Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Big update from the South Dakota Republican Party.

Last night, I’m hearing around 11:30ish, the Chairman of the Republican Party, backed by the State Party executive board, sent a nice note out to SDGOP Central Committee Members.

The message to a few of them? Knock it off:

Chairman Wiik pointed out that there are bylaws that talk about people running as indys. And if members of the Central Committee want to support a non-Republican candidate:

Justin McNeal is not a Republican candidate for anything. Nothing against him personally, but he didn’t get enough signatures to appear on the ballot as a Republican. Congressman Johnson did. Dusty Johnson is our Republican Party recognized candidate for Congress. If you support anyone else, you are not supporting the Republican in this race. If that makes you uncomfortable, you are able to resign your position with the party and work on McNeal’s campaign, but we cannot allow you as a member of the Central Committee to support a non-Republican candidate.

Boom! and then the other shoe dropped, as the chair also recognized that Yankton County was dabbling in areas it was not supposed to be dabbing in:

..we have first hand reports of county parties supporting one side of a primary amongst Republicans. Simply stated, that violates a century of tradition in our party, and I cannot allow it. We are fighting a ballot measure that threatens to open our primaries. Unless we lose that battle, Republican voters choose our nominee. We can offer forums, meet and greets, and countless ways to inform our voters, but the final decision belongs to the voters, not the party. Please do not endorse in primaries either financially or by resolution.

Chairman’s Wiik’s Update letter puts significant pressure on the county groups (and auxiliaries) to rein in some of their more troubling bad actors who have been actively straying outside of their lane and campaigning against Republicans.

So, if someone like Minnehaha County GOP Vice Chair Jennifer Foss who has been lending aid to the Independent hopeful doesn’t like it,  the State Party Chairman and Executive Board are actively encouraging her to find the door, and to not let it knock her in the rear-end on her way out.

Keep on reading. I’m sure there’s more to come.

This week, while one District 17 House Republican challenger is in the greybar hotel telling officers about the CIA Cameras in her teeth, you’d think that we would hit the limit for odd things that candidates do. But this year, our cup appears to runneth over.

Carson Merkwan, another challenger Republican for District 17 House, is on social media and happens to be telling those following his facebook that he is prepared for people to be offended by his stances:

“A negative perception will be inevitable in today’s polarized landscape no matter how positive someone intends to be if they are willing to make meaningful stands. He is prepared for people to be offended by his stances.”

I look at this kind of statement and just ask, “Why?”  “Why on earth would a person think that this makes people want to vote for them?”

I’ve interacted with Carson before, and found him to be personable, and seemed to even care about serving his community on local boards.  So, why would he run a campaign saying up front that he’s going to offend people? It just defies logic, and is illustrative of the state of politics our country is in.

There are a class of politicians who operate under the misguided notion that elections are won by division.  That could not be farther from the truth, and the kind of thinking that is going to put Democrats back in office in the state.

Elections are won by bringing people together and building a coalition in support of your cause or candidacy. No one is saying you have to want to snuggle up to everyone, but to find common goals.   Plenty of politicians quote Reagan, citing “The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent traitor.”  But nowadays if you aren’t walking in complete lockstep, there’s going to be an ideological, or maybe even a January 6 style physical throwdown.

Candidates, don’t do this. It’s not good for your election. And even worse for the state of politics.

It looks like yesterday was not District 17 Republican House candidate Robin Schiro‘s day. Because she spent part of it in the Union County Jail charged with 22-11-6, obstructing an officer. And it sounds as if she may be picking up other charges in Clay County, as well as law enforcement having her case brought in front of the Union County Mental Health Board of Directors.

It appears she was brought to jail after refusing to sign.

The ticket is bad enough for a legislative candidate facing a primary on June 4th..  But the narrative is so much worse.

From the Affidavit of Probable Cause for warrantless arrest:

“Shortly after, the Frontier and Trooper Gonzalez passed me. The Frontier took exit 18 southbound off-ramp into Elk Point. Myself, Deputy Gardini and Sergeant J. Christie, Elk Point Police Officer C. Trudeau and Chief J. Limoges, all surrounded the house; however, Iwas advised by Officer Trudeau that the female driver already exited her vehicle and entered her residence. tI was decided to leave the situation be at the time, and to just wait for Clay County to approve a warrant for the driver’s arrest for eluding law enforcement (SDCL 32-33-18.1). Al units then went back into service. I later found out that the female was the registered owner, Robin Schiro (white female, DOB 11/13/1959). I was told Schiro has mental health disorders. I also discovered that Clay County Sheriff’s Office began to pursue her because they were able to identify her driving with a warrant. She refused to stop for Clay County units and Trooper Gonzalez.”

