South Dakota Dist. 34 House Coverage

The Rapid City Journal has a couple of articles today on Republican candidates for the South Dakota House from District 34.

One of those is incumbent David Lust:

"I have very much enjoyed my time in the Legislature and feel that I have held true to my commitment to work on issues that are important to the residents of District 34 as well as the State of South Dakota," he said.

Lust said the common theme of bills he has championed is economic development.

"I have worked extensively on revising corporate and commercial statutes to make South Dakota a more attractive and efficient place to do business," he said.

A business attorney with Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, Lust has served on the House judiciary and taxation committees as well as the Legislative Rules Review Committee. Last year, he was appointed to the Uniform Laws Commission, a national organization that researches and drafts legislation that encourages commerce between the states. In addition, Lust was appointed to a national task force to review corporate formations and the use of shell entities to launder money for terrorism and drug trafficking.

Lust said he firmly believes that education is a critical component of economic development.

The other is incumbent Ed McLaughlin:

McLaughlin served as mayor of Rapid City from 1991 to 1997, and before that was president of the Rapid City Common Council.

A South Dakota native whose grandfathers homesteaded in the Black Hills, McLaughlin believes strongly in preserving and promoting quality of life in South Dakota. He has brought his experience as a school administrator and insurance agent to his assignments on the education, taxation and transportation committees. Her served on the governor's two-year State Aid to Education Task Force, and this past summer, on the Teacher's Compensation Assistance Program designed to help increase per pupil education funding.

McLaughlin said quality education for South Dakotans is a high priority for him. His other top concerns include economic development -- tourism and the scientific experiments at the Homestake laboratory, in particular.

Both Republicans will face off against two Democrats for the two District 34 House seats: Bonny Petersen and Lisa F. Cook.