Brookings Banter

Pam Merchant's District 7 State Senator win was surprising, at first.  The Republican trio of Smidt, Pitts, and Tidemann have dominated in past elections.  Since Pam is active in the community and was campaigning hard I thought it would be a competitive race, but I didn't see her wining.  What I and several others didn't consider was the turnout due to the presidential election.  Pam's knock on doors hard work gained her the 224 vote margin to beat popular incumbant Orv Smidt.  When the turn out increased 20% from the last election Smidt only increased his votes by 2%.  In past elections Smidt popular well known name carried him.  This election Pam and her crew picked up more of the new votes.  Lesson for all who run for office.  Sometimes door to door politics aren't needed, but can you risk it.