HURON, S.D. ? With the backing of members of old-guard Democrats from the northeastern region of the state, South Dakota State Sen. Ron Volesky formally kicked off his gubernatorial bid.
Volesky held a press conference in his Huron home Oct. 5 before making a whirlwind tour through several key South Dakota cities. The Huron Democrat, the first legitimate Native American candidate to run for governor told local Democrats he will make an effort to bring inclusion to state offices and tribal leaders back to the table when considering all issues.
Improving race relations is personal issue for the candidate, born to American Indian and German parents 47 years ago on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, but he has told American Indian friends, ‘don’t vote for me because of my Indian heritage.’
At the same time, Volesky said he hopes voters won’t turn him away at the polls because of his heritage.
‘I could never explain to my children why someone would not vote for me because of my heritage.’
Volesky is the first announced gubernatorial candidate from either major party. Republican Bill Janklow can’t run for re-election in 2002 because of term limits.
Volesky graduated from Harvard University in 1976, earned a master’s degree in journalism in 1977 at South Dakota State University and a law degree in 1980 at the University of South Dakota. He will have served 16 years in two eight-year stints.
He said it is time for a change because the GOP has been in power for nearly a quarter-century. He said he thinks Democrats have the best message and solutions to offer. He called for improving elementary and secondary education across the state including increased salaries for teachers. He suggested forgiving school loans for teachers if they remain in the state to teach and a statewide mentoring program.
South Dakota’s farm-sector economy can improve through ethanol, wind energy and agricultural processing, Volesky said.
Speaking at a Minnehaha County Democratic Forum in Sioux Falls Oct. 5, Volesky outlined plans for education, fair wages, improved race relations and a mentoring program.
‘I believe the people of South Dakota deserve having an open and inclusive government.’ He said he hopes to appeal across racial lines and persuade Republican voters to cross party lines on the ballot.
‘I think Ron is a very enthusiastic campaigner. He will do very well,’ said former South Dakota Sen. James Abourezk.
‘If I wanted to get a bill through in the House, Ron is the man who I would go to, and he would get it done. He is a man of passion, action and heart,’ said Rebecca Dunn, a former state senator from Sioux Falls.
Volesky’s wife, Tara, who is his campaign manager, said she has seen her husband in the worst of times and the best of times. ‘I’ve seen how far he has come in the last 15 years. I have heard him speak to Indian children and give commencement speeches. He gives them hope. He can do that because he has overcome so many obstacles,’ she said.
‘My campaign is not for sale,’ said Volesky, referring to the funding hurdle Democratic candidates have faced in recent years. ‘Money is an important issue, and we need to address it. Money can buy a clock, but it cannot buy you time. Money can buy you a book, but it cannot buy you knowledge. Money can buy you medicine, but it cannot buy you health. Money can buy you blood, but it cannot buy you life.’
Former Gov. Harvey Wollman of Doland backed Volesky’s run for the office, saying it is the party’s opportunity to change the face of government in a state that has struggled with inclusion. Wollman served in the Legislature during the turbulent 1970s and was the last Democrat to sit in the governor’s seat.
He recalled the unrest on reservations during his terms in office when Wounded Knee was occupied. Wollman, who became governor in 1978 after the resignation of Richard F. Kneip, said he was disappointed that the dialogue between state officials and the tribes continues to be strained.
George S. Mickelson, governor from 1987 until his death in 1993, asked for a reconciliation hoping to bring tribal members to table. However, the dialogue ended when Janklow regained the seat in 1995, Wollman said.
While Volesky is the first viable Native American candidate, he isn’t the first to run for governor. Butch Driving Hawk, a teen-ager from Todd County, ran for governor in the late 1970s. After he declared his candidacy, he failed to get enough signatures on his petition to be eligible for the state’s primary. His name doesn’t appear on election records, say state officials.
There was no age limit for gubernatorial candidates at that time. The state’s constitution has changed and as of 1998, state office holders must be 21.
Some Democrats are trying to persuade University of South Dakota President Jim Abbott to run for governor. Abbott has said he would consider it.
Republican Congressman John Thune ended months of speculation he might run for governor with an Oct. 8 announcement that he would seek the congressional seat held by Sen. Tim Johnson. South Dakota Attorney General Mark Barnett indicated he will run on the Republican ticket, but has made no a formal announcement.