Palace debates schedule finalized

Talk about it

Two candidates for South Dakota secretary of state and a front-burner controversy about statewide smoking have been added to a debate this weekend sponsored by The Daily Republic.

The Daily Republic-Corn Palace Festival Debate originally was to include gubernatorial candidates Scott Heidepriem and Dennis Daugaard debating at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Corn Palace, followed by U.S. House candidates Kristi Noem and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.

The U.S. House debate will go on as planned, but the gubernatorial debate was canceled late Wednesday afternoon when Daugaard announced he cannot attend due to the funeral of a close friend.

Thursday morning, The Daily Republic announced on its website that secretary of state candidates Ben Nesselhuf and Jason Gant have been added to the bill. Late Thursday afternoon, it was announced that a debate focusing on Referred Law 12 — which could prohibit smoking in certain places, such as restaurants and bars — also has been added.

The final, revised schedule now includes:

• 11 a.m.: Jennifer Stalley of the American Cancer Society and Don Rose, a spokesman for a group called Citizens for Individual Freedom.

Stalley is from Pierre and Rose is from Sioux Falls. They will debate Referred Law 12, which is on South Dakota’s November ballot.

• 11:30 a.m.: Secretary of state candidates Nesselhuf and Gant.

Gant is a Republican from Sioux Falls and Nesselhuf is a Democrat from Vermillion. Also in the race is Constitution Party candidate Lori Stacey, of Sioux Falls. The Daily Republic did not extend an invitation to Stacey.

“This is an important office and an important election,” said Nesselhuf. “This is a great opportunity to discuss important matters. I know Jason from our time in the state Senate and look forward to having a productive and positive discussion on the issues facing this office.”

“I am very excited for the opportunity to discuss the importance of this year’s secretary of state race,” Gant said.

“There are many differences between my opponent and I. I plan to emphasize my position of cracking down on voter fraud by ensuring state policies are not weakened and the integrity of our election system is not damaged.”

• Noon-1 p.m.: U.S. House candidates Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Kristi Noem.

Noem is a Republican who has served in the South Dakota Legislature. Herseth Sandlin is the Democrat incumbent.

The debates are free to the public. For those who cannot attend, the debates will be broadcast live on The Daily Republic’s website, www.mitchellrepublic.com.

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