SOUTH DAKOTA STRAIGHT TALK

John McCain as the Republican Standard Bearer is bringing his vision and defining what it means to be a Republican.

If the Presidential Primary Caucus in Lincoln County is any indication our Presumptive Nominee is succeeding. At the Caucus last night there was a mood of comity that has not been prevalent recently at Republican gatherings. There was an acceptance within the Party that people actually could hold differing opinions and still be Republicans.

Former State Representative Matt McCaulley specifically said that Senator McCain was enlarging the tent. McCaulley stated McCain’s political appeal was broad and that he was so excited when he heard him speak at a fundraiser in Sioux Falls a year and one half ago, it caused the hair on his neck to rise.

Often mentioned candidate for higher office, Sioux Falls Councilman Pat Costello said he had been an admirer of John McCain since he was a student at Arizona State University in 1984 when McCain was still a Member of the U S House of Representatives. Barb Steele, wife of Representative Manny Steele said she supported McCain and called him “the man of the hour.”

Republicans uniting is an important first step in improving Republican chances of keeping the White House.