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District 32 Senate showdown: Different race but same candidates?
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FarkFormer Republican state Senate candidate Elli Schwiesow isn’t quite ready to discuss her political plans.
But neither will she deny talk that she is considering a general-election run as an independent against former Republican state Sen. Stan Adelstein and Democratic Sen. Tom Katus for the District 32 Senate now held by Katus.
“We need to wait until after the primary on June 3,” Schwiesow said in a voice-mail message left Thursday night in response to a Journal query. “Then, I’d be glad to talk to you.”
If she enters the race, Schwiesow would bring both Christian conservative political credentials and a bit of theater to an already interesting contest between Adelstein and Katus. She would also bring plenty of history.
After losing to Adelstein in the 2004 District 32 Senate primary, Schwiesow challenged Adelstein again and won in a bristly Republican primary for the seat in June of 2006. But she went on to lose to Katus – who was endorsed by Adelstein - in the general election that fall.
At that time, Adelstein toyed with switching parties and running in the general election as a Democrat. Katus, who already had a ballot spot as the Democratic primary nominee, was willing to step aside for Adelstein.
Instead, Adelstein crossed party lines to endorse Katus, splitting GOP support in ways considered crucial to his successful general-election win against Schwiesow.
Adelstein said Friday he had heard that Schwiesow was preparing for a primary run in District 32. He said he was skeptical and puzzled when told of the rumor that she might run as an independent.
“It would surprise me,” he said. “I can’t figure out any reason, unless it would be to play the spoiler.”
That’s essentially the role Adelstein played for Katus, who said he would welcome Schwiesow into the campaign if she decided to run. Schwiesow would be a strong candidate, Katus said.
“Clearly she represents a constituency and proved that in the last primary when she defeated Stan,” he said.
Asked if Schwiesow could split the Republican vote in ways that would benefit him, Katus said: “That could well be the case.”
Katus said he is closer to Adelstein than he is to Schwiesow on most issues. But considers her “a nice person” with every right to join the race and compete for the seat.
However it turns out, Schwiesow’s candidacy would bring more statewide focus to District 32, Katus said.
“Two years ago, 32 might have been one of, if not the most interesting races in the state. And maybe we’re going to top it this year,” he said. “They’re interesting players, and quite frankly I like them both.”
Contact Kevin Woster at 394-8413 or kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com.
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