Blog Poll: Bartling Outpolls Barnett... and a Dems' Quandary

The latest Madville Times poll asked, "Who gets your vote for South Dakota auditor?" You, dear readers, gave Democrat Julie Bartling the nod:

Julie Bartling	74 (56%)
Steve Barnett	57 (44%)

Votes: 131

Not bad, although given the standard Madville Times bias and barn-sized margin of error, Bartling should keep shaking hands and kissing babies...

...which brings me to my quandary. Julie Bartling is notorious among South Dakota Dems for her work on the 2005 abortion task force and her primary sponsorship of the 2006 abortion ban. Bartling has since disavowed her 2006 legislation (which failed to pass muster with voters on referral that year). But some Dems don't like Bartling's politics on reproductive rights and may thus withhold their vote from her for state auditor.

When I first heard this Dem complaint, I thought, What's the fuss? She'll have a lot less opportunity to advance the Hunt/Unruh Handmaid's Tale agenda from the auditor's office than from the Senate chamber. Bartling will be a good state auditor. Her quals—18 years as Gregory County auditor—beat the pants off the other guy. Besides, we need every Dem we can get in state office so we can build a stronger bench of candidates for future races.

Yet I'm still considering my own protest vote against a down-ticket Dem over a similar hot-button political disagreement. Doyle Karpen wants to replace Dusty Johnson on the Public Utilities Commission. Doyle Karpen is a good Democrat with lots of good public service experience. But Doyle Karpen also thinks the Hyperion refinery would be "fantastic" for South Dakota and was instrumental as Union County Commissioner in opening the door for those Texas oil men to tear up a lot of good farmland and keep us addicted to fossil fuels. And a Public Utilities Commissioner has a little more say over other big dirty oil projects than an auditor does over abortion legislation.

But if I tell Dems to drop their political grudges and vote for Bartling, can they not bounce the same argument back to tell me to vote for Karpen?

I have some thinking to do over the next four weeks. Your thoughts, dear readers, are welcome in that process.

Johnson Outpolls Karpen 60-40 for PUC

The latest Madville Times poll shows perhaps predictable though not heartening results for Dems hoping to knock off a GOP golden dude and expand the Dems' bench here in South Dakota. I asked, "Who will get your vote for SD Public Utilities Commissioner?" From the poll's opening on Wednesday afternoon to closing at breakfast this morning, 129 of you eager readers gave a majority nod to incumbent commissioner and peppy Republican Dusty Johnson:

Dusty Johnson	77 (60%)
Doyle Karpen	52 (40%)

Votes: 129

Given a margin of error slightly wider than TransCanada's ability to accurately project oil spills, what might we read in these Sunday-morning tea leaves?

1. Incumbency has its advantages. In a poll on the Secretary of State's race, another statewide office that many voters ignore, Madville Times readers gave Democrat Ben Nesselhuf a 70–26 edge over the GOP's Jason Gant. Both of those candidates are state legislators seeking to replace the outgoing Republican Secretary of State. In the PUC race, Commissioner Johnson can point to achievements in the office he wants to hold for another six years. Evidently the "throw the bums out!" sentiment doesn't extend to Republicans on the PUC.
2. Commissioner Johnson's been fixing more phones than mine.
3. Even if the PUC can't do a thing to stop it, the Democrats out there who read this blog are still struggling to justify a vote for a county commissioner who thinks the Hyperion refinery will be "fantastic."

We've got more ballot to cover and big races to re-poll, so stay tuned for more chances to click your picks for November 2! Just four weeks to Election Day—goosebumps!

Vote Now: Who's Your Man for PUC, Dusty or Doyle?

Would you work hard to get the job of Public Utilities Commissioner? Fortunately for South Dakota, we have two guys for whom the answer is "Heck yeah!" Republican incumbent Dusty Johnson and Democratic challenger Doyle Karpen are both working hard for the chance to spend six years working on pipelines and power rates.

The Public Utilities commission does regulates your utilities, keeps telemarketers from bugging you, and advocates for good energy and telecommunications policy? Given the increasing centrality of energy and telecommunications to the economic health of our state, the job of Public Utilities Commissioner isn't just some boring down-ticket coin-flip race. Picking the right guy for this job matters.

So who's your choice: Dusty or Doyle? Vote now in the latest Madville Times poll, here in the right sidebar. The poll is open through breakfast Sunday, so tell your friends, and click your pick!

