Normally I stay out of party politics on this blog. But District 33 has a situation going on that has caused quite a few Republicans from the area to contact me via email and phone to ask if I knew about a Thune staffer supporting the Democrat in a State Senate race? Since none of the other blogs or old-school media have reported on this, I thought at least a small post was in order.
Here is a large sign supporting Democrat Haven Stuck for State Senate in District 33:
Apparently this sign happens to be on the property of Qusi Al-Haj. Al-Haj also happens to be the West River Director for Senator John Thune. This comes at a time when establishment leadership within the Republican party is trying hard to promote party unity. But some of the local Republicans see this as the establishment trying to oust incumbent Republican Sen Phil Jensen. This just added fuel to the fire for some local Republicans who were unhappy with Governor Daugaard giving $1000 to Rep Jacqueline Sly in the District 33 primary election earlier this year. The two events are probably unrelated, but it does look quite suspicious to local conservatives.
It is possible that Al-Haj happens to be friends with Stuck and is just supporting his friend. It is also possible Al-Haj didn’t realize putting this sign up would make his boss Senator Thune look bad in the eyes of some local Republicans. Al-Haj definitely has the free speech rights to support any candidate he wishes; but as a party insider he must realize there are repercussions which can occur from decisions such as this.
Some time in next week or two I’ll be up to District 33 as I write a blog post about each race. Perhaps by that time this race will be even more heated up!
The post Republican problems in District 33 appeared first on SoDakLiberty.