SF Dist. 13 Candidates Campaign For Votes

With days until the June 5th primary, the race for the District 13 House is heating up.

While two candidates will advance to the general election this November, each of the three men hope they get critical votes from central Sioux Falls voters.

The campaign trail leads to Sioux Falls sidewalks for the candidates. This weekend, the three Republicans make last minute efforts to meet voters before Tuesday's primary.

Mark Mickelson aims to follow in his family's political footsteps. Both his father George S. Mickelson and grandfather George T. Mickelson served as governors for South Dakota, after starting out in the House of Representatives.

"My family history has to do with my outlook and my beliefs and giving something back," Mickelson said.

The well-educated entrepreneur says his business knowledge will help him serve the state.

"I am going to work a lot on economic development issues. That's my main passion and the more you get into economic development, the more you realize that your work force and the skills they have is the number one reason people come to a place to grow their business and that gets back to education," Mickelson said.

"I've always been interested in politics and I've been involved in the political world in medicine statewide and the national level," Frank Alvine said.

After 35 years as an orthopedic surgeon, Alvine says his medical experience will give a much needed perspective in Pierre.

"There were 36 healthcare bills last session where there were no M.D.s up there to advise them on any of the bills. So after listening to some of the testimony, I think I can add to the discussion," Alvine said.

The Navy veteran says the proper management of the environment will be one of his priorities if elected.

"Our state's done an excellent job of where they are but we really are at a critical passing with were we are at and I want to be a part of that," Steve Westra said.

Westra is also making a last minute appeal to voters. The father of three young children is a partner in a Sioux Falls based healthcare development company.

"There are a lot of things on the healthcare side where I've spent my time," Westra said. "But being on the business side, there is a lot that goes into it than I think a lot of others have experience with and I think I can bring that component to Pierre."

The candidates each say education is a high priority, along with fiscal responsibility in Pierre. While the men have spent weeks meeting voters in District 13, they hope this hard work pays off on Tuesday.

Click here for a link to Mark Mickelson’s campaign website.

Click here for a link to Frank Alvine’s campaign website.

Click here for a link to Steve Westra’s campaign website.