Ahlers touts crossover appeal, work ethic in announcement for governor

Former lawmaker says he has proven track record of winning in GOP territory

Former state lawmaker and current Democratic Party Executive Director Dan Ahlers pledged Tuesday to work across party lines if he wins the governor’s mansion this year.

Ahlers announced his candidacy at the Downtown Sioux Falls Library to dozens of supporters. He noted that winning the governor’s race hasn’t come easy for Democrats in South Dakota – the last time they won Ahlers, now 52, was 1.