Dykstra Responds to Kirby Senate Bid Announcement

This just in from the mailbox:

Canton, S.D. – Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Joel Dykstra is offering thanks and understanding today to Sioux Falls Businessman Steve Kirby on his decision not to run for U.S. Senate. Dykstra said, “No one understands the stresses and commitment required to run for office better than Vicki and me. The strain on a family when there are still kids at home would be tremendous. I applaud Steve for putting his family first.”

Dykstra said the announcement would not change his campaign strategy. “I made my decision to enter this race regardless of who else might enter. My commitment remains the same today as when I announced my candidacy in July. Dykstra said, “For the last several months I have been traveling across South Dakota, meeting with voters and listening to their concerns about Washington. I still believe I am the best candidate to represent their interests.”

Dykstra said he is more committed than ever to running a positive, ideas based campaign and to offering South Dakota a choice in the 2008 election that more closely matches the values and priorities of the state. “I want to work on the issues important to the state’s voters including lowering the cost of health care, providing solutions to the current energy crisis and protecting national security, against terrorists around the world and by making our borders secure.”

Although Dykstra’s campaign is not self-financed, he does have a head start on fund raising among announced Republican candidates. The Dykstra campaign reported raising $137,953.19 as of the first of the year and most of that money has come from South Dakota voters in increments under $100. Dykstra said, “We have focused on showing the Washington lobbyists and special interest money people that the unified support of regular folks in South Dakota is as powerful as out of state financiers. We can match with hard work and vigorous effort what they are trying to do with deep pockets.”

Dykstra also reports good progress in collecting the necessary signatures to file nominating petitions well in time for the March 25 filing deadline.


Joel Dykstra for U.S. Senate
PO Box 8
Canton, SD 57013
(605) 764-2008
www.joeldykstraforsenate.com