Chris Lien for Congress

The Lien Machine crew takes a weekend off? No chance!

Hey guys! I just found this post that I had meant to get up on the blog a few weeks ago, but it's a better-late-than-never type of post, so we'll go ahead and post it up now. Sorry for the delay.

Anyway, I’m sure you know what to expect by now. You’re probably thinking that I’m going to be writing yet another post about the Lien Machine crew’s jam-packed, busy weekend chock-full of events and festivities in the great state of South Dakota.

Well I’ve got news for you if that’s what you think – you have clearly been keeping up with this blog! We DID, in fact, have a jam-packed and busy weekend (Sept. 12-14) chock-full of events and festivities in the great state of South Dakota.

For starters, Drew, myself, and a few other Lien Machine volunteers kicked off the weekend a little early as we celebrated the Elk Point Homecoming Parade on Friday afternoon. Not only was the parade an awesome one, but it was so awesome, in fact, that we decided to drive through a second time! Thanks to the people of Elk Point and the various volunteers that helped out as well. It was certainly a fun afternoon.

On Saturday I decided not to slow down one bit and headed over to meet with Chris Bohlen for the President’s Bowl at Howard Wood Field. The Sioux Falls high school football fans had the parking lots filled to capacity (or close to it) and we were there to show off the Lien Machine, hand out information about Mr. Lien, and enjoy an awesome day full of excited fans and exciting football. We’d also like to thank the Sioux Falls Republican Victory Office for its hard work at the President’s Bowl (and State House candidate Todd Schlekeway for the free ice cream bars!).

Then, on Sunday, Drew and I loaded up in the Lien Machine yet again and headed toward Drew’s stomping grounds of Vermillion for a Clay County Republicans meet and greet. Meet and greet we did as we were able to speak with a good group of Clay County residents and also dropped off yard signs and other campaign materials with the USD College Republicans. While any trip to Vermillion could be considered a good one, I was particularly happy with the trip on Sunday, so a big thanks goes out to Donna Schafer and the Clay County Republicans for hosting the event!

So…another busy weekend, and another great chance to see the always-enjoyable people of South Dakota. I love this job!

By the way, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or campaign needs, e-mail info@chrislienforcongress.com and let us know how we can be of service!

-Campaign Mike

Football and burgers a big win for the Lien Machine crew!

If any of you happened to be out in Brookings last Saturday, you might have seen the Lien Machine and some of the Chris Lien for Congress crew out at the pre-game tailgating festivities for the SDSU–Youngstown State game. We were grilling away and meeting with folks in the parking lot, and even though the weather may not have been as welcoming as the folks in Brookings were, we still managed to have a great time.

After spending the afternoon up at SDSU, we rushed down to see some of the attendees of O’Gorman High School’s annual Dakotabowl. With Chris out meeting people and Chris Bohlen and yours truly showing off the big, blue Lien Machine to all of the tailgating folks at Howard Wood, the campaign certainly had a strong presence amongst football fans on Saturday.

We’d also like to thank Rick and Cheryl Skorupski for hosting a lunch for Republican candidates out in Redfield on Sunday afternoon. Although the drive up from Sioux Falls took a few hours, the trip was certainly worth our while as we got to dig into some delicious burgers and potato salad at the Skorupski home.

Overall, the weekend was full of traveling (which shouldn’t be a surprise at this point), but, as always, the travel was worth it as Chris had yet another chance to meet and get to know South Dakotans from Sioux Falls to Brookings to Redfield and back.

We’ve got busy week ahead of us yet again, so be on the lookout for more information. As these last 50+ days continue winding down, the help of volunteers and supporters becomes more crucial than ever before, so feel free to volunteer by signing up here or e-mail Chris at chris.bohlen@chrislienforcongress.com and let him know if you’re interested in helping. We’re happy to have you, whether it’s helping out at parades and festivals, making phone calls, or finding homes for/distributing yard signs across the state.

Catch up with you soon!

-Campaign Mike

P.S. - Here are a few more pictures from the burger flip...

No time to rest during Labor Day Weekend...

