Yesterday I wrote that the GOP would throw everything it had at the South Dakota-At Large seat in order to stem Dem momentum and hold a precious House seat. Today's
Hill chimes in on that very topic.
Republicans are reeling after the Democrats' special-election victory last week in Kentucky, but they are gearing up for another big fight, in South Dakota.
With three months to go until the June 1 special election, Republican state Sen. Larry Diedrich, the GOP's candidate to replace Bill Janklow (R), has been making fundraising visits to House Republicans and the House Republican Conference office.
His opponent is Democratic attorney Stephanie Herseth, and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has begun asking House members to help Diedrich add to his war chest.
NRCC spokesman Carl Forti said fundraising efforts will likely parallel those in the Kentucky race. There, Republican state Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr raised twice as much as Democrat Ben Chandler, although she ultimately lost the race.
Diedrich said he has raised nearly $300,000 in the three weeks since the state Republican Party chose him as the candidate. Some of this money has come from the NRCC and Hill lawmakers. He said he does not know who has given the money, or exactly how much. With the Kentucky race over, House members and the national committee would now focus more on his race, he said.
Last week, Diedrich traveled to Washington to meet Republican members and garner additional support. He was pleased with his reception, saying, "The commitment has been, `You tell us what you want.'"
There you have it. Key points -- Republicans are reeling thanks to our Kentucky victory; the GOP will give Diedrich whatever he wants; they will outspend Herseth 2-1.
Alice Fogy Kerry had the same advantages over our guy Ben Chandler. If Democrats have learned anything the past decades, it's that we'll never have as much money as other guy. But we don't need to have as much money. We have the issues on our side. We just need the resources to communicate our message.