Long Primary Campaigns: Good for South Dakota!

Hillary Clinton speaks from the front porch of a Bath, SD, farmhouse and draws 600 people (Bath population: 574), then stops in Rapid City to boost the donut business. Bill Clinton speaks at the Pine Ridge High School gym and draws 800 listeners. Barack Obama comes to Watertown, SD, draws 1400 (Sioux Falls paper) to 2100 (AP-KSFY) listeners, and gets Watertown a byline that makes the international press. Obama comes tonight to the Sioux Falls Arena and takes a swing at drawing a bigger crowd than the Canaries, who play the Birdcage tonight and whose fans will be competing with politicos for parking spots around the Arena.

Clinton quit now? No way! Let's ride this primary season right through to June 3. When's the last time South Dakotans have gotten this many opportunities to meet the presidential candidates and host campaign stops that make the news? Heck, if nothing else, all these visits from big-spending campaigns and reporters will do wonders for our sales tax revenues.

For local political excitement, the KJAM presidential poll rolls along. Current figures:

Obama and McCain have switched places since Saturday, and Clinton has picked up support. If you haven't voted -- heck, even if you already have! -- head over to KJAM and click on your fave!

But before you go, don't forget to pcik your favorite Republicans in the Madville Times polls in the right sidebar here. U.S. Senate candidate Sam Kephart jumped out to an early lead, but Joel Dykstra is catching up (come on, Gonyo supporters, let's see that surge!). Rod Goeman enjoyed a similar early jump in the county poll, but his challengers are starting to catch up.