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A Prayer for Our State and Nation
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
April 18, 2025

We’re at the Easter holiday. It’s a great holiday to celebrate traditions with family and loved ones. I remember when I was a child, the day before Easter we would dye eggs that we’d just gathered from the chicken coop. You rarely see real eggs at Easter egg hunts anymore! To this day, my wife Sandy hides Easter baskets outside for everyone to find – adults included.

But Easter is about far more than just egg hunts, good food, and time with loved ones. As I write this column, it’s Good Friday, the day that we reflect on our Savior’s sacrifice for the entire world. Easter comes in a few days to reflect on our Savior’s resurrection.

I’d like to take this opportunity to offer a prayer for our state and nation, particularly for the leaders who serve in positions of public service. If you’ll join me in prayer:

Dear Savior Jesus Christ,

About 2,000 years ago, the government of one of the most powerful empires in history sent you to the cross.

Today, Christians across the world reflect on your sacrifice for us that day: Good Friday. And we celebrate that which is to come this Sunday: Easter, when you rose from the grave and conquered death.

Lord, you bestow an incredible trust on those of us who serve our people in Government.

In 1 Peter 2:13, you tell us to “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.”

You also share countless examples in your Scriptures of what it means to be a good ruler – or a bad one. Give us the wisdom to know the difference.

Give us the insight to follow that path that will make us good leaders of your people. Give us the knowledge to make the best possible decisions for those that we lead. And when these gifts fail – give us the humility to trust in your will – not our own.

Be with President Donald J. Trump, our congressional delegation, and our state legislators. Be with the leaders in our cities, counties, and communities. And Lord, I ask that you be with me, with Lieutenant Governor Venhuizen, and with our whole administration.

All authority comes from you. So help us to exercise our authority as you would – for the good of your people.

In your name we pray – Amen.

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If you’re looking for something to fill part of your Saturday with, and you’re in the Sioux Falls area, come check out the Comic & Toy show from 10am – 5pm at the Ramkota Exhibit hall, where you’re sure to see something your parents threw out after you moved out:

Since I’m trying to downsize in preparation for a move out to the Hills in 2026, I’m going to be one of the vendors hawking my wares to try to reduce the amount of my “stuff.”

I don’t really need that old ’70’s Star Trek action figure set in the box that I thought was nifty, but picking that kind of thing up in my travels is symptomatic of being brought up by an antique shop owner/auctioneer.

The 2016 Donald Trump “Road to the White House” bobblehead isn’t something I’m going to display on my mantel either, so that and the other speculative buys can also get cleared out of my closet.

Used to be when I was being drug along by my mom to look at collections to buy or doing personal property auction sales, she would get excited when we got to sell someone’s collection of Hummel figurines. I can’t say that I feel the same way about ceramic figures.

Anymore, those have become a meme for the stuff people don’t want to inherit.

People nowadays are mainly after items they remember fondly from their own childhood.  For example – one of my holy grails – at one point my antique-dealing mother traded our jukebox (as pictured on the left) for a roll-top desk.  Yes. She traded the UFO bubble top  jukebox we had in the basement & played with (in perfect working order) for an antique oak roll-top desk, which she later sold.

Fast forward 45 years, I know which one I would prefer to have. The family jukebox actually did come up on an auction estate sale about 10-15 years ago, but I wasn’t so flush with cash at the moment I was going to drive to Pierre to unsuccessfully bid on as it cruised past $1000 or more. *sigh.*

But, that’s why people go to shows like this to seek out the stuff they used to have. It reminds them of the less complicated days of their youth. It’s nostalgia for simpler times.

So, if you’re looking or something to do tomorrow, don’t mind a blast from the past for the things you used to have as a kid, and get to see how much that thing was that mom threw out is worth now; come check out my booth as well as all the other vendors at the Sioux Falls Comic & Toy Show tomorrow (Saturday) from 10-4 at the Ramkota Event center.

Guest Column: A message from the interns
for Congressman Dusty Johnson

Jolene

Yá’át’ééh shik’éí dóó shidine’é, shi éí Jolene Anderson yíníshyé. Hello! My name is Jolene Anderson, and I had the privilege of interning in Dusty Johnson’s office as his Ben Reifel intern this semester. The Ben Reifel Internship is an ode to the legacy of Congressman Ben Reifel, the first Lakota member of Congress who represented South Dakota in the 1960s.

When I began this internship, I had no idea what to expect, but my goal was clear: I wanted to advocate for tribal communities. Looking back, I am happy to say that I’ve met that goal and gained a clearer understanding of what I want to do in the future.

During my internship, I answered constituent calls, wrote memos, attended meetings, and more. As a Ben Reifel intern, my responsibilities were more specialized to tribal affairs. A highlight of my internship was attending a hearing with Dusty entitled, “Leaving Indian Children Behind: Reviewing the State of Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Schools.”

I was encouraged to research the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis. This issue is close to my heart, and it was both challenging and motivating to explore gaps in current legislation. This experience has taught me the importance of well-crafted legislation and maintaining strong partnerships with tribes.

I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and will carry this experience with me as I navigate my future career.

