McGovern's '72 Campaign Inspired Volunteers

A politician, father, neighbor and an all around good guy are just some of the ways people are remembering the late George McGovern.
   
Even those who volunteered on his campaign will continue to have a lasting memory of the former Senator.

Teri Schmidt works for the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau. But before being connected to visitors around town she campaigned for former US Senator George McGovern during her college years.

"As I do look back, I am so glad that I did work for him because I really do believe he is one of the kindest, most endearing human beings that I probably will ever meet. Maybe not back then, but he grew into being such a statesman," Schmidt said.

Schmidt has a lot of pride in the state and that's something she says she got through the inspiration and spirit of McGovern.

"Whether it is our community here in Sioux Falls or the state of South Dakota as a community, he just cared so much.  And that's what I hope we all do," Schmidt said.

But what sticks out most in Schmidt's mind is a memory she will never forget.

"Back in the 70s when McGovern ran for president, of course I was a college kid then very much into politics and then teaching with a teaching degree.  So his campaign came around and said, 'we need a teacher to be in an ad.' They made this 'Teachers for McGovern' t-shirt.  I was fortunate enough to be the one to wear it and be in photographs with Senator McGovern for his campaign," Schmidt said.

And from those few photos they took, she got a glimpse at another side of McGovern.

"You know I remember it, I remember it clearly.  And he was just so much fun and so kind. We had to pose of course and he was just a lot of fun and a regular guy," Schmidt said.

Schmidt says she will also remember that even though McGovern was a politician, he was always a regular guy who cared deeply about others.