A letter to the editor in the Argus Leader states that the media in Sioux Falls, SD, is racist. The letter writer claims that the media is giving Republican Bruce Whalen a cold shoulder because he's a Republican:

"Sioux Falls media's racism is showing. I know, I know, you love stories about poor Indians and the mistreatment of minorities. But if one wants to be your leader - you raise your ugly racist head." - Lora L. Hubbel, Sioux Falls, SD, October 16, 2006
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061016/OPINION02/610160318/1160/VOICES

A quick Google search doesn't make this very clear. The disparity in web search results can be explained due to Herseth's tenure in Congress, but during the past 30 days Herseth has gotten 25 news mentions compared to Whalen's 9. That seems a pretty lop-sided.

Bruce is a friend of mine and I'd vote for him if I could, but I can understand why the news media in Sioux Falls would want nothing to do with him. He tells an unpopular truth about Indian country:

"Indians are more Republican than Democrat." - Lora L. Hubbel, Sioux Falls, SD, October 16, 2006
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061016/OPINION02/610160318/1160/VOICES

I don't know if he makes that particular assertion, but the truth is that although the monolithic American Indian culture imagined by mainstream myth never existed there is a uniquely American Indian Conservatism that is largely compatible with the writings of Edmund Burke and Russell Kirk.

It may not be identical to most mainstream conservative views, but Indian country and America will benefit when the predominance of American Indian Conservatism in Indian country is acknowledged.

Is this something the liberal media will ever do? Fat chance.