Stephanie Herseth South Quotations

on a number of issues important to South Dakota.

I think that there was a lot of undisclosed money that came into South Dakota, driving a message to paint me as a Washington partisan, which I don't believe that I am, but it was a message that resonated, after pounding it away for a number of weeks.

I will be positive, will be respectful, always truthful and demonstrating that work ethic that we're all so proud about here in South Dakota.

I represent nine sovereign Sioux tribes. In South Dakota, some of the tribes are in the most remote, rural areas of the country. They lack essential infrastructure. Some communities don't even have clean drinking water.

Over the past several days I have followed closely the devastating and heartbreaking effects of Hurricane Katrina on our fellow Americans and I have asked myself how I can help. I hope this information is helpful to those who wish to help, and I join all South Dakotans in sending my thoughts and prayers to the victims of this disaster.

Families, businesses, school districts and farmers across South Dakota are feeling the effects of high fuel prices, and with our cold months closing in on us fast - and projections of a 70% increase in the price of natural gas - all South Dakotans may experience a significant impact on their budgets.

I voted against the climate-change legislation. Not that I don't believe we should move to a clean-energy economy, and it can be good for South Dakota's economy to do so, but it was started out as a very partisan bill in the committee.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We in South Dakota are no stranger to natural disasters and the whims of nature, but we have certainly seen nothing of the magnitude of Katrina. Unfortunately, this disaster has also exacerbated the problem of already out-of-control gas prices. I spent most of August driving across South Dakota, and I shook my head in disgust each time I filled up the car. Now, following Hurricane Katrina, a bad situation has gotten worse.

South Dakota enjoys a wonderful quality of life and a dedicated workforce, and it is easy to see why John Morrell would choose to expand here. I am pleased that this expansion not only will result in new jobs for Sioux Falls, but also because it demonstrates John Morrell's long-term commitment to the region. This expansion also reflects the talent and dedication of the folks who already work at John Morrell.

This is a terrific opportunity to shine a spotlight on important issues surrounding Black Hills National Forest, including forest health and wildfire prevention. Ensuring appropriate forest policy is essential not only to preserving South Dakota's wonderful natural resources, but to our tourism and economy as well.

I hope to continue to be serving South Dakota in Congress.

I'm sure that they will continue to look for ways to try and undermine my support, but I have every confidence that in doing this job for South Dakota, I will continue to build on my support and be able to succeed once again in November.