11/08/2018
While the results were ultimately not in our favor, let's take a moment to consider some things:
We, all of us, did what politicians refused to do: give voters a choice and give voters a voice when it comes to fighting corruption in our state. After the emergency repeal of IM22, voters were boxed out and ignored. Through our efforts, we were able to continue the conversation at the ballot box, where it belongs.
Nearly 140,000 South Dakotans - friends, neighbors, family members - took a stand against corruption and demanded more respect. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents all coming together. This is a point we never would have reached were it not for all of us working together to keep this conversation going!
To all of you who donated your time and resources, thank you so much. Every door knocked, phone called, and letter written kept this very pressing issue on our collective mind.
We could have stayed home. We could have shrugged in the face of scandal after scandal. We could have just said "politics-as-usual," but we didn't. Instead we got out there, knocked on doors, made phone calls, wrote letters, and had the conversations. And we won't stop. We can't stop. Because the moment we stop having those conversations, calling out that corruption, and speaking up, THAT is the moment special interests win. Not a moment before.
Also, do not think our efforts and energies here have gone unnoticed. Just last night, our North Dakotan friends passed their own anti-corruption measure, saying they were inspired to do so by all of us here in South Dakota.
Democracy is a fragile thing. Once we give up power, it is incredibly difficult to get back. The same is true as we continue to fight for a government that puts voters in charge. There is no reason to believe the scandals and assaults on direct democracy will stop. That leaves us, the voters, as the first and final line of defence. Get acquainted with your new legislators; I am sure we will all have a lot to talk about for these next few years!
And remember our state motto: "Under God, the People Rule." Let's keep that in mind and represent our state accordingly. Thank you all very much for everything!