Karpen Lobbies Dems for PUC Nod; Where's Zaiko?

Doyle Karpen hits my mailbox, and the mailboxes of other Democratic convention delegates, to ask for our vote to make him the Democratic nominee to challenge Dusty Johnson for the Public Utilities Commission.

I've made clear that I have trouble getting excited about a Democrat (or anyone else) who calls the proposed Hyperion refinery "fantastic" and a "boon." So you can expect my read of Karpen's campaign literature to be less than favorable.

As I read his letter, the first thing I learn is the length of his marriage and the names of his wife, kids, and grandkids. Yes, yes, we all have wonderful families. Yes, I'm proud of my daughter, too, but that doesn't render my political judgment any more valid.

After ascribing his political activities to the inspiration of "the spirit of the pioneers who made our country great," Karpen gets down to the real résumé, citing his experience on township board, school board, and county commission. Interestingly, in discussing his tenure as a Union County Commissioner, he does not mention the words "Hyperion" or "refinery":

Being Chairman of the Union County Commissioners fostered in me the importance of allowing everyone the right to be heard while ensuring that the wishes of the majority are sustained. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, "The most sacred of the duties of a government is to do equal and impartial justice to all citizens" [Doyle Karpen, campaign letter to Democratic convention delegates, June 2010].

Well, at least Karpen is good at spin.

Karpen does mention Hyperion on his online résumé. Karpen says he "focused on laws and ordinances rather than emotions"... since, of course, if you oppose an unsustainable, polluting, economically unviable oil refinery, you're just being emotional.

I'm starting to worry that when Karpen talks about bringing "the pioneer spirit... back to the people of South Dakota," he's really talking code for letting big oil corporations pioneer their projects roughshod right over us natives (ah, just like the 1800s).

But where's our alternative? Challenger John Zaiko hasn't sent out similar mail. He did click "attending" on the Democratic convention Facebook page, so I'm hoping we can have a conversation in Sioux Falls Saturday... and maybe at least one interesting vote at the convention!

Zaiko Challenging Karpen for Dems PUC Nomination

"S.D. Democrats Hit PUC Snag"—why can't TransCanada be the subject of that sentence?

Snag? I disagree with Mr. Brokaw's headline characterization of John Zaiko's declaration he is still seeking South Dakota Democrats' nomination to challenge Dusty Johnson for his seat on the Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Zaiko's persistence is perhaps mildly bothersome to whoever decided to anoint Union County Commissioner Doyle Karpen as our nominee ten weeks before the convention. I, however, find notable pleasure in the opportunity to choose someone other than Hyperion-loving Karpen for this office. I also dig names with Z's. ;-)

I welcome Mr. Zaiko's candidacy and look forward to hearing him make his case in more detail. (In other words, John, put up a blog! Tell us what you stand for! Make the sale!)

Johnson vs. Karpen for PUC: Who Will Stand Up to Big Oil?

We have a Public Utilities Commission race! We knew incumbent commissioner Dusty Johnson was running, but yesterday the eager Republican sent out a pleasant official announcement (quoted below).

Just announced at last weekend's McGovern Day in Rapid City: a Democrat challenger! Union County Commission chairman Doyle Karpen has thrown his hat in the ring.

Back that up: Union County Commission? As in, the fellas who have been voting consistently along the Hyperion corporate line?

Yeah. Those guys. Karpen has said the Hyperion refinery could be "fantastic"* for the state. For Karpen's public comments on Hyperion are all about the boost in tax revenue and jobs. Karpen joined the unanimous commission vote approving the Hyperion rezoning application and ordinance, under circumstances that one lawyer contended were improper, given the significant amendments that occurred between first and second reading. He was involved in the county's effort to use signage ordinances to stifle free speech during the 2008 county election concerning the Hyperion permit. On his own campaign website, Karpen maintains a conspicuously careful neutrality on the proposed refinery. He also doesn't appear to have much of a sense of humor... at least not when the joke is on Hyperion.

And we Democrats are supposed to get excited about a PUC candidate who's done the bidding of Big Oil? Hmmm... doesn't look like we'll be getting anyone to challenge Johnson's votes for the TransCanada pipelines any time soon.

Yes, there are plenty of other issues for our PUC candidates to debate. But Karpen's record on Hyperion dampens my passion for taking the fight to Dusty.

