Americans for Prosperity – South Dakota Announces New Dream Team Heading Up State Chapter

Americans for Prosperity – South Dakota
Announces New Dream Team Heading Up State Chapter

Speaker Pro Tem and Noem Area Director will lead South Dakota Chapter.

PIERRE – Americans for Prosperity – South Dakota (AFP-SD), the state’s leading grassroots advocate, today announced two key hires to lead its state chapter.

Don Haggar will serve South Dakota in a new capacity as the state director for AFP-SD. Haggar was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2012 after a successful career in the insurance and real estate industries; he served in leadership as Speaker Pro Tem, a position second only to Speaker of the House.

Haggar stepped down from the legislature to take the reins of AFP-SD after Ben Lee was promoted to AFP Regional Director. Haggar expressed his elation at joining AFP and believes he can have an even bigger policy impact with the grassroots organization: “This organization fights for the principles and ideals I hold dear, and has a history of getting results, not just in South Dakota, but across the country. Our state is under attack by those who wish to strip us of our rights, expand government, and stifle free speech. With the power of AFP’s grassroots network, I’ll be able to best serve our state promoting limited government, lower taxes, and personal freedom.”

Additionally, AFP-SD is equally excited that Andrew Curley will be joining the group as the Deputy Director. Curley worked with Rep. Kristi Noem, serving as the congresswoman’s Southeast Area Director in her congressional office. “Opportunities like this don’t come along often. I’m excited to join AFP and I look forward to working alongside the volunteers and activists to advance the cause of economic freedom in the state,” said Curley.

“We really created the dream team to serve South Dakota. Our state chapter is in good hands and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of our volunteer network,” said Lee.

19 thoughts on “Americans for Prosperity – South Dakota Announces New Dream Team Heading Up State Chapter”

  1. he has a weak record. Looks terrible on the heels of all the corruption scandals around the SDGOP.

  2. Good hires by AFP. Shows they’re preparing well for 2018 (session and elections).

  3. I think this is proof the House has gone too moderate. Another loss of a level headed conservative. I’m sure Mickelson and Tony are busy recruiting another like-minded moderate to fill his shoes.

    1. You’re right, this isn’t good news for the House or Conservatives. Haggar won the race to be Speaker Pro Tem, now he blows it. He was in line to be Speaker and he pulls a Chris Madsen to make more money. He let down the State and his constituents. Speaker is one of the most powerful and coveted positions in SD politics, and he gives it up ?!

      1. Maybe Don does not covet power?

        His wife just came through a serious illness, and this was a good opportunity for him. He didn’t let down anyone (and that’s a silly thing to say.)

        Instead of being disappointed, be happy for him. He earned the opportunity to lead in a different way.

        1. yes, he let down those who voted for him in a contested race for Speaker-pro-tem. If he didn’t covet any power(leadership), why did he run for that post.

  4. AFP- is an effective advocate for wealthy multi national corporations as well as some of the wealthiest members of society. Funded mainly by billionaire elightists industriests. I.e. the coch brothers. Total sham. Congrats however Don.

    1. Waa, waa, waa, they don’t believe in socialism! Waa, waa, waa? (I’m paraphrasing Mike’s post)

      AFP is actually a great organization, and only people who hate responsibility and are jealous of the success of others despise AFP.

  5. Don Haggar- Level-headed. Hilarious.

    He grew up north of Church Street which put his head in the clouds. Everyone from Pierre knows the level-headed people grew up in the narrow strip between Capitol Street and Broadway. Sheesh.

    Congrats Don!!!

  6. Chief,

    I’ve known Don for over 40 years. Like him or don’t like him. Agree with him or don’t agree with him. But he always has his priorities straight and takes care of those he must take care of in right order. If he ever were to “let me down” or “disappoint me”, I would know he was rightly taking care of someone higher on his priority list. That is what men of integrity do.

    Not long ago I read a piece which talked about right aspiration and wrong aspiration. In short, it was striving to be a man of influence for good is a noble goal. Striving to be a man of power (even if for good) is not noble. The point is about mindset. A President of the US who sees himself as having an opportunity to influence will achieve by bringing people willingly to a better place. A President who sees himself as having power is uses the power to move people with or without their consent. One attitude respects another’s dignity while the other doesn’t.

    Don is moving from one position of influence to another position of influence. Its his life and his decision on where he thinks he can best accomplish what he aspires to accomplish.

    1. Yes I know Don, and I like Don. If this move had something to do with his wife’s health, then it may be a wise and noble move. However, there is a long list of legislators who have run for and gotten into leadership, and then bailed ship: Chris Madsen, Steve Westra, Tim Rave, Dan Lederman, Mitch Richter, Russ Olson, etc. Some left for more money; I believe Westra was tired of the rude treatment from the education mafia, and of course Richter just quit because he didn’t get the committee appointment he demanded. There are also others like Mark Johnstone, Cooper Garnos, and Mike Jaspers who quit for bigger jobs with more money. I believe Matt McCaulley resigned too, but it was after his final session. Then there are those who wanted leadership positions, didn’t get them, threw a fit and threatened to quit, but stayed on and just didn’t run again (Schoenbeck). The whole situation is troubling. The position is only for two years ! There have been a ton of appointments the past few years. If you can’t last that long, then don’t run !

  7. Chief,

    Are you upset because Don’s departure removes a conservative you agree with?

    Are you upset because he is giving up power (Speaker Pro Tem) and potential greater power (Speaker)?

    Are you upset that he took a job that might be best for his family and potentially greater family income?

    Are you upset because legislators before him resigned?

    All of the above are items you mentioned and you say your are troubled. What really is troubling you?

    By the way, you say you like Don but you must not respect him or like him* very much as otherwise you wouldn’t be so troubled. Instead you’d just say “Don, I might wish you were still going to be in the Legislature but I’m happy for you, I am grateful for your service and you have my best wishes.”

    * Your statement “IF this move had something to do with his wife’s health, then it MAY be a wise and noble move.” (caps added for emphasis) says a lot about how much you like and respect him. People who like others respect their decisions, especially if it is family related. I have no idea if this decision was related to her health but the use of the word MAY indicates you still think you can better judge his decisions. If I were Don, I’d be livid, insulted, and I’d know you are no friend of his.

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