By Denise Ross

Amid all the warm-hearted and joyful congratulations to South Dakota’s congresswoman on her little Dem in the oven, my former blog-mate Kevin Woster makes note that the baby factor has been part of speculation about Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s future political plans.

I’ve framed it this way in past conversations: If she wants to raise small children, that would be a heck of a lot easier as a chief executive and all the accompanying accoutrements than it would schlepping to a House office building each day and receptions/fundraisers/dinners most evenings. Not to mention the frequent flights back and forth from DC to SD.

Here’s how Woster frames it:

The annoucement today that Herseth Sandlin and her husband, Max, are expecting a child in December could carry a second bit of happy news - for Democrats longing for their first South Dakota governor since 1978, at least.

The announcement increases the previously slim odds that Herseth Sandlin will run for governor in 2010. The baby factor has been the X factor in the rumors about Herseth Sandlin’s possible interest in the governor’s chair.

Winning that job would give her four and possibly eight years to start a family …

I would contend that the previous odds of SHS running for gov have been much better than slim, but that opinion is worth exactly what you’re paying for it.

Meanwhile, I would say there’s a second shoe waiting to drop in November. If the Democrats succeed in turning 3 or more seats in the SD Senate their way, then I’d say start painting some of the gov’s mansion rooms pink or blue. My money would be on both a Herseth Sandlin candidacy and, knowing what I know now, a victory. (Combine the tension and dysfunction within the SD Republican political machinery that’s blossomed under Gov. Mike Rounds and the lack of any GOP candidate named to date who matches SHS’s popularity, proven fund-raising prowess and track record with voters. It won’t be as painful for Republicans as this year’s congressional races, but it won’t be fun.)

Back to the main point - Woster’s on point to note that the beginning of a family would seem to indicate a gubernatorial bid in 2010 for SHS. I say wait til November to seal that deal.

Will the Dems use the prospect of winning the gov’s mansion two years hence in their GOTV efforts in local races this year? Will Republicans do the same?

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