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Rep. Stephanie Herseth: Democratic Avenger of Daschle's Lost Throne?
Stephanie Herseth, South Dakota’s first-term representative in the United States Congress, is a bright star in the Democratic Party. She is a political moderate (Kranz), has unbeatable name recognition, and an impeccable curriculum vitae at the young age of thirty-three (CQ). If Sen. Tom Daschle (D) were to fall this Election Day to John Thune (R), Stephanie Herseth would likely be the top candidate to challenge the new Senator during the next election. There are many reasons why Herseth makes a quality candidate.
Previous experience
Herseth is certainly weak on political experience. She won a special election against Republican Larry Diedrich only on June 1st (Kafka 8/30/04), so her congressional experience is slight. She has thus far sponsored only four bills, none of which have gone far (Thomas). Her lack of experience in and identification with Washington may, however, give her an advantage, especially in rural South Dakota. She contrasts excellently with Sen. Daschle, whose face—for better or worse--has become the symbol of Democratic leadership on the Hill.
Name recognition
Despite Rep. Herseth’s inexperience in politics, her name is very well-recognized. Her grandfather had been Governor, her grandmother had been Secretary of State, and her father had been elected to the State Capitol for twenty years, culminating in a run for the governorship in 1986 (NOW 6/6/02). Voters who recognize a candidates’ name are probably more likely to trust the candidate.
Constituent links
Herseth talks up her links to farmers by ensuring them that she grew up on a South Dakota “farm and ranch” (Herseth). She courts American Indians, too: two out of her four bill proposals dealt with Indian issues (Thomas).
Fundraising
No candidate can be successful without money, and lots of it. As of the end of June 2004, Herserth had more than one million dollars more than her opponent, Diedrich. Furthermore, she had two-and-a-half times more cash on hand than Diedrich (opensecrets1).
Party & interest group links
Herseth has very strong support from feminist interest groups. EMILY’s List alone has given over $150,000 to the campaign, more than the next six top contributors combined. NARAL Pro-Choice America is another big Herseth donor. Among the other major PACs who contribute are typical Democratic types: labor unions, teacher’s unions, and trial lawyer’s associations (opensecrets2). She displays her moderate politics as a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition (CQ).
Stephanie Herseth is young, is perceived as a Washington outsider, receives dedicated support from interest groups, and has excellent name recognition. There is not doubt that her name is on the Democratic Party’s short list of future Senate candidates for South Dakota.
Created Sept. 21, 2004. Updated Sept. 21, 2004