Just in - I just got a nice note from a Thad Wasson of Piedmont that he is going to be entering the GOP contest for United States House of Representatives to run against incumbent Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, and he'll be making his first appearance at the Meade County Republican dinner on July 19, 2009.

"It is with great humility and honor that I, Thad Wasson am announcing my candidacy for the U.S. House on the Republican ticket. This a decision based on many prayers and consultation with my wife, Michelle, and the future of our three children Hannah, Henry, and Vivien.

For the past 60 years this nation has slowly given away her sovereignty, from joining the United Nations to NATO to trade alliances from NAFTA to the WTO. This has lead to military conflicts that never end and the loss of a manufacturing base that we as a nation need to survive.

Forward to the year 2009, when there is no talk of American greatness or American prosperity or American pride. It has been replaced with global initiatives and one world solutions and a common good.

The current Democratic agenda is set on solutions which result in government control. I will strive to bring back the American dream – Freedom from an oppressive government, freedom to succeed and freedom for this country for decades to come.

Sincerely, Thad Wasson

If Secretary of State Chris Nelson remains in the race - this could mean that Republicans might even have a primary for the contest. I'm looking forward to hearing what more Thad has to say about the race and his background.

And a hearty congratulations to Thad for stepping up to the plate. Political races are never as glamorous as they might seem from the outside, and he's to be congratulated for making the commitment.

In response to an e-mail looking for some biographical information...

I am 36, been married to my wife Michelle for 8 years and have 3 children ages 7, 3 and 2. I work for Qwest Communications as a network technician and began that career in May of 1997.

I graduated from Pierce High School in Pierce, NE class of 91. Joined the Marine Corps and served for two years. I was stationed in Hawaii - thank you taxpayers. After my discharge I attended community college in Norfolk, NE.

We attend church at Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Rapid City and I have been the council leader for 5 years. I am also a board member of Bethany Christian Services, an adoption and family counseling agency. I belong to the Marine Corps League in Rapid and also the American Legion Post in Piedmont. My beatiful wife Michelle is a P.A. for the Rapid City Regional Hospital and is native of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The past year I have spoken to over a thousand people and not one has said that we as a nation are on the right path. Everybody wants the federal government to be limited. If there needs to be a study of all that is proposed and being forced on us citizens, just look at our own Indian tribes in the State. This is where the country is headed.

If a blue collar man with no political experience and no money thinks he has a chance to win, that proves that point that South Dakota has terrible federal leadership.

In his note, Thad was complimentary towards the Meade County GOP, but has the impression from his contact with other party entities in his area that they might be fixating on another potential candidate. Which is too bad, because they should be open and welcoming to all candidates who have an interest in the race (especially since party bylaws demand it).

Thad, I feel your pain, from my own experiences with my local GOP County party. There are those who believe the GOP organization should be a resource, serving all of those who wish to run under it's banner. And then there those who are a little less receptive, for their own selfish reasons. Don't let them get you down. Primary races are about bringing out the best of the GOP. Not in settling for what's there. If we never challenged ourselves we'd be winning a lot fewer races in the South Dakota.

You've chosen a long row to hoe - and my best wishes to you for jumping in with both feet.