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Dakota Political Junkies

Pressler for Senate

South Dakota's contest for U.S. Senate is receiving national attention as a race that was considered safely Republican but is now seen as closer than expected. Some recent polls have Republican Mike Rounds in first at around 35 percent with either Democrat Rick Weiland or independent Larry Pressler in second place just a few points behind the former governor.

The New York Times and even The Colbert Report have been covering the race. National political figures are coming to the state. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin was here on Tuesday endorsing Rick Weiland while former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum was in Rapid City endorsing Rounds.

KELO-TV reporter Kevin Woster and Madison Daily Leader publisher Jon Hunter joined Dakota Midday and discussed the South Dakota U.S. Senate campaign.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.