I have mentioned this race before, but I think the race between Isaac Latterell and incumbent Duane Sutton for District 3 Senate is getting short shrift. Maybe because unlike some races, the candidates up here seem to have largely ignored one another's presence. But the dynamics are similar. Sutton is a member of the "Mainstream Coalition" of Republicans. Latterell is positioning himself to Sutton's right, especially on cultural issues.
Mr. Latterell has been busy. If the race were decided based on lawn signs and letters to the Aberdeen American News, I'd say Latterell was the favorite, but of course signs and letters aren't votes and incumbents are tough to beat. I also received a pamphlet from Latterell in the mail last week (sorry Isaac, I am registered Independent and can't vote anyway). If I were PP over at the War College I'd post images and critique the mailer, but I don't own a scanner and my digital camera had an unfortunate meeting with a river over the weekend. I do think Mr. Latterell has produced a slick and good looking mailing. He touts his conservative credentials, and it is no accident that first in his list of "what you can expect if you elect Isaac Latterell" is a "consistently Pro-Life Senator." Also included in the mailing is the voter guide to the 3rd District by the South Dakota Family Policy Council. Again, Latterell places himself squarely to Sutton's right on "family values" issues. Someone even took the time to highlight the differences between Latterell and Sutton on abortion and same-sex marriage votes.
In a low turnout race, a hand full of dedicated people can make a difference. I do not predict a Latterell win (good news for him, as I couldn't predict from which direction the sun will come up), but he may give Sen. Sutton a run for his money.
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