Talk about busy weekends! While some people take Labor Day's three-day weekend as an opportunity to relax, Chris and the campaign staff took it as an opportunity to attend some exciting events and festivities. Between the annual State Fair in Huron and the Labor Day Parade in Wagner, the Lien Machine crew was very busy and happy to be so.

 

With various members of the campaign staff visiting the State Fair between Thursday and Sunday, it was obvious that Chris Lien and the Lien Machine crew were a welcome presence in Huron. Chris Lien stickers could be spotted on shirts, shorts, and bags all over the fairgrounds, and Chris had a chance to meet with countless South Dakota voters anxious to share their thoughts with Chris on issues ranging from energy policy to Senator McCain’s Vice Presidential pick, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.

 

And even though Chris could have been worn out after spending Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the State Fair, he was still energized and excited to walk in the Labor Day Parade yesterday in Wagner, even if it meant getting up bright and early to get there in time for the parade check-in. While Chris walked around and met parade-goers, the Lien Machine crew and volunteers did our best to keep kids full of candy treats and stickers on one the windiest Labor Days I’ve ever seen. I do believe we achieved that goal (and we even managed to make some parents’ days with candy and stickers for them as well).

 

On the other side of the state, more Lien Machiners took part in the Newell Labor Day Parade. Although they didn’t drive through in one of the Lien Machine vehicles, a float with Chris Lien for Congress 4x8 highway signs made its way throughout the route. With the candy-tossing and sticker-giving expertise of campaign folks like Julie and Annie Lien, Lynn Kendall, and other volunteers, the Newell Labor Day Parade was an event in which we were happy to participate. Even if it was cold and rainy outside, people were excited to see the crew and their vigor out in Newell.

 

Overall, the weekend was a busy one. While it may not have been the typical, relaxing, three-day weekend most people enjoy, it was certainly another unique, invigorating experience as we made our presence felt at the State Fair and Labor Day Parade. Now we’ll be back on the campaign trail, and I’ll have plenty of updates for you as we go. Check back soon to see what we’re up to as Chris continues striving to become your U.S. House Representative.

 

-Campaign Mike

It's State Fair time for Chris and the Lien Machine crew!

Well folks, one of the biggest (and most enjoyable) events for South Dakotans across the state will kick off its five-day stretch in Huron this Thursday. That’s right, it’s State Fair time, and Chris and the Lien Machine crew will be out in full force, enjoying what will (hopefully) be some awesome weather and will definitely be some good old fashioned fun as Chris continues meeting with and listening to you, the people of South Dakota.

Be on the lookout at the fair for the big, red Republican Party building, which will be loaded up with plenty of Lien Machine T-shirts, Chris Lien for Congress stickers, and a sign-up list for you to get your hands on a Chris Lien for Congress yard sign. And, while you’re at it, keep an eye open for Chris on Saturday. He’ll be at the fair, happy to talk with you or answer your questions, so come up, say hi, and let him know what’s on your mind.

As for me, I’ll be around too. I might be shooting some videos, I might be taking some pictures, or I might just be enjoying the fair. It’s not easy to convince my bosses that I should be riding the Zipper or the Ring of Fire while I’m on the job, but I might just try to sneak over there at one point or another.  I mean, the State Fair only comes around once a year, right?

The point is, we will be there and we’re excited to see you there too.  Say hello, pick up some campaign materials, or just enjoy the fair.  Summer is winding down, and my advice is to take advantage of this unbelievable weather while you can. As the week goes on, check in for more info about the campaign as Chris continues his journey to become your U.S. Congressman.

-Campaign Mike

No slowin' down this Lien Machine!

Hey everybody,

Hope you all had a chance to visit Dakotafest at some point during the week. We here at Chris Lien for Congress had a great time at the debate on Wednesday, and we were happy to see such strong support for Chris in Mitchell.

While Chris also plans to post a blog story sharing his thoughts soon, I’m going to fill you guys in on some of other things we’ve got going on. Even though this was a busy week preparing for Dakotafest and participating in the debate, the Lien Machine crew hasn’t slowed down a bit.

Last Saturday, some campaign staffers and volunteers participated in the Central States Fair Parade, and, (as you can see from the photo) the float with Chris’s 4 x 8 highway sign perched on top was certainly eye-catching. If we saw you there, hopefully you were having as much fun as we were.

