While I would agree with Cory, that Gant should resign right now (don’t trust what he will do in the last year of office) I don’t agree with some of the theories coming from the blogsphere;
This announcement comes after a clear vote of no confidence from his own party as Senator Shantel Krebs (R-10/Renner) declared Gant had violated the integrity of the office and began lobbying SDGOP delegates to support her in a convention challenge to Gant’s renomination
Don’t be so sure Cory. I found it a little strange that Krebs had not made a formal announcement even though she had a nice little logo made up and a letter sent to conventioneers. If she lacked so much confidence in the job that Jason was doing, why was she being so quiet about her challenge? The conspiracy theorist in me thinks Shantel knew in advance that Jason was not going to seek a second term, and put herself out there quietly before he made the announcement. Why do I think this? Shantel is a card carrying ALEC member with good standing in the SD GOP. She really isn’t much different then Jason when it comes to her political philosophies. And as a SF conventioneer said to me, there is no way they were voting for her in the convention because of her political views mirroring Jasons’.
May I also note when we were circulating the snowgate petition, Krebs refused to sign, and went so far to tell the petitioner that she doesn’t believe in petitions because making legislation was the job of elected officials. She seemed offended that citizens would want to present their own legislation. Just the kind of SOS I look forward to 🙁
Gant’s former cheeseburger eating buddy, Pitty Patt Powwers even throws out more evidence that this was in the works for awhile;
But with the seat now wide open.. others are also expressing an interest in becoming the custodian of official records for the state and chief elections officer.
I’m hearing at least two others are expressing strong interest in entering the contest. I’m also hearing rumors that Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dan Lederman may be renewing the past interest he’d expressed in running for SOS prior to 2010.
Mr. SD ALEC himself is even considering the run. I may be a little thick at times, but if you think all of this excitement about running for Jason’s seat started after his announcement today, you are smoking some pretty good stuff.
And how are the Democrats reacting?