Karpen and Johnson are both on Facebook. Current fan count: advantage Johnson, 659 to 31.

=======Johnson Press Release=======

Mitchell, SD – Dustin “Dusty” Johnson, the chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission, has officially announced he will seek a second six-year term on the PUC. Johnson says he has successfully kept the promises he made to voters during his first term.

Johnson was elected to his first term in 2004 and has served as the PUC’s chairman in 2007, 2009, and 2010. In his six years on the PUC he has become a recognized leader in working to develop renewable energy resources, expand internet access and cell phone reception, keep utility rates low, and protect consumers.

“Politicians are good at making promises; they aren’t always good at keeping them. Over the last six years, I’ve made good on the commitments I made to voters in 2004. We’ve seen a nearly 1,000 percent increase in wind power, hundreds of new cell phone towers, and thousands of South Dakotans have gained access to high-speed Internet for the first time,” Johnson said. “A common-sense regulatory environment helped make that progress a reality.”

Johnson’s website (www.JohnsonforPUC.com) lists seven areas he promises to focus on in the next six years, including green energy development, energy efficiency, and consumer protection. He believes that with hard work, South Dakota will be able to take advantage of significant opportunities over the next few years.

“From wind power to ethanol to a strong rural broadband network, we have the pieces in place to continue to create jobs and improve the lives of consumers,” Johnson said. “The PUC has helped to lay that groundwork and I am excited to keep working on these issues that impact the lives of families and businesses in South Dakota every day.”

Johnson has been a strong voice for South Dakota consumers. He was the only utilities commissioner in the country to testify before a U.S. Senate committee on how the cap-and-trade legislation would impact consumers. He has served as the lead commissioner on the PUC’s “South Dakota Energy Smart,” an effort promoting energy efficiency, as well as on the PUC’s “Small Renewable Energy Initiative,” designed to encourage small wind and solar projects. Additionally, Johnson serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

The political parties will select their nominees for the PUC at state party conventions in June. Voters will then elect one person to the PUC in the general election this November. The Public Utilities Commission has three members elected statewide to staggered six-year terms.

Johnson lives in Pierre and Mitchell. He is married with two children and is involved with numerous state and local community service projects. Those interested in more information can visit www.JohnsonforPUC.com or the campaign Facebook page facebook.com/dustyforsd.

=======Karpen Press Release=======

A proud native South Dakotan, Doyle is running for PUC because he believes it's time to refocus the office on its intended purpose - that of consumer advocacy. The commission was established to protect the South Dakota public and to require utility companies to treat consumers with fairness in implementation of procedures and rates. Doyle wants South Dakotans to receive high quality, safe and reliable public services at fair and affordable rates.

Doyle was raised on a farm in rural Jefferson home by his father, Merlyn, cattleman, farmer, well driller and grain dealer, and his mother, Arlene, teacher and tutor. He studied at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, earning a Bachelor's degree in Math. Doyle married Deborah Iversen of Gettysburg, SD in 1977. Doyle and Deb reside in Jefferson, SD and have three daughters.

Upon graduation, he worked with his father in the well drilling business and Karpen Grain Co. Karpen Grain Co. is a small agri-business company which serves farmers in Southeast South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. Doyle facilitates grain transactions between farmers and the grain terminals and provides transportation of the grain from farm to market.

In addition to a full time job as a self employed small businessman, he’s built a secondary career as public servant serving Union County for nearly two decades. From 1979-1984, Doyle served as the Civil Bend Township as Clerk - a job which required him to conduct Township elections, manage township revenue and expenditures and prepare the annual budget.

He served on the Elk Point Jefferson School board for 9 years (from 1995 to 2004),four of which he served as President. Doyle is in his second term serving on the Union County Board of Commissioners. Union County is in the Southeastern-most county which borders Iowa and Nebraska. He has held the position of Chairman since 2007.

*Update 2010.06.25: KSFY has nuked the link. The original story in which Karpen referred to the Hyperion refinery as fantastic was called "Hyperion Gets Approval," KSFY.com, June 3, 2010. The pertinent text read as follows (as retrieved from Google Cache):

Voters said 'Yes" by a margin of more than a thousand votes. People on all sides of this divisive issue say it was a tough decision. Union County Commission Chairman, Doyle Karpen, says, "environmentally, people have concerns, and at the same time economically, if everything works out the way they say it will, it will be fantastic for the area, the county, the region, the whole state.