Herseth Sandlin will not seek political office in 2014

Former Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin announced moments ago, via facebook, that she will not be a political candidate in 2014.

She writes:

Dear Friends,

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend. With this post this morning, I’d like to do three things. First, to share this recent picture of Zachary—one of my favorites!Second, to say thank you for your friendship and kindness, your political support over the years, and the encouragement many of you have offered over the past few weeks to consider another campaign in 2014.

And third, to let you know that after carefully contemplating that option, my family and I have concluded that the future should continue to be focused on the plans we laid last year at this time. We’re looking forward to more quality time with family and friends here in Sioux Falls, up at the farm and out on the river. And my career at Raven Industries is everything I had anticipated and more, and continues to be very highly rewarding.

While I know you share my confidence that working together we could win a statewide race next year, I’m also confident that the decision not to run is the right decision for Max, Zachary, me and our entire family. Zachary will be starting kindergarten in the fall of 2014, just weeks before next year’s general election. Further, I have tremendous respect for my fellow team members at Raven, and I’m committed to the success of the company.

Please know that serving others will be in my heart always, and I will continue to do so, just not in the political realm for the time being. There is no way of knowing if there will be another opportunity to serve South Dakota in elective office, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity I did have in an earlier and different stage of my life and for all the great friends I made along the way.

My warmest regards to each of you. Enjoy a wonderful summer.

Stephanie