“Around 1630 hours, Officer Trudeau radioed that the Frontier was not at the house anymore, but he did not know a direction of travel. I advised I would keep watch for it. I called Union County Dispatch and asked if Schiro’s warrant was valid out of Lawrence, SD. I was told that a confirmation was sent, and Lawrence replied that it was still valid and they wished for her to be held, if located. It hen ended my phone call. Deputy Gardini was partnered with me in my patrol vehicle during this time.”

So, Schiro was not only in trouble for what had taken place in Clay County, but as I noted earlier, she already had an outstanding warrant in Lawrence County.    And she seems to be hanging on to the talk about the IRS (my emphasis…)

Schiro then got very angry with me as I told her the facts I knew at the time. Schiro began to contest her outstanding warrant. Schiro mentioned that she did not stop for the officers earlier in Clay County because they did not have a valid warrant for her to stop. Schiro kept raising her voice saying I work for the IRS despite me identifying myself as a sworn and certified Deputy Sheriff of the Union County Sheriff’s Office. I had to ask for her ID multiple times. After arguing over it for a bit, she finally complied with my lawful command to give me identification, as I was investigating her for the previous eluding and her warrant.

and..

Upon arrival to the jail, we entered the booking room. I called the Union County Mental Health board of directors to speak regarding a mental health committal for the time being, as Schiro was in the sally port making comments about her being bugged by the IRS. She said she was bugged and that they were watching her with cameras in her teeth. Sheriff Prouty was notified and advised to allow her to be booked into the jail on her charges/warrant and that we wil continue the mental committal process. At the time of this report, the process is still being worked.

I am charging Schiro for violation of SDCL 22-11-6 (obstruction). Schiro’s charges for eluding out of Clay County, SD, for earlier, are still pending. Her warrant with Lawrence County, SD, is for violating SDCL 32-25-7 (speeding on other roadways). A copy of the warrant was uploaded into this report.

Bugged by the IRS and that they were watching with cameras in her teeth..  That’s not good.

Read that in the attached, below.

Robin Schiro 63cri24-000157_affidavit of Probable Cause for Warrantless Arrest by Pat Powers on Scribd

The bottom line is that she should not be on the ballot.. and we can hope she gets help for what ails her.

And trust me. Going to Pierre as a legislator is not the cure for having personal problems. We have enough people there who you have to take a moment on, without accusations of teeth bugging.

A short time back, a group no one has ever heard of came out with a scorecard of how they ranked the candidates for office with such interesting tidbits as how they ranked the candidates running in District 3:

Basically, Carl Perry stinks, but we have beef with Katie, so vote for Carl.   Objective, wouldn’t you agree?  (That was sarcasm. Katie rocks).

Along those lines, we see scorecards from the left, right, and in-between telling people who is and is not the better candidate. So, which one is correct?

Well, I’m going to solve that problem for you with the first ever SDWC scorecard. Working with several conservative Republicans, we’ve come up with the one you should consider when making your decision who is the best – the first ever Real Conservative Scorecard!

The scorecard bases it’s measure of conservatism on 4 different areas:

1) Supporting Law Enforcement and Keeping Communities Safe
2) Cutting Taxes and Discouraging Welfare
3) Protecting Life and Promoting Family Values
4) Securing Our Elections and Giving Voice to All Voters

Pretty basic areas I think all Republicans can agree on over what constitutes a conservative viewpoint. There might be an issue or two that we disagree on, but … well, you can go do your own scorecard. But here’s where I and several other Real Republicans draw the conservative line.

The list of what the bills are comes after the scorecards.  And looking at the data, there are more than a few surprises. The list is broad enough that one vote doesn’t swing it. And legislators are graded on the “tough teacher” scale.. not any of that 90% 80% 70% scale stuff.

So read it for yourself, and let us know what you think:

SDWC first ever Real Conservative Scorecard by Pat Powers on Scribd

Looking like the same cancer infecting the Minnehaha and Deuel County GOP has made it’s way to the SDSU College Republicans, as they blasted a message out earlier today that they’re hosting Not Republican/Independent hopeful for Congress Justin McNeal tomorrow night..

Are they going to change their name to the SDSU College Not Republicans now?

No word when they’ll be hosting the Democrat for Congress, since the concept of being a Republican party auxilliary organization escapes them.

