McGovern Day finds South Dakota Democrats feeling optimistic about their future, but aware of long

[TexasTowelie]

McGovern Day finds South Dakota Democrats feeling optimistic about their future, but aware of long road ahead


South Dakota Democrats were in a mood to celebrate.

In a way, it made sense. It was a beautiful summer weekend evening at the Great Bear Ski Valley. There was food, drinks and friends, all of whom shared a common interest in politics and their state.

So they talked, laughed, told old stories and met new friends at the annual McGovern Day event. They cheered for former Sen. Tim Johnson as he accepted a lifetime achievement award. They heard inspiring speeches, mostly from young, aspiring party leaders.

But in another sense, you had to wonder what they were so damn happy about.

The last time a Democrat won a statewide race was 2008, when Johnson won his third term in the U.S. Senate, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin was re-elected to a third full term, and Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama ran a competitive race in South Dakota.

Read more: https://www.sdstandardnow.com/home/mcgovern-day-finds-south-dakota-democrats-feeling-optimistic-about-their-future-but-aware-of-long-road-ahead

[SoCalDavidS]

1. Presidential Elections

I had to look it up.

In the last 124 years, the Democratic candidate for President has won South Dakota a total of 4 times.

The last time was Johnson in 1964, so 56 years ago.

Since 1940, the Democrats are 1-20 in Presidential elections. Yep, less than 5%.

Heck, Roosevelt lost there in his attempt for a 3rd term, in the middle of WW II.