Entries in 2007 Legislature (1)
Heidepriem Rocks! And Leads
The Argus Voices blog notes (Heidepriem takes over) that my fellow Democrats finally did something excellent and elected State Senator-elect Scott Heidepriem as Senate Minority Leader.
The Argus thinks this is odd and a poor reflection on the depth of Democratic talent. On the contrary.
As a Republican, Scott was an articulate, excellent, and principled leader. He was a coalition builder. Why are those bad qualities now as a Democrat? They are not. They will help the Senate Democrats build coalitions with moderate Republicans like Tom Dempster of Sioux Falls. And, Scott is also on good terms with hardcores like Gene Abdullah of Sioux Falls. I think it is a tremendous selection. Don't underestimate what Scott can do.
Over in the House, the Democrats made another good choice by keeping Dale Hargens as House Minority Leader. While I don't know Dale as well as I know Scott, I got to know Dale through my work on the Billion campaign and at the State Democratic Convention. While he and I disagree on abortion, I was impressed with his honesty, frankness, toughness, and down to earthness. He's a guy you'd want to drink a beer with, which I think is a pretty good test for politicians and others (provided, of course, you or they don't have problems with alcoholism, then make it the Coca Cola or coffee test).
Dale and Scott, congratulations! I know you'll do well in Pierre.
Todd Epp
in 2007 Legislature
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