When I announced that I’d be running for U.S. House back in November, I received many comments from people I’ve known in my life. One such comment that often stood out was, “I can’t wait for the DakotaFest debate.” When asked why, the response was normally, “Well, because it’s traditionally been the kick-off to South Dakota’s congressional campaigns.”
With that in mind, I’ve driven by the skeletons of steel and fabric buildings on the south side of I-90 just east of Mitchell so many times over the past few months that I’ve lost count. And, with each passing, I would find myself wondering what it would be like to participate in my first congressional debate. On Wednesday, August 20th, after weeks of preparation, I finally found out.
While driving from Sioux Falls to Mitchell that morning, I once again noticed the area south of I-90 I had viewed so many times. That day, however, it was much more than a few empty buildings in a field. On the contrary, it reminded me of the movie scene where the once-deserted town mirages into this flurry of activity from days gone by (a far different picture than what I’ve been watching since last November). Both fields on either side of the Farm Show area were filling up with vehicles from all over the state. The grounds were packed with vendors, farm equipment and sightseers. And, I must admit, I was a bit nervous as I paid for my wristband and walked through the main gate.
The event was held in a large green and white tent located in the far northwest corner of the grounds. As I walked from the main gate to the tent, I could tell it was going to be a fairly hot and windy day. Some might say a climate very fitting for a political forum. Once there, I noticed a small riser on the opposite end of the stage, behind about 200 folding chairs sitting in the grass. I wondered how far out my family was sitting. They woke up at 3:00 a.m. to drive over from Rapid City to show support (as they always have). I had a few interviews from some press that had shown up early, and then had the chance to get a hug from Julie and Annie before it started.
As you might imagine, the time during the event seemed to take much less than the scheduled hour. Questions came quick on subjects ranging from energy and agriculture to foreign policy and the economy. The questions from the audience were direct and to the point, and I did my best to make sure my answers were too. And during breaks between questions and answers, it meant everything to look out at my family and other supporters in the crowd. The day had come…my very first congressional debate.
Over the past few days, I’ve had many ask me how I thought it went. I tell them, “I think very well.” But for me, it’s not so much how I though it went, as much as it is what I learned. And, for me, I learned a very valuable, yet simple lesson: regardless of the situation, if you stick to what you believe in your heart, the answer will always be there.
And I plan to use the knowledge I gained from the DakotaFest debate as I head forward in this journey. I know that, as I participate in more debates in the coming weeks, I will have the support of my friends, my family, and you, the people of South Dakota to keep me focused on the goal at hand: solving Washington’s problems with South Dakota solutions. I look forward to seeing you at those debates, and I hope that you have an opportunity to enjoy them as much as I know I will.
-Chris
