Daily Republic, city organize gubernatorial debate at Corn Palace

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A debate between gubernatorial candidates Dennis Daugaard and Scott Heidepriem has been scheduled during this summer’s Corn Palace Festival, reviving a tradition of key political appearances and speeches during the annual event on Mitchell’s Main Street.

Heidepriem, a Democrat, and the Republican Daugaard both have agreed to attend the debate, organized and sponsored by The Daily Republic with cooperation from the city of Mitchell and Corn Palace staff.

The debate — which will be free and open to the public — will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Corn Palace during the annual Corn Palace Festival. It will also be webcast live at www.mitchellrepublic.com.

The Daily Republic spoke privately with Daugaard and Heidepriem in recent weeks about the debate and officially invited the candidates Wednesday afternoon.

Heidepriem immediately committed. Daugaard’s staff first had to ensure the event will not interfere with another planned event that day and informed The Daily Republic on Friday the lieutenant governor will attend.

The newspaper also has extended invitations to U.S. House of Representatives candidates Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, an incumbent Democrat, and Republican challenger Kristi Noem to attend and participate in a debate the same day. Friday, representatives from their campaigns told The Daily Republic they are considering the invitation but are still finalizing schedules for the remainder of the campaign season.

“The Corn Palace has such a rich history with politics that it’s a natural place to hold a large debate such as this,” said Korrie Wenzel, the newspaper’s publisher. “And what better time than during the Corn Palace Festival? The festival always has been the centerpiece of the summer here. It’s an event that has a rich cultural and political heritage and one that draws visitors from throughout the region.”

He said the Corn Palace’s accessibility and its comfortable seating are factors that could help increase interest among attendees.

Corn Palace Director Mark Schilling said he expects the debate to be “a great addition to the Corn Palace Festival.”

Schilling noted that representatives from both major political parties routinely staff booths on Main Street during the festival and that it will be fitting to have a political event held in the Corn Palace at the same time.

“To bring in candidates for governor is an honor for residents of the community,” he said. “And it’s something that can enhance the festival atmosphere.”

The festival has a tradition of hosting political events.

In 1908, three presidential candidates came to Mitchell and campaigned during the Corn Palace Festival. William Taft, William Jennings Bryan and Eugene Chafin came to Mitchell on three consecutive days. Taft won the election later that year.

In 1960, approximately 5,000 people packed the Corn Palace — with another 1,500 outside the building — when John F. Kennedy spoke in Mitchell.

In May 1968, Robert Kennedy spoke at the Corn Palace during his presidential campaign, which was cut short when he was killed by an assassin three weeks later.

George Bush Sr. campaigned at the Corn Palace in 1988 during his successful presidential campaign and in 2008, Barack Obama spoke before a large crowd in front of the Corn Palace.

The Daily Republic has sponsored debates in the past, including local events and a 2006 debate at the State Fair between then-Gov. Mike Rounds and Democratic challenger Jack Billion, which was moderated by Wenzel.

This year’s Corn Palace Festival will run Aug. 25-29 on Mitchell’s Main Street. The festival features concerts in the Corn Palace, entertainment on a freedom stage, carnival rides and games, contests and more.

Tags: daily updates, election 2010, corn palace, dennis daugaard, scott heidepriem, stephanie herseth sandlin, kristi noem, news, local, state, fccnetwork, breakingnews