Mark

When I applied for an internship in Dusty’s office, I never imagined how impactful it would be. As a first-generation American from Huron and a member of the Karen community, this experience has been a powerful reminder of the American Dream. Through hard work, faith, and perseverance, I’ve seen how anyone—regardless of where they come from—can contribute meaningfully to this country.

Growing up in a refugee family, I witnessed the challenges of starting over—language barriers, cultural differences, and limited opportunity. But I also saw the importance of personal responsibility, education, and strong family values. My parents taught me that freedom must be earned through hard work and giving back. That principle has shaped my journey at the University of South Dakota, where I’m studying criminal justice.

Interning in Dusty’s office has been an incredible privilege. I’ve attended briefings, drafted memos, and assisted constituents, gaining a firsthand understanding of public service. I’ve been surrounded by principled leaders who believe in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and putting South Dakota values first.

A defining moment came when I became a U.S. citizen this February. Taking the oath of allegiance, while interning in Congress, was one of the proudest moments of my life. Throughout this internship, I’ve worked on issues that matter to me: education, family, and economic opportunity.

From arriving in the U.S. without knowing a word of English to working on Capitol Hill, this internship has strengthened my resolve to serve others and protect the freedoms that make America a beacon of hope. I am proud to have represented South Dakota and leave this experience with a deepened commitment to faith, family, and freedom.

Johnson with interns Jolene and Mark

The SDGOP might have been sweating it until a couple of Trump related donations came through.  But they’re not out of the woods.. because once again, nobody from South Dakota wants to give them any coin.

April FEC SDGOP 2025 by Pat Powers on Scribd

Starting with $49,250 cash on hand, the party received a transfer of $28,084.25 in April as part of a JFC (Joint Fundraising Committee) transfer.. but we’ll see if that’s money they get to keep, or have to pass on in it’s entirety in the next reporting period.

The big number to watch is how much came from rank & file donors. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch.   They reported NO contributions.  I realize the chair doesn’t care about details like raising money, because he’s so busy slapping at the party’s elected officials.

Accordingly, that’s what they did. They raised NO money.

Otherwise, the SDGOP had $8492.97 in expenses in the federal account. And that might be a problem. When you raise no money, you still have expenses. Right now, they’re left with $68,841.29 cash on hand, depending how much has to go back to the Trump campaign.

At some point, the bill collectors are going to catch up with them and the rainy day fund is going to run dry.  The question is when?

From South Dakota News watch, Stu Whitney does a profile on the man who might be South Dakota’s least-liked political figure, Toby Doeden, as he spends as much as he can to try to be somebody:

“He checks a lot of boxes for a candidate,” said Carl Perry, a Republican state senator from Aberdeen who served as assistant majority leader in 2025 and was endorsed by Doeden.

and..

“He was looking for candidates who were committed, Christian and conservative, as well as upholding landowners’ rights,” said Perry, who defeated Katie Washnok, president of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, in the primary after Doeden dumped more than $6,000 into the race.

The intraparty attacks, some of them mischaracterizing legislative votes or positions, rankled party traditionalists. Others noted the irony of Doeden calling people RINOs when his first vote in a Republican primary came in 2024.

“He’s a very mad and angry person,” said Lee Schoenbeck, a longtime GOP state senator who retired from office last year. “Mad and angry is not a public policy platform. It doesn’t educate our children, create jobs or make our communities safer. He will need to set forth a policy platform that is more than just being mad and angry.”

Doeden has been open about his interest in running for statewide office in 2026 as part of a “conservative revolution” in South Dakota, if past misdeeds and establishment resistance don’t impede his path.

and..

“There are two kinds of change agents,” said South Dakota Democratic Party executive director Dan Ahlers. “A disruptor who is intentional and tries to change the status quo in a positive way, and a disrupter who throws Molotov cocktails and watches things burn to the ground. Toby is the latter.”

Read the entire story here.

A person can get out their checkbook to make their fire burn brighter and hotter than anyone else’s. But in the end, a dumpster fire is still a metal container full of garbage

My text messages have been blowing up this morning, as an announcement (for an announcement) has been made on Facebook involving State Representative Jon Hansen and Representative Karla Lems.

A little late for April Fools, but here’s what it is:

Promising an “Announcement for the future of South Dakota,” as sponsored by “the People First PAC,” it certainly gives off vibes like this might be an announcement for Gov/Lt. Gov.  Which is surprising, since Hansen is not qualified to run for Attorney General, much less be in charge of the entirety of state government.  I believe Lems at least has some experience running a business, so I’m not sure what Hansen brings to the ticket…

Fundraising experience, perhaps?  (Sorry dude, I only have a $20, and I’m not giving you that.)  Hopefully he isn’t going to pull a Rick Weiland and drag that out at the campaign events.

Otherwise, the Political Action Committee underwriting this event is “The People First PAC,” a Political Action Committee that was formed less than a month ago with former Representative Randy Gross as the person behind it:

As opposed to an actual campaign committee, using a PAC is a curious move. The thing that does come to mind is that there is a loophole (the Doeden Loophole) allowing unlimited funds to be “loaned” to a PAC that does not close until the law changes July 1.  So we will see.

