Green Circle: Candidate has a strong voting record on this issue or submitted a strong response via survey.
Red X: Candidate has a weak voting record on this issue or submitted a weak response via survey.
No symbol: Candidate has a mixed or moderate voting record on this issue, gave an inconclusive answer via survey, or did not respond.
For full details on scoring, click here.
| 1) LIFE – Do the candidates support protections for unborn children? |
| Senate |
|
|
| Steve Kolbeck |
R |
Candidate indicated support via survey: “I am Pro-life and have been my entire political career.” |
| House |
|
|
| John Sjaarda |
R |
Candidate indicated support via survey. |
| David Kull |
R |
|
| Gary Leighton |
D |
|
|
|
|
| 2) EDUCATION – Do the candidates support or oppose expanded educational options? (Ex: Private school opportunities, homeschooling, etc.) |
| Senate |
|
|
| Steve Kolbeck |
R |
Candidate indicated support via survey: “It is a good thing for parents to be involved in education.” |
| House |
|
|
| John Sjaarda |
R |
Candidate indicated support via survey |
| David Kull |
R |
|
| Gary Leighton |
D |
|
|
|
|
| 3) MARIJUANA – Do the candidates support or oppose expanding the usage of marijuana? (Ex: Recreational usage, candy edibles, home-grow, etc.) |
| Senate |
|
|
| Steve Kolbeck |
R |
Candidate indicated support via survey: “The will of the voters needs to be taken into consideration on this matter. However, the legislature needs to take time to look, listen and …” (word limit) |
| House |
|
|
| John Sjaarda |
R |
Candidate indicated opposition via survey |
| David Kull |
R |
|
| Gary Leighton |
D |
|
|
|
|
| 4) STUDENT PRIVACY – Do the candidates support or oppose protections for student privacy? (In locker rooms, bathrooms, etc.) |
| Senate |
|
|
| Steve Kolbeck |
R |
Candidate indicated opposition via survey: “I believe local control can solve restroom and locker room issues especially now with most ADA compliant buildings having famiy and handicap accessible restrooms for…” (word limit) |
| House |
|
|
| John Sjaarda |
R |
Candidate indicated support via survey. |
| David Kull |
R |
|
| Gary Leighton |
D |
|
|
|
|
| 5) GAMBLING EXPANSION – Do the candidates support or oppose expanding gambling in South Dakota? |
| Senate |
|
|
| Steve Kolbeck |
R |
Candidate indicated support via survey: “I do not support increasing video lottery bet limits, but online sports betting was voted on and approved. While gambling and video lottery have taken…” (word limit) |
| House |
|
|
| John Sjaarda |
R |
Candidate indicated opposition via survey. |
| David Kull |
R |
|
| Gary Leighton |
D |
|
|
|
|
