The Plains Political Tradition: Essays on South Dakota Political Culture: Volume 2 by Jon K. Lauck, John E. Miller & Donald C. Simmons, Jr.

Across the country, election-night viewers typically see South Dakota as a "red" state, but is it really that simple? South Dakota's political landscape is a mix of geographical variations and political subcultures in historical flux. This new volume focuses on the unpredictability and the occasional paradox in the state's political culture. Historians explore compelling stories of direct democracy, organized labor, West River identity, New Deal planning, Cold War loyalty, bicultural conservatism, and the Christian Left - among other topics.

paperback
270 pages
black and white illustrations
ISBN: 978-0-9860355-8-6

Contributors: Thomas Biolsi, Sean J. Flynn, Mark A. Lempke, David Mills, Matthew Pehl, Nathan Sanderson, Steven A. Stofferahn, Brad Tennant, Tonnis H. Venhuizen, Robert E. Wright
Edited by: Jon K. Lauck, John E. Miller & Donald C. Simmons, Jr.

About the editors: John K. Lauck received his Ph.D. in economic history from the University of Iowa and his law degree from the University of Minnesota. He is currently adjunct professor of history at the University of South Dakota, senior advisor and counsel to Senator John Thune, and associate editor and book review editor. John E. Miller gravitated toward political as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, having been a debater all through high school and as an undergraduate at the University of Missouri. During three decades at the University of Tulsa and South Dakota State University, he expanded his explorations into other areas of history while retaining a strong interest in politics. 

Image description: The cover displays a grassy field with yellow flowers, and the sky is blue with some clouds. The title, subtitle, and editors' names are printed at the top of the cover.