A number of us are also curious to see how long until this logo changes.  Why?

Sometimes you’re so far right that you’re left. And the truth bubbles up to the surface.

** Update**

Here, I have a better graphic of the announcement.

In case you needed a palate cleanser after the State SDGOP has been trashing Republicans. Senator and Senate Majority Leader John Thune had a sell-out crowd today at the Pennington County Republican Women’s luncheon in what looked to be a great event:

Good on both them and Senator Thune for a great event for doing the job they’re supposed to!

South Dakota Leaders Back Rasner Media’s TikTok Deal, Urge Trump Administration Support

Pierre, SD – Rasner Media’s bid to secure and transform TikTok has received public endorsements from the South Dakota Retailers Association, the South Dakota State Chamber of Commerce, and the South Dakota Governor’s Office.
Citing national data security, emerging quantum computing capabilities, and the opportunity to build a fourth legacy industry, South Dakota leaders are encouraging President Trump and federal decision-makers to support Rasner Media’s vision.

While no final decision has been made on operational locations, Rasner Media has committed to ensuring South Dakota remains a key partner in its mission to protect American digital platforms, create high-tech jobs, and chart a secure future for TikTok.

We believe in safeguarding digital freedom. South Dakota was a key catalyst in the movement to protect Americans from being spied on by the Chinese Communist Party, so we are a fitting landing spot for a new and improved TikTok.

We are building a strong coalition to accomplish this vision alongside Rasner Media and key stakeholders, and we encourage President Trump to support this critical step forward for the country.

– Governor Larry Rhoden, State of South Dakota

Our 4,000 member-businesses recognize that innovation, adaptation, and capitalizing on opportunity are key to any successful enterprise. We urge national leaders to give this plan the green light.

– Dr. Nathan Sanderson, South Dakota Retailers Executive Director

This deal is focused on putting American consumers and businesses first and will forge pro-America leadership in tech. South Dakota Chamber is proud to support Rasner Media and encourages the Trump Administration to do the same.

– David Owen, President of South Dakota State Chamber of Commerce

This is about protecting American data and creating American jobs. South Dakota has stepped up as a strategic partner, and the future is looking brighter than ever. This is a strong America First coalition that is eager for President Trump to greenlight us in this bold effort to protect American data, defeat Chinese Communist Party espionage attempts, and protect TikTok for Americans.

– Reid Rasner, CEO of Rasner Media

Just had a legislator send me a text message:

wtf is this? – https://www.sdgop.com/2025/04/14/a-tale-of-two-political-movements

They – and myself – were quite surprised to see the SDGOP website having directly posted an attack from Hillary Clinton donor and Republican State Representative Liz May against the Governor and Lt. Governor. In part:

The “Open For Opportunity Tour,” led by Gov. Rhoden and Lt. Gov. Venhuizen, gives us a pretty clear picture of which movement they belong to. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has approved millions in taxpayer-funded grants to support big business.

Meanwhile, their tour includes stops at major corporations like Masaba, Inc. and Manitou in Yankton, as well as visits to schools and universities.

But not a single stop, word, or acknowledgement of the Maude fence line dispute — an issue that impacts real South Dakotans, not just balance sheets. Crickets from the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Secretary of Agriculture.

and..

Why? Is it because there’s no political capital to be gained? Or is there another reason?

Read that here.

You know, that’s kind of interesting.  I had legislators like Spencer Gosch and especially Jon Hansen going to the party to cry about what I wrote on my own website, using my own resources, trying to cancel me for having the temerity to say that we as Republicans can do better.  I always suggested that they should be instructed to come to me directly if they had an issue, which never happened.

Yet, now with a change of party leadership, along with the chairman taking shots, the SDGOP is directly posting and hosting attacks against Republican elected officials on the opposite side of things?

Somehow, I’m not holding my breath that they’re going to come back and say “all is forgiven.”

So, me poking at Republicans saying stupid things or noting when they commit outright bad acts on my own website is bad. But when Hillary Clinton Donor Liz May, or 32 year Democrat/Obama Voter Jim Eschenbaum directly use their position or SDGOP resources to attack Republican elected officials, it’s good?

Hopefully they’ll clarify, so we know the rules from here on out.

At what point is it appropriate for the chairman of the SDGOP to meddle in primary elections?

Don’t ask former 32-year Democrat Jim Eschenbaum, as once again he’s shooting off his mouth to the media about one of our elected officeholders, and inserting himself into the next Gubernatorial primary:

“I think Governor Rhoden did very well this legislative session,” Eschenbaum said. But he said there is still plenty of time between now and the primary election on June 2, 2026.

Eschenbaum told South Dakota Searchlight that many Republicans he speaks with are critical of Johnson. A name they like is state House Speaker Jon Hansen.

Hansen would sometimes be introduced as “our governor” during rallies in opposition of Summit’s pipeline.

Read that here.

Just another reminder that he comes to the job of SDGOP chair not with the greater interest of the party in mind. He arrived with his own agenda, which involves elevating his cronies into higher office.