Mon. December 11, 2000
Sioux Falls, SD -
The tension surrounding the presidential election prompted an unusually curt exchange between The tension surrounding the presidential election prompted an unusually curt exchange between two politicians in South Dakota.
Democrat Ted Lerew, a former state lawmaker, said he was tired of watching Governor Bill Janklow and other Republicans complain about the Florida recounts, so he fired off a note to the governor on November 28th.
``Your stating that these election boards are 'stealing the presidency' is outrageous coming from a person in your position,'' Lerew wrote. ``I feel that you are needlessly inciting and embarrassing the name and people of our great state.''
Then comes the kicker: ``Having said that, I respectfully request that you apologize to the people of our state and nation and immediately resign.''
Janklow's response: ``Ted — My mom said I should never call a person a 'Jerk' in writing. Please send me your phone number. — Bill.''
Lerew wasn't finished. On December 6th, he wrote: ``Are you suggesting that I called you a 'Jerk' or are you saying that you would be a 'Jerk' if you had my telephone number? If the latter is what you mean, it appears to me that you don't have the guts to put on paper what you plan to say over the phone.''
Lerew expressed disappointment that Janklow did not reply to his requests for an apology and resignation before ending the note this way: ``I have always been curious what your middle initial stood for.''
Janklow was unavailable for comment on the exchange, spokesman Bob Mercer said Monday.
For the record, Janklow's middle name is John. two politicians in South Dakota. Democrat Ted Lerew, a former state lawmaker, said he was tired of watching Governor Bill Janklow and other Republicans complain about the Florida recounts, so he fired off a note to the governor on November 28th. ``Your stating that these election boards are 'stealing the presidency' is outrageous coming from a person in your position,'' Lerew wrote. ``I feel that you are needlessly inciting and embarrassing the name and people of our great state.'' Then comes the kicker: ``Having said that, I respectfully request that you apologize to the people of our state and nation and immediately resign.'' Janklow's response: ``Ted — My mom said I should never call a person a 'Jerk' in writing. Please send me your phone number. — Bill.'' Lerew wasn't finished. On December 6th, he wrote: ``Are you suggesting that I called you a 'Jerk' or are you saying that you would be a 'Jerk' if you had my telephone number? If the latter is what you mean, it appears to me that you don't have the guts to put on paper what you plan to say over the phone.'' Lerew expressed disappointment that Janklow did not reply to his requests for an apology and resignation before ending the note this way: ``I have always been curious what your middle initial stood for.'' Janklow was unavailable for comment on the exchange, spokesman Bob Mercer said Monday. For the record, Janklow's middle name is John.
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