If you want to hear Chris on the radio Saturday, he’ll be speaking live on KBHB-810 with Chase Adams so be sure to listen in there to hear Chris discussing his trip to ANWR and other issues.

Chris will also be at the Central States Fair tomorrow and the Custer County Republican’s Chuckwagon barbecue Saturday evening, so keep an eye out for him there. It’s going to be another fun weekend for the campaign, so we’re really looking forward to seeing you if you’ll be around.

-Campaign Mike

UPDATE: Dakotafest Debate

Just to make sure you're aware, there will be plenty of opportunities to hear Republican U.S. House candidate Chris Lien debate Stephanie Herseth Sandlin at Dakotafest if you are unable to attend the debate in Mitchell tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

On the western side of the state, KTOQ-1340 AM will be broadcasting the debate live and WNAX will also be live-streaming the debate through its website. To get to the WNAX website, click here and look for the "Dakotafest" section on the homepage.

Also, we'll be updating our Kyte feed with video updates as the day progresses. I'll embed the feed below. The video will be updated tomorrow morning as soon as possible and will be continually updated as the debate progresses (barring any technical difficulties), so check back in to watch it then.

We encourage you to attend the debate and wear your "Lien Machine" t-shirt at the event (and around Dakotafest in general). If you don't yet have one, e-mail Courtney at courtney@chrislienforcongress.com and she'll be sure to save a shirt for you. Let her know the number you need and the sizes and we'll make sure you get one. Otherwise, stop by the booth because we plan on having quite a few there as well.

If you can't make it in person, be sure to listen in as Chris gives his thoughts on how to solve Washington's problems with South Dakota solutions. This is a big event and we hope you can be a part of it. See you tomorrow!

-Campaign Mike

Chris Lien: My experience at Pine Ridge

On Saturday, August 2nd, my family and I had the opportunity to be in Pine Ridge for the parade and the 21st Annual Oglala Nation Pow Wow.  I was reflecting back on how wonderful an experience it was.  Julie, Annie and I were invited to participate in the Grand March Ceremony that afternoon.  As we lined up, waiting for the procession to start, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the Native American veterans ahead of us serving as flag-bearers.  Just behind them was an active duty Native American military member and, behind him, the young members of the Pow Wow Royalty.

As a family, we followed this group and were situated just ahead of the Pow Wow dancers displaying all of their colors, history, and heritage.  If you’ve never seen the Grand March it is truly amazing.  The participants dance into the arena, proceeding along the perimeter of the grounds.  The flag bearers, military members and royalty then stand in the center as the dancers circle around the interior ring, three-deep.

I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it was to be in the center of all the color, culture, and history.  When I asked one of the participants what the day meant to him, he simply replied, “Family, pride, and heritage.”  And as I stood there holding hands with Julie and Annie, I realized that, today, all of us were not so different.  For, at the moment, we were all at the center of just that: family, pride and heritage.

Throughout this opening ceremony, it was obvious to all who were there that we were witnessing a celebration of the Lakota Nation’s past, present, and future; from the veterans dancing alongside the active military member, to the youngest of children.

On the drive home, Julie, Annie and I talked about the experience and how we would never forget it.  We also talked about the need to remind ourselves of the importance of everyone’s past, present and future.  And as we walk (or dance) through life, it is incumbent on all of that we ensure those who make up the past and present do everything they can to make things better for our future.

That’s why this journey is so important to me, and that’s why I’m thankful I had an opportunity to learn such an important lesson from yet another viewpoint I could only experience firsthand in the state of South Dakota.

-Chris

Statewide Summer Fun! Volunteers welcome!

Hello everybody,

We have a very, very busy weekend coming up! And you know with the Lien Machine crew that "busy" means we’ll be having a ton of fun with even more summer festivities and events in South Dakota.

In fact, we're so excited for this weekend that some of the Lien Machine team will be kicking off the weekend activities before the weekend even starts. How is that  possible, you ask? Well, Annie and Julie Lien will be serving ice cream at the Butte and Lawrence County Fair Ice Cream Social on Thursday evening in Nisland. The duo will be scooping away to feed hungry visitors, so feel free to say hello while you fight off the summer heat with a scoop of ice cream.

