S.D. Watch - S.D. Watch

South Dakota probably has one of the smallest LGBT populations of any state but we probably have far more influence per captia in Washington, DC than any other state.

Just look at some of the major players from South Dakota who are rocking the nation’s capitol:

My good friend Jon Hoadley (Vermillion) is the executive director the National Stonewall Democrats.

Steve Hildebrand (Sioux Falls) was one of President-election Barack Obama’s deputy campaign managers. He is mentioned as a potential DNC chair.

Jimmy LaSalvia (Rapid City) is in contention to head the Log Cabin Republicans, Hoadley’s GOP counterpart.

Jeff Trandahl (Spearfish), the former Clerk of the U.S. House, is now head of a major environmental group in DC.

Two Democrats, two Republicans. I’ve worked with both Jon and Jimmy through South Dakotans Against Discrimination and Equality South Dakota, know Steve, but don’t know Jeff, at least yet.

All are bright. All are young men who have accomplished a great deal. All are from South Dakota. And they all just happen to be gay.

I think it’s a lot to be proud about as South Dakotans, that we can produce such young leaders who are making a difference not just here in South Dakota but on the national scene as well.