to existing state law prohibiting employment discrimination; 2) whether the candidates would support anti-bullying state legislation; and 3) whether the candidates supported allowing domestic partner hospital visitation rights.  The survey is posted on the EqSD PAC web site (www.pac.eqsd.org). The candidates also provided biographical information and how they believed their campaigns can win.

“In addition to money, we hope to deliver volunteers, campaign support and ultimately enough votes to make the difference,” said PAC board member Karen Mudd, a lesbian in Sioux Falls. “Please get involved to help elect these candidates.”

EqSD PAC is the political action committee for Equality South Dakota (EqSD), a South Dakota non-profit corporation. EqSD PAC is a voluntary, non-profit, unincorporated association operating as a separate, segregated organization of EqSD.

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