Shut Up And Let Me Tell You How To Vote (State and National Reps, Senators)

Like any good American I picked up a sample ballot from the Tripp County Courthouse in advance of the election so I have ample time to review the proposed amendments and initiatives, as well as make myself familiar with all the candidates for office. I took a long look at it, and since America is such a lazy nation that barely 50 percent of it's eligible citizens will vote, I know damn well that precious few of you will bother to review the ballot before the election. So... I did it for you. Now, shut up and I'll tell you how to vote.

U.S. Senate

The battle in Souf Dakota is between Tim Johnson (D) and Joel Dykstra (R). Johnson is an incumbent Democrat in a Republican state who has enjoyed some of the highest approval ratings in the entirety of the United States Senate. This race wouldn't even be worth mentioning if it weren't for the fact that Johnson suffered a titanic stroke that has left him barely able to verbally communicate.

I realize that I'm looking at this situation differently than most people, but it's like this... Tim Johnson has replaced Strom Thurmond as the face of the 'lifer' politician. With no term limits there are some motherfuckers who won't release the reigns of power until handlers are wheeling their corpse out of the Sentate chambers when their bodies, finally, die. Tim Johnson could have designated his successor and they could have taken this election in a walk. He didn't, because it's not about what's best for Souf Dakota and it's not about what's best for the nation. It's about party politics and the refusal to step back no matter what happens.

That, and no other reason, is why I'm voting for Joel Dykstra. I doubt it will matter, I think Johnson will roll come November.

U.S. Congress

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D) is your incumbent here, opposed by Chris Lein (R). I like Herseth Sandlin, I like that she went against her party and initially opposed the bailout. She'll be getting my vote.

State Senate and State Representative

It is my policy to vote against incumbents unless I like them, for example, I supported Chuck Hagel in 2002, but when it comes to state elections, I almost always vote for the challenger because I believe it's like sending a little 'Screw You, Work Harder' to the politicians. In my district the incumbents are Julie Bartling and Kim Vanneman, the challengers and John Koskan and Thomas J. Glover. I freely admit that I still have to educate myself on these candidates, but Bartling and Vanneman will have to really move me to get my vote. Doesn't matter, incumbents win the majority of the time.