Starting yesterday - the SDGOP has had 2 candidates jump in the race against Congresswoman Stepahnie Hersth. 

First, here's the announcement from Dr. Blake Curd:

BLAKE CURD ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2009 Contact: Georgia Hanson 605-351-1880

“…there is too much Washington in South Dakota. It’s time to take more South Dakota to Washington.”

(Sioux Falls) – Dr. Blake Curd, Sioux Falls physician and Republican member of the South Dakota State House of Representatives, today announced the filing of his Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission for the 2010 election for South Dakota’s At-Large Seat in the United States Congress. Curd, 42, was elected to the State House representing District 12 in Lincoln and Minnehaha counties in 2008, and is an Orthopedic, Hand and Microvascular surgeon practicing in Sioux Falls.

“As a doctor, it is my work to heal sick and injured people every day. As a Congressman, I will work to heal a very sick and injured federal government. These days there is too much Washington in South Dakota. It’s time to take more South Dakota to Washington,” said Curd.

“As South Dakota’s elected Representative I will work to restore our Congress to its intended form, one that listens to and represents the people I am privileged to serve. We cannot mortgage our way to success and prosperity. I will work tirelessly to restore true fiscal responsibility to our nation while ensuring that the federal government does not continue to trample on our freedom and liberty under the ruse of protecting and caring for us. We must curtail pork barrel spending, earmarks, and legislative arrangements that reward the few while hurting the country and South Dakota. We must seriously pursue energy independence. We must promote policies that encourage us to turn to each other for assistance when help is needed and away from increasing dependence on government solutions.”

“For decades Congress has inserted the federal government ever deeper into the lives of our citizens under the guise of assistance and compassion, the result of which has been a gradual yet constant erosion of our freedom and liberty. Congress continues to demonstrate that its appetite is insatiable and is dangerously close to accumulating a debt that America will never be able to repay and shackling future generations with the chains of that irresponsibility. This must end and this must be reversed.”

“Regardless the outcome of the current bills before our Congress, health care will continue to be a significant issue. The Democrats will continue to try and insert government in the personal and private relationships between ourselves and our doctors, dictate what health insurance we must have, and what treatments we can afford. We need people that have fought for patients, fought against disease, fought for what is right when the insurance industry has denied treatment, and stood up to the status quo to improve our health. As a member of Congress I will deliver real experience to health care and promote real solutions that work and are effective.”

“Elections are about choices. I believe the people of South Dakota deserve a choice between the current representation and a fresh new perspective on the federal government and its role in the betterment of the lives of our citizens. I look forward to a vigorous debate on the issues and challenges facing South Dakota with the current representative, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin,” concluded Curd.

Curd served in the United States Air Force, was stationed at Ellsworth AFB for a time, and moved to Sioux Falls in 2001. He and his wife Debbie have been married for 16 years and are the parents of three children. They attend Celebrate Church in Sioux Falls. A full biography of Dr. R. Blake Curd follows, and is available at www.CurdforCongress.com.

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Bradley Byrne
Biography of R. Blake Curd, M.D.
R. Blake Curd, M.D. is an Orthopedic, Hand, and Microvascular Surgeon practicing at the Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is the immediate past chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center.

Dr. Curd was born to Richard A. and Nancy L. Curd in Atlantic, Iowa, and reared in Omaha, Nebraska and the Greater Kansas City Area. His father served a long and distinguished career in both State and Federal Law Enforcement. His mother was an international entertainer who became a stay at home mom raising Blake and his brother Derek who is an electrical engineer currently living in Niwot, CO.

Curd graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine with degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and his Medical Doctorate. He completed an Internship at David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, CA and a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX. Curd completed a Fellowship in Hand and Microvascular Surgery at Indiana University and the Indiana Hand Center. He is an Associate Professor for the Sanford School of Medicine.

