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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin ***Photo attached***
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH SANDLIN MEETS WITH SOUTH DAKOTA “ANGELS IN ADOPTION”

Liebetrau Family from Elk Point Honored for Adoption Work

October 5, 2007, Washington D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin this week met with the Liebetrau family from Elk Point, S.D. in her Washington, D.C. office. Rep. Herseth Sandlin nominated the Liebetraus as “Angels in Adoption,” earlier this year in recognition of their selfless commitment to opening their home to children in need. The “Angels in Adoption” program is sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) to highlight the work of families, like the Liebetraus, who are champions in their personal lives on the issues of adoption and foster care.

Steve and Laurie Liebetrau have three children, all of whom were adopted. The oldest, 11-year-old Maggi Yi Ju, was adopted from China by her parents in 1997. Two years later, Steve and Laurie adopted Benjamin Hyun Suk Lie from Korea. Ben will celebrate his ninth birthday this fall. This past December, the Liebetraus celebrated the holiday season in China, returning home on New Year’s Eve with their little girl, Audrey Qiong Ke, who is now two-years-old.

Rep. Herseth Sandlin assisted the Liebetraus in their efforts to adopt Audrey at the end of 2006, as they encountered delays in their immigration paperwork. Rep. Herseth Sandlin was successful in facilitating an expedited processing of the necessary forms, allowing Audrey to be granted a visa to enter the United States and join with her new family.

On Thursday this week, Rep. Herseth Sandlin met with Steve, Laurie, Maggi, Ben and Audrey in her office, prior to the Leibetrau’s attendance at the Angels in Adoption Gala ceremony to honor recipients of the award from across the country. Rep. Herseth Sandlin said, “It was such a pleasure and a treat to meet with Steve and Laurie and their beautiful children. The Liebetraus are shining examples of selflessness and love, as they have opened wide the doors of their home to Maggi, Ben and Audrey.”

# # #

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.