Former Senator George McGovern's Legacy

The Democratic party chairman is not only praying for George McGovern and his family, he's also pausing to remember all the good McGovern has done for South Dakota and our country.

Former Senator McGovern didn't win the 1972 presidential election; in fact, he lost it in a landslide.

But South Dakota Democratic chairman Ben Nesselhuf says McGovern won the respect and hearts of many throughout his political career.

“I think he'll be remembered as a man, who in a difficult time, always tried to do what he thought was right," Nesselhuf said.

Nesselhuf says McGovern is a decent man who tried to make the world a better place and that will be his legacy.

“We sort of have a pessimistic look at politicians and politics and he was one of those who was a good guy, he was very successful guy in politics and that didn't always happen," Nesselhuf said.

McGovern took a strong stance opposing the United States involvement in the Vietnam War, where 58,000 Americans lost their lives.

“I think history has proved he was correct that the extra time that was spent there didn't necessarily gain us anything," Nesselhuf said.

Nesselhuf also says McGovern will be remembered as the father of the South Dakota Democratic party who was able to bridge party lines, like when he worked along side republican Senator Bob Dole on the issue of world hunger.

“I was talking with someone today who said George was a reminder that government can be used for good and I think in this day and age we tend to go the other direction," Nesselhuf said.

McGovern has been suffering from a combination of medical ailments due to old age that have gotten worse over the last few months.

As of Wednesday night, McGovern's condition remains the same. He is no longer responsive and remains in hospice care.