Curd began his career in the United States Air Force Reserve in 1987. He entered active duty service in 1991 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Major in 2000. Curd was stationed at Travis AFB, CA, Ellsworth AFB, SD, Lackland AFB, TX, and Camp Pendleton, CA. During his time in the service Curd completed his medical training in Orthopedic Surgery and deployed to the Middle East and the Pacific Theater. While stationed at Ellsworth AFB he deployed to Kuwait where he was assigned to a combat search and rescue squadron in support of Operation Southern Watch. As a Flight Surgeon Curd has logged hours in the T-37, T-38, HH-1H Huey helicopter, HH53 Pavelow helicopter, HH55 Pavehawk helicopter, KC-10, KC-135, B1, B52, C130, C5, and C141.

Curd is Chairman of the Board and Interim President of Surgical Management Professionals. He serves as Manager for Medical Facilities USA, and is a member of the Acquisition committee for Medical Facilities Corporation. Curd is a member of the board and current Treasurer for Physician Hospitals of America.

He ran for the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2008 winning a four-way primary in May and was elected to office in the November General Election. He is currently serving his first term in the South Dakota House of Representatives and is on the Local Government and Health Committees.

Blake has been married to Debbie Curd, a registered nurse, for sixteen years. The couple have three children: Elliott, 13, Rilie, 11, and Zachary, 7. The family attends Celebrate Church in Sioux Falls.

Dr. Blake Curd should do well in his efforts against Congresswoman Herseth. Congratulations to him, and good luck.  It appears from the e-mail he’s using the consulting services of Georgia Hansen, who is also involved in Vernon Brown’s mayoral contest.

Contrast this with the announcement that came this AM from Secretary of State Chris Nelson:
 

For Immediate Release:

October 2, 2009

Nelson Announces for United States House of Representatives

Secretary of State Chris Nelson announced today that he will be a candidate in 2010 for the United States House of Representatives.

Nelson said, “The vast majority of decisions currently being made in Washington harm the ability of South Dakotans to prosper financially and live freely. It is time South Dakota elected a congressman who is willing to vote against legislation which deepens the federal debt and votes for a smaller federal government. It is no longer acceptable to push today’s problems off as a mortgage on our children’s future.

“South Dakotans want to prosper in their jobs and their businesses. I want to help that to happen by bringing fiscal responsibility to federal spending and not increasing the tax burden on our citizens. Congress today is considering many kinds of indirect taxes through your employer, your energy supplier, and your purchases. South Dakota’s House member must be willing to stand up and be a strong, representative voice for our state’s families, small businesses and ag producers.

“As South Dakota’s next congressman my votes will be guided by these principles:

· Fiscal responsibility must be a priority – This means not spending money on today’s problems with money which must be repaid by our children and grandchildren.

· The size of the federal government must be reduced – This means managing and regulating by the federal government only as a last resort. Most government functions can be performed more efficiently and effectively by state and local governments.

· A strong defense is vital – The most important function of the federal government is our security.

· Encourage opportunities for economic prosperity – allowing citizens to keep more of what they earn by minimizing taxes and allowing our economy to be fed by private sector growth not the federal government.

“As Secretary of State I have enjoyed serving the people of South Dakota for many years. I understand how to run government efficiently and effectively. I’ve seen how poorly written federal legislation costs taxpayers money. I am eager to bring my experience in running state government to the federal level.

“It is time for the right kind of change in Washington. Change for less borrowing and spending, less government intervention in business and society, and more opportunities for economic prosperity. I want to be part of making that change happen!”

The pair had been previously joined by Thad Wasson.

It's been said that this cycle is one of the most opportune times to be  Republican, and coupled with Congresswoman Herseth being in a period where her campaign account is down from the same time in previous elections, this might be a time where she's going to face more adversity in her electoral efforts.

In previous races, Herseth Sandlin has been notorious for dodging debates and any unscripted opportunities for comparisons against her GOP opponents. With the tenor of the debate in Washington this year, she might not be afforded that opportunity.

GIven the quality of the candidates placed against her, this could the the year the GOP retakes the seat.