Then, Chris and the rest of the Lien Machine crew will be starting their weekends on Friday in Aberdeen for the Brown County Fair, followed by a cruise through the Yankton Riverboat Days Parade at 9:00 on Saturday morning. We would love to have any volunteers who want to walk in the parade or spend some time at the fair join us, so send Courtney an e-mail (Courtney@chrislienforcongress.com) or call the campaign office at 605-271-8959 if you’ll be in the area and are interested in rolling with us this weekend.

Although he’ll be in Yankton Saturday morning, Chris will be rushing back west for the Rancher Round-Up event in Union Center, so he and his trusty Lien Machine will cross the state yet again. If you’ll be at the Round-Up, feel free to say hi when you see Chris.

By the way, don't think we're calling it quits after Saturday's fun! The Lien Machine crew will also be in attendance at the Harding County Fair on Sunday as well as the Camp Crook Parade at 11:00. Once again, if you are interested in volunteering to walk the parade or hang out at the fair, e-mail or call Courtney and let her know. The more the merrier, so join us for the fun!

As you can see, I wasn’t kidding about having a busy weekend. Luckily for us, busy keeps life exciting. Keep an eye out for Chris, the Lien Machine crew, and the big, blue Lien Machine as we head to the various events this weekend. Just because we’re busy doesn’t mean we won’t be happy to talk, so say hello and tell us what’s on your mind.

See you at the fairs and parades!

-Campaign Mike

Dakotafest Debate Alert

Hello everybody!

Lately debates been a heavily…debated…issue in the South Dakota politics realm, but one debate that isn’t in question is the Dakotafest Debate between Republican U.S. House candidate Chris Lien and his opponent, Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin.  The two will take the stage at Dakotafest in Mitchell on August 20th at 10:00 a.m. to debate the issues of South Dakotans across the state.

We here at the Chris Lien for Congress campaign encourage you to attend the debate at Dakotafest so you can see exactly how Chris plans to solve Washington’s problems with South Dakota solutions. We’re certainly looking forward to the opportunity to debate and we hope you’re looking forward to seeing it happen in person at 10:00 am, August 20th.

If you can’t make it to the debate, WNAX will be broadcasting it live on 570 AM, so tune in and listen if you aren’t able to make it to Dakotafest. The debate at Dakotafest is one of the most significant political traditions in the state and will certainly be worth attending if you are in the area.

We’ll have more on the debate later this week, but for now, mark it on your calendars and get ready to hear Chris’s stance on the issues that truly matter to South Dakotans.

A Busy Black Hills Weekend...

Campaign Mike here with all kinds of exciting news for you guys. First things first, the Chris Lien for Congress campaign crew had an awesome weekend out in the Black Hills courtesy of Deadwood’s Days of ’76 festivities and Custer’s Gold Discovery Days parade. Then, the Lien Machine crew got a chance to visit Crazy Horse, which was a first-time visit for some of us (specifically me…and I don’t know why I wasn’t there sooner because it is definitely a sight to behold).

Right: Making our way to to the Crazy Horse Memorial...

Anyway, we’ve got quite a bit of parade footage from the Gold Discovery Days parade that we’ll be adding soon, but for now we’ll let some Days of ’76 footage hold you over. While politicians weren’t allowed to participate in the parade itself, we came through after the parade had ended wearing our “Lien Machine” shirts and enjoying the company of all the Deadwood residents and tourists in the area. Take a look for yourself:

Also, we’ve got some photos of Chris from last week’s Meade County Picnic and the Teenage Republicans Camp where Chris was able to speak to a great and energetic group of young Republicans ready to make a difference for the Republican party.

Chris certainly enjoyed both events and is looking forward to attending more of these over the next few months. If you know of any groups interested in meeting with Chris, let us know by e-mailing info@chrislienforcongress.com.

Pictures from some of the events last week are pasted below. The top two pictures are of Chris and folks at the Meade County Picnic. The bottom two are pictures of Chris and attendees of the TARs camp last week.

Be ready for the next blog post, which will be coming soon. We’ll also be adding some footage from the Custer Parade, so be on the lookout for that.

-Campaign Mike