South Dakota House of Representatives District 30 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in South Dakota, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for South Dakota House of Representatives District 30 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for South Dakota House of Representatives District 30 (2 seats)

Incumbent Trish Ladner and Dennis Krull defeated Bret Swanson in the general election for South Dakota House of Representatives District 30 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Trish Ladner (R)	43.4	8,309
✔		Dennis Krull (R)	39.9	7,638
		Bret Swanson (D)	16.8	3,217

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,164
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Dennis Krull (R)

I want to be the voice of the voters in District 30

I stand for the flag, second amendment rights and the sanctity of life.

I also believe the government should do no more than what the public cannot do for itself.

Bret Swanson (D)

To expose the ruling party's corruption, to improve the state's reputation, to be honest and transparent.

To enhance worker rights: raise minimum wage to $20/hr, enforce due process protection (no more right to work).

To address tax equity.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Dennis Krull (R)

The Constitutions of the US and the State of South Dakota.

Bret Swanson (D)

As an educator, I worry about how education has been overly politicized. Teachers want and deserve autonomy. The state and other outside organizations are trying encroach and influence what happens in the classroom.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Bret Swanson (D)

I admire Ralph Nader because of his courage, intelligence, and selflessness; Bob Dylan for being Bob, being constantly creative, and for not really caring what other people think; and Muhammed Ali for his bravery and creativity.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Bret Swanson (D)

My favorite book is Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow. My favorite album is Dylan's Blood on the Tracks. My favorite poem is Traveling through the Dark by William Stafford. My favorite films are Godfathers I and II, and Tombstone.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Bret Swanson (D)

Honesty, diplomacy, civility, humor.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Bret Swanson (D)

I'm honest, empathetic, and have a decent sense of humor.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Bret Swanson (D)

To honestly work to improve the lives of his/her constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Bret Swanson (D)

Neil Armstrong stepping on the moon. I was nine.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Bret Swanson (D)

I worked behind the counter at a Baskin and Robbins for one one summer.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bret Swanson (D)

Henderson the Rain King--funny, surprising, great ending.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Bret Swanson (D)

Superman

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Bret Swanson (D)

Highway to Hell

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Bret Swanson (D)

I quit drinking in 1991, smartest move I ever made.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Bret Swanson (D)

Open and productive.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Bret Swanson (D)

To be more honest, more just, and more fair.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Bret Swanson (D)

Some experience is helpful.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Bret Swanson (D)

You should work together.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Bret Swanson (D)

Independent review board.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Bret Swanson (D)

Education, budget, tribal relations, healthcare.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Bret Swanson (D)

Paul Wellstone

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Bret Swanson (D)

Undecided.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Bret Swanson (D)

One of my volunteers needs a walker to move around. He cannot drive. When I asked him what issues are important to him, he said that he wished there were more employment opportunities for people like him.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Bret Swanson (D)

No.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Bret Swanson (D)

Yes.

See also

More about these elections:

• South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2022

Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:

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