Scorecard season is now upon us

The legislative session is a small, bracketed, yet intense, 38 days in Pierre. After session, legislators return home to their communities, families and jobs.
Lobbyists are also in Pierre during session. They represent special interest groups and lobby either for or against certain bills that are issues or causes important to them. They turn on the full court press trying to persuade legislators to vote their side of the voting card. One morning I arrived at my desk to find 10 lobbyists lined up and waiting to give me their pitch about the bills up for a vote later that day.
I have made it a point when approached by lobbyists to listen to their proponent or opponent argument, then do my own research. Part of that research is to call home to speak to constituents in District 30 who have knowledge about specific issues related to a particular bill. Then I vote on the bill based on the best interests of the people of District 30 and the state by utilizing what I have learned from research, constituents, legislators and lobbyists.
Personally, in my opinion, I don’t think that everything needs to be a new law. I am for less government and I have on several occasions, asked the question, should this be a new law, a protocol or remain a local issue? Many times, my answer is local control.  Of course, that doesn’t make the lobbyists happy and you know what? I’m OK with that!
After session ends these special interest groups and organizations generate a scorecard. The cards do not reflect an accurate overall summary of a legislator’s voting record because they cherry pick a handful of bills specific to their cause, aimed at elevating legislators who voted in favor of their agenda and diminish the legislator who didn’t support their agenda and voted the other way, even if that vote was in the best interests of their specific district.
Most people who aren’t entrenched in politics don’t realize that scorecards do not reflect the entire voting record of a legislator and they take the scorecards as an indication of who is a good or bad legislator. In reality, the scorecard is solely aimed at manipulating not only you as the voter, but to also sway the legislator’s vote. I have heard legislators say, “Oh we need to vote for (or against) this bill because this is a scorecard bill.” Really?
One bill shouldn’t determine a legislator’s success or failure. For example, this past session a senator from East River introduced a bill to thoroughly examine all expenditures and the general management of each department of state government. The bill passed through the Senate and the House successfully and has been sent to the governor for signature. However, on a recent scorecard, the senator scored an “F!”
Frankly, I don’t put any credence in scorecards. They are neither accurate, fair or reflect the overall accomplishments of a legislator. A perfect example of this is in the scorecard referenced above, 11 legislators who voted against the G-Bill (that balances the budget for the state as per our state constitution), and funds entities and projects like the libraries, and South Dakota Public Broadcasting yet, they all scored an “A.”  
I encourage you to do your own research. Consider who is behind the special interest group producing the scorecard. What are their objectives? Who provides financial backing for them? Who lends them legislative support? After that, form your own informed opinion.
It is an honor to be your voice and to represent you in Pierre!