Several of my SoDak blogger friends on the GOP side of the virtual fence like to deride the newly formed MAINstream Colation. 

It was initially formed by a number of centrist state legislators who have had their fill of their more Rightward brothers slamming religion down their throats in the halls of the Legislature.

While the MAINstreamers’ organization may be a first organized breakaway based on religion and personal rights from the Stalwart wing of the state Republican, it is by no means the first in the state’a and territory’s history.

Since state Democrats have typically had a difficult time winning Statehouse races throughout S.D. history and sometimes even barely existing as a party, the Republicans have been where the action is. 

Essentially, through much of S.D.’s history, there has been a tension between Republican Populists/Progressives and the Stalwarts.  In the past, the division was based on economic issues.

Prof. Herbert Schell explains one such episode in his as yet unsurpassed History of South Dakota.  Once such movement within the Republican party occurred in 1896, when free silver was the big issue of the day.

South Dakota Republicans have almost always had at least two factions—stalwarts who are always the most conservative of their time, whether it was based on economics or social issues—and moderates—who are typically less ideological, and more results oriented.

Today I think you’d say Sen. John Thune is a stalwart and former Gov. Bill Janklow is a moderate.

Same thing Back in the Day.  Many of the early Republican governors and Senators were stalwarts; people like Peter Norbeck and Richard Pettigrew were moderates.

So, it is the same song, different verse for my SDGOP friends; the venue is just different—the blogosphere.

(Cross-posted to Badlands Blue and SDW @ KELOLAND.com)

Technorati Tags: Steve Sibson, Pat Powers, Sibby, Republicans, Republican Party, South Dakota Republican Party, Gov. Bill Janklow, Sen. John Thune, Richard Pettigrew, Peter Norbeck, South Dakota history

Powered by ScribeFire.