Strategy
Press Releases
Senator Thune has a very good balance of national salience and South Dakota salience in his press releases. On the 19th of February Senator Thune had a press release concerning the gridlock of goods at 29 west coast shipping ports. This is important for Senator Thune to make a press release regarding this issue for a few reasons. First he is the Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee so as part of his position it is important that he weigh in on crucial issues like this. Also he is seen as a champion of American business, especially in the eyes of South Dakota, so it would come at no surprise that he would release a follow up press release on February 21st, concerning the agreement to end the gridlock. He is quoted in this saying "There's no question the slowdown has cost billions of dollars in unnecessary harm to American businesses and consumers."
When it comes to issues that are salient in South Dakota, Thune is always acting on those making sure South Dakota is well represented in Washington D.C. On February 20th, Senator Thune along with Senator Rounds and Representative Noem issued a press release in response to a new report from the Obama administrations Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, who advises the USDA and U.S. department of HHS. The new report leaves lean red meat out of what is considered healthy. Obviously this deals a direct blow to South Dakota livestock industry and could potentially harm the South Dakota economy directly. Senator Thune makes a great point saying, "From the short-lived Meatless Mondays, to misguided dietary guidelines, farmers and ranchers deserve more of an ally in the USDA, rather than an adversary."
These press releases are a good example of how Senator Thune balances both nationally salient issues along with locally salient issues. He provides a well rounded bank of information pertaining to citizens in South Dakota as well as coast-to-coast. He is taking specific positions on particular issues in order to claim credit for salient issues that make the advertising of himself both play to South Dakotans as well as Americans. This is a great way to not only keep the goal of reelection in mind for not only his current Senate position but also this could show the goal of moving up in career status, possibly seeking the position of Vice President of President of the U.S.
Legislation
One of the most prominent pieces of legislature that Senator Thune has been a part of recently was S.1 or more commonly known as the Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act in which Senator Thune is one of 59 Co-sponsors. This has been one of the more salient issues over the past few months and this particular bill was actually passed by the Senate 62-36 then it went on to the house where it passed 270-152, and as of the 24th of February the bill sits on the President Obama's desk. It is believed that he will veto the bill but it is great to see at least some production of Congress happening. Senator Thune's vote in favor of this bill is a clear sign of position taking, he is obviously taking the position in which the majority of his district holds as well as the majority of his party. This would imply that he is not only seeking the reelection support from his district, but also seeking the support of his party which is necessary for a position as either the Vice President or the President.
Travel
When discussing the topic of where a Senator should spend their time the American public sometimes seems to forget that we elect members of congress to represent us in Washington D.C. It is illogical to expect them to be going back and forth constantly on weekends. With that being said on congressional breaks it would be expected that they visit with constituents and report back. Well Senator Thune does a tremendous job at that, over this past congressional break (Feb 17th-21st) Senator Thune was busy at work traveling around the great state of South Dakota. According to his official Twitter account, Senator Thune spoke and reported back to constituents at a town hall in Watertown, South Dakota on the 19th of February. He also stopped by the Brookings Annual Chamber Meeting to see his communities work in progress. But who would Senator Thune be if he didn't get some family time in as well.
Caption for the image: "Perfect way to start the day: morning at the shooting range. My wife, Kim, showing everyone how its done. #Bullseye"
Senator Thune does a great job balancing time and making sure that South Dakotans not only feel like they are well represented in Washington D.C. but also feel like they are represented by someone who they can trust and feel like they can approach. Senator Thune has developed a very strong homestyle type of campaigning that starts as soon as he wins and never stops. He has created a reelection constituency so strong that he ran unopposed in 2010, something that has never happened since the installment of direct elections in South Dakota.
