Herseth Sandlin rebuffed by GF&P

PIERRE — U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin wanted to obtain lists of South Dakotans who purchased hunting and fishing licenses in 2009 from the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

She’s not going to get those names and addresses, however, unless she pays for them.

Her request for free lists was denied Wednesday by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission after a one-month delay while further information was sought from her office.

The roll call vote was 6-1 to deny the request Wednesday. Only chairman Spencer Hawley of Brookings voted against the denial.

State regulations set the regular fee at $100 per 1,000 names. The regulations allow groups to apply for an exception and pay a modified fee of $100 for an entire list.

It was unclear to the commissioners what the congresswoman’s staff specifically planned to do with the names.

Herseth Sandlin, a Democrat, faces re-election this year. At least three Republicans are seeking their party’s nomination to run against her.

Hawley said he thought it would have been a benefit to provide the lists for free, because the congresswoman’s office can help the commission.

The commission, whose eight members are appointed by the governor, by state law can’t have more than four members from the same political party.

Voting to deny the request were commissioners Randy Kemink of Gettysburg, Susan Knippling of Gann Valley, Jeff Olson of Rapid City, Jim McMahon of Sioux Falls, Mike Authier of Vivian and Tim Kessler of Aberdeen. Unable to participate was Mert Clarkson of Ludlow.

The request from an elected official for free lists was unusual, according to the GF&P’s director for administration, Chris Petersen. He said he knew of one past instance when a candidate for the Legislature paid full price for the list.

Kessler asked where the line will be drawn. GF&P Secretary Jeff Vonk said the intended use will determine whether there’s a charge.

Petersen said the congresswoman’s staff indicated the information would be used to contact residents for official use.

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