Regional Industry & News

Dan Ahlers responds to Trump’s endorsement of Rhoden for Governor

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - President Trump announced his endorsement of incumbent Larry Rhoden for governor on Thursday, after abstaining from backing a candidate during the primary elections.

Democratic opponent Dan Ahlers responded to the endorsement, saying he understands the value of an endorsement as a candidate, but said one endorsement matters most.

Ahlers said he is focused on voters and their needs, saying Trump’s administration has not served them.

“I think that people need to consider Trump’s policies are why our costs are so high right now, when you look at the cost of gas and diesel, that impacts all of us every day. And it makes the bottom line tighter every month,” Ahlers said.

Ahlers and other Democratic candidates at the state and local level have held confidence that this is the year for Democrats to represent the state.

“I am from the working class, I’m a small business owner, and I’ve been a community organizer for three decades now. That’s who I am; I’m not being anything that I’m not,” Ahlers said.

The Rhoden ticket believes a Biden-endorsed candidate is not the right man for the governor’s seat.

USD Professor Emeritus Michael Card said Ahlers will have to focus on the flaws of national politics to overcome the Republican grip in South Dakota.

“It’s not about local politics nearly as much, which is sort of a challenging situation to be in if you’re a democratic candidate,” Card said.

“He’s going to be outspent; as a result of being outspent, he’s going to be out-media’d, so to speak, and it’s going to be difficult to get his message across,” Card said.

Rhoden and Ahlers will meet for their first of two debates at the State Fair next Saturday. The general election is on Nov. 3.

Governor Rhoden told Dakota News Now on Friday that he is grateful for Trump’s endorsement. He admitted it would have been nice to get the support during the primary election cycle, but it is welcomed nonetheless and will help secure another term in office.