George McGovern's grandson decides against U.S. Senate run

[ccharles000]

The grandson of former South Dakota Sen. George McGovern has decided not to follow in his grandfather's footsteps.

At least, not yet.

Matt McGovern of Sioux Falls said Tuesday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. John Thune.

"Although I appreciate all the encouragement from South Dakotans who have asked me to run, I have decided not to run for the Senate in 2010," McGovern said in an e-mail to the Journal. "I have always been interested in public service, and I considered entering the Senate race because the Senate is obstructing legislation that is good for South Dakota."

McGovern, a Democrat, is South Dakota's state director of the Repower America campaign, which is pushing for energy-reform legislation in Congress. He said his priority must be that reform work; political considerations could come later.

"After my work with Repower America is done, I will seek other opportunities to serve South Dakota, either as a private citizen or by seeking public office," McGovern said.

So far, the Democratic Party does not have a challenger for Thune, the Republican incumbent who will be up for re-election in 2010.

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_cc69adbe-e452-11de-bb2c-001cc4c03286.html