David Melmer of Custer has announced his candidacy for state Senate from District 30, which includes parts of Custer, Fall River and Pennington counties.

Melmer was previously a candidate for state representative and has withdrawn from that position. He said District 30 and state Democratic leaders asked him to run for Senate on July 12 to fill the vacancy after the withdrawal by Charles Easterby of Hot Springs.

Melmer is a journalist with years of experience with the political issues of South Dakota. He was born and raised in South Dakota and holds degrees from the University of South Dakota. Melmer has also worked in professional theater in the Twin Cities area.

"I am pleased with the decision to move into the Senate race," Melmer said. "I look forward to adding a moderate voice to the dialogue on political issues. I believe the Democratic Party is in a position to increase its Senate presence if not earn a majority position."

He said renewable energy, especially wind power; education funding and enhancement; accountable and transparent government; economic development with more and higher paying jobs and attention to healthcare, the elderly and youth are all priority issues.

"We have been governed far too long by out-of-public-sight government which leaves the people surprised after one-sided decisions are passed," he said.

"I will work hard to make sure that all spending by state lawmakers and executive decisions made by the governor are open to scrutiny by the residents of this state."

Melmer said he will work for all people, "because government is about people." He added that he will work to take a forward-looking approach to what will help the next generations of South Dakotans.