George McGovern Reflects on SD All Female Race for US Congress

by Jessica Hopkins, Anchor
July 30, 2010


South Dakota's race for the lone seat in the US House race is getting a lot of attention across the state.

Even long-time political leaders are taking notice.  As KDLT's Jessica Hopkins explains, Senator George McGovern may be supporting Herseth Sandlin, but he says the race is sure to create history in the state.

With less than 100 days before the election, representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Kristi Noem are vying for a very important title.

"That's a big step forward that we have a choice between two women for Congress at large in this state. They're almost as important as the senators because they cover the whole state," said George McGovern.

Former Senator and presidential candidate, George McGovern says this race could set the stage for the future of women in politics in South Dakota.

"I think when they see this race going on I think that will inspire other women to give it a shot," said McGovern.

And McGovern says it goes far behind the politics.

"I've always thought that women have something valuable to add. They have some certain insights that men might be a little slow on. I'd like to see more minorities and more women to represent the majority in this country," said McGovern.

McGovern says having two women in this race makes him think of his wife who passed away in 2007.

"If we had more women like my wife, Elinor, she would've been one tremendous member of congress had she ever decided, she'd prob be more impressive than I was," said McGovern.