EqSD PAC Endorsed 2008 General Election Candidates

Equality South Dakota PAC (EqSD PAC) continues its groundbreaking efforts in getting LGBT friendly candidates elected to the South Dakota State Legislature by endorsing and providing nearly $30,000 in funding to both Republican and Democratic candidates in 2008.

• Elaine Elliott, Democrat, House District 2, Aberdeen.
• Daniel Kaiser, Republican, House District 2, Aberdeen.
• Mark Remily, Democrat, House District 3, Aberdeen.
• Curt Johnson, Democrat, House District 5, Watertown. (new endorsement)
• Dennis Nemmers, Democrat, Senate District 6, Castlewood.
• Mitch Fargen, Democrat, House District 8, Flandreau.
• Patricia Stricherz, Republican, House District 8, Dell Rapids.
• Marlyn "Sonny" Beebe, Democrat, House District 9, Sioux Falls. (new endorsement)
• Clara Hart, Democrat, District 10 Senate, Sioux Falls. (new endorsement)
• Mary Ann Giebink, Democrat, House District 10, Sioux Falls.
• Nate Welch, Democrat, Senate District 11, Sioux Falls.
• Darrell Solberg, Democrat, House District 11, Sioux Falls.
• Greg Kniffen, Democrat, House District 12, Sioux Falls.
• Paula Johnson, Democrat, House District 12, Sioux Falls.
• Susy Blake, Democrat, House District 13, Sioux Falls.
• Bill Thompson, Democrat, House District 13, Sioux Falls.
• Bob Stevens, Democrat, Senate District 14, Sioux Falls.
• Jacey Harmon, Democrat, House District 14, Sioux Falls.
• Martha Vanderlinde, Democrat, House District 15, Sioux Falls.
• Janelle O'Connor, Democrat, House District 16, Alcester.
• Ben Nesselhuf, Democrat, Senate District 17, Vermillion.
• Roger Tigert, Republican, House District 17, Vermillion. (new endorsement)
• Bernie Hunhoff, Democrat, House District 18, Yankton.
• Nicholas Nemec, Democrat, Senate District 23, Holabird.
• Kim Sargent, Democrat, Senate District 24, Pierre.
• Larry Lucas, Democrat, House District 26A, Mission.
• Kevin Killer, Democrat, House District 27, Pine Ridge.
• Everett Hunt, Republican, House District 28A, Eagle Butte.
• Fred McPherson, Democrat, House District 29, Sturgis.
• Jacqueline Gerenz, Democrat, House District 30, Custer.
• Nyla Griffith, Democrat, Senate District 31, Deadwood.
• Kevin O'Dea, Democrat, House District 31, Spearfish.
• Eric Abrahamson, Democrat, House District 32, Rapid City.
• Bethany Wojahn, Democrat, House District 32, Rapid City.
• Dennis Finch, Democrat, Senate District 33, Rapid City.
• Jeff Nelsen, Democrat, House District 33, Rapid City.
• Craig Tieszen, Republican, Senate District 34, Rapid City.
• Bonny Petersen, Democrat, House District 34, Rapid City. (new endorsement)
• Fern Johnson, Democrat, House District 35, Rapid City.
• Curtis Marquardt, Democrat, House District 35, Rapid City.

 

All legislative candidates were sent a survey (and cover letter) 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 candidates also provided biographical information and how they believed their campaigns can win.

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. PAC board members include: Todd Epp, Harrisburg; Don Frankenfeld, Rapid City; Karen Mudd, Sioux Falls; Lawrence Novotny, Brookings; ; Gary Snow, Pierre; and Sharon Ludwick Warner, Rapid City; Martin Yeung, Rapid City.