SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO AM) Saying that he's always put the person above party, Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether, a registered Democrat, is switching his affiliation to Independent. The November election has something to do with it.
"It was so evident by everybody that America was so hungry for change, hungry for new leadership, hungry for a different style of leadership. It was so incrediably obvious," explained Mayor Huether at a Monday press conference.
Despite that hunger for change, Huether was "flabbergasted" when U.S. House Democrats again chose Nancy Pelosi as their leader. Huether gave evidence of his independent way of thinking, saying he voted for Republican Governor Dennis Daugaard and most recently Republican U.S. Senator John Thune.
"....Because his record and his qualifications far outweighed his opponents." Huether described himself as a "fiscal conservative and social libertarian."
As the popular mayor of South Dakota's largest city, Huether was, arguably, the most electable Democrat for state-wide office. He leaves the mayor's chair in time for other pastures in 2018. Political pundits may say that as a registered Independent, Huether improves his chances, whether he chooses to run for governor or for South Dakota's lone U.S. House seat.
Huether was asked about his future political aspirations at Monday's news conference. He refused to let any cat out of the bag.
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