Rick Weiland on Civil Rights

Favors same-sex marriage

Weiland has the support of his onetime boss, Tom Daschle, the former Senate majority leader (also a South Dakota Democrat), and of the party's more liberal base. But his candidacy has upset some in the Democratic establishment. Many South Dakota Democrats are hoping for a centrist to compete in a state where the number of registered independents has increased over the past five years. Daschle said he believed that Weiland would be able to earn the establishment's support. "I've been through this hundreds of times--a candidate has to prove himself or herself before they get support of the [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee]. I believe Rick will be able to do that."

Prosecute discrimination in both public & private sectors

Weiland indicates support of the following principles concerning affirmative action programs.
• The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public sector.
• The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the private sector.