I received Varilek's campaign flyer this morning. It makes his position a bit clearer on gay unions, but it still makes no sense. There is no reason for any politician to discuss religious "marriage" rites. It is appropriate to discuss state civil "union" law and regulations.
Varilek with his experience should know better and clearly maintain the distinction. This is a significant blunder on his part and it is not a good omen. It appears that this Democratic candidate is more of the Casper Milquetoast Democratic approach that guarantees the SD Democratic Party will be only a pale shadow in the sand.
Barth needs to get out of Sioux Falls and start banging on doors. If he has anything at all on the ball, he needs to actually start running a campaign.
*** Stay tuned and maintain those distinctions that clarify --- Doug Wiken
Let me try some positive spin: maybe Matt fumbled on this question because his experience has focused on economic development and jobs. Maybe like a lot of good Dems, he's much more interested in practical policy that the culture war with which the GOP wants to distract us from its crony capitalism.
That said, I wish Matt had demonstrated better instincts on marriage equality. He needs to realize that beating Noem requires taking firm stands and throwing hard punches, not conceding half of the SDGOP agenda before the fight really starts.
Posted by: caheidelberger | May 19, 2012 at 11:15 AM