Russell Graeff

Russell Graeff earned a bachelor's degree from Ashbourne College in 2004.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Russell Graeff (66) is running for SD Senate in Scotland, SD, Bon Homme County, District 19 (quite a redistricted district) and semi-retired from the healthcare sector: EMT, Ambulance / Fire Dept. EMS and Respiratory Care in clinical practice as a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner.

Born in Williamsport, PA, was mostly raised / schooled in So. Calif., met Joni, (married >25yrs. now Dec.), moved and developed businesses in central CA, AZ and IN.

We adopted our son in 1996 after a lengthy process attempting to conceive naturally.

When Dan Brandt, (our ONLY "D" candidate for any State 2002 office in District 19) needed to withdraw, the D-19 Central Committee Board nominated that I would be his replacement on the ballot for 2022, occurring at the meeting on 08-03-2022.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

The biggest issue I see for South Dakota is the single party leadership which needs to be at least more balanced in Pierre. There should never be a wanton disregard for ballot initiatives/initiated measures brought forth by the people of SD, stomped on & ignored for legally already decided upon / voted upon issues, nor try to sneak in new Constitutional changes (i.e. "C" on 06-07-0722) when so few would see or notice. Then, why would only 32% of voters turn out to eradicate this? We, the PEOPLE need to show up & vote! In BIG numbers!For the two upcoming Ballot measures for all of S.D,: We have Constitutional Amendment "D" on the ballot for expanding Medicaid benefits (YES, again) Then we also have Initiated Measure "27" which decriminalizes Marijuana in S.D, but has restrictions. This again, has already been previously voted on and approved by the People of South Dakota. (YES) I am Pro Life...always have been (in my careers), saved and proteced lives. However, I also respect the choices of patients who could refuse a treatment or procedure...that's Their RIGHT. (Perhaps I'm pro-choice?) If it were not for "choice", the birth mother of our adopted son would have received an abortion. (That was HER choice). So, isn't it interesting we now have new laws and regulationsPlease make the effort to vote. Vote for a change. Elections and Voting have a huge pricetag. Since the State and your local County have invested in providing & protecting your right to vote, please utilize this investment, already paid for.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Constitutional Amendment "D" on the ballot for expanding Medicaid benefits. Vote YES.

Initiated Measure "27" An initiated measure legalizing the possession, use, and distribution of marijuana. Vote Yes.

Individual rights to health care should not be dictated by legislation, but left to the AMA and professional regulations which govern the medical profession. Doctors and Nurses are very highly trained and licensed to assist patients with their health care, treatments and procedures without interference from legislative intervention. The difficult decisions regarding abortion (at any level) are a Patient / Physician / family / religious decision.