The Katie Washnok campaign posted this video to Facebook – great use of social media for a campaign!

The Yankton County Republican Party has apparently joined the Minnehaha County GOP Vice Chair, and the Deuel County Republican Party in doing things that county party organizations aren’t supposed to do.

Just a short time ago, former Yankton County GOP Chair and long-time carrier of water for the elephant Roger Meyer sent an e-mail out, pointing out that the Yankton County GOP is getting involved in, and showing favoritism in the primary election, as they send money to the person challenging long-time Republican legislator and State Senator Jean Hunhoff:

April 9, 2024

Republican Friends

It has been some time since I have sent an update to this correspondence, but an unusual event at the Yankton County Republican Meeting last night, prompted me to write.  It being an election year, you may hear more from me.

In my memory, a county party has never endorsed a candidate in a Republican primary.  However that changed last night when the Yankton County Republican party voted to provide an incentive to a candidate in the primary for State Senate, Lauren Nelson.  She is running against incumbent State Senator Jean Hunhoff.  The party claimed this was simply an incentive for a new candidate “as they need financial help”.  However, such a contribution can only be perceived as an endorsement.  In the past, our party has always remained neutral in the primary and then come together in the fall to support the nominee.  Individuals, of course, are welcome to contribute to and support the candidate of their choice, but in the primary the party as a group should remain neutral.

On another note, it should be pointed out that the lawsuit against Greg Adamson, Butch Becker and Roger Meyer as the District 18 Republican Political Action Committee has been dismissed.

Roger Meyer

Choosing sides, and donating money to one of the candidates in the primary is pretty high on the list of no-no’s that a Republican Party County organization should never do.. but, they went ahead and did it anyway.

Again, I have to ask what if anything is going to be done about it?

This isn’t a matter of individuals choosing to support the candidate of their preference, but using party resources to do so.  As one observer noted to me, “This county (GOP group) is a dumpster fire.”    It should send up a flare to those who have had previously supported the local party, and encourage them to donate directly to candidates. Because that’s the only way one can know it’s going to support those intended.

– Oh, and a postscript to the lawsuit the new party members filed against the old. According to Roger, the new guys lost.

Another waste of County GOP resources.

Gov. Noem Launches Round Three of Freedom Works Here
“Building in America” Ad Invites Homebuilders to Move to South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development launched round three of Freedom Works Here, the most successful workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota history. Round three launched with the “Building in America” ad, which features Governor Noem as a homebuilder inviting workers to move to South Dakota.

“South Dakota has the blueprint for success. Recently, we led the nation in new homebuilding,” said Governor Noem. “But we’re still growing so fast, we need to hire more builders to keep up.”

Spring represents the time of year when new home construction ramps up – as well as when families who are wrapping up the school year are considering making a move. That makes this the perfect time to launch round three of Freedom Works Here.

In the “Building in America” ad, Governor Noem explains that South Dakota has no state income tax and offers on-the-job apprenticeship training.

Freedom Works Here is the most successful workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota history. Thousands and thousands of families have already moved to South Dakota, and thousands more are in the process of coming here.

These numbers represent those working directly through the “Freedom Works Here” program. Even more people are finding jobs and moving to South Dakota of their own accord after seeing the ads.

More information about the Freedom Works Here campaign can be found at FreedomWorksHere.com.

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Pump the Brakes on Biden’s EV Mandate
By Sen. John Thune

The Biden administration’s pursuit of its Green New Deal agenda jeopardizes Americans’ access to secure, reliable, and affordable energy. Energy costs have increased 35 percent under President Biden. The electric grid is struggling to keep up with demand. And new taxes and regulations are making life difficult for conventional energy producers. Nevertheless, the Biden administration continues to push its radical environmental agenda on the American people.

In recent weeks, the Biden administration finalized restrictive new regulations on cars and trucks, creating a de facto mandate for the majority of new car sales to be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2032. There are a number of issues with this overreaching regulation, particularly that it will be incredibly costly for most Americans. The average cost of an EV is $52,000, which would be a significant expense for most families at any time, but especially now when compounded by the effects of inflation and higher interest rates.

Most Americans are also not convinced that an EV is right for them. South Dakotans expect a lot from their vehicles. We drive our cars and trucks long distances, put them to work on farms and ranches, and they face extremely cold temperatures. We also keep them for more than 14 years on average. Unsurprisingly, South Dakotans have not been eager to trade in their car or truck for an electric model. And with gas stations still vastly outnumbering charging stations in our state, as they do in the rest of the country, the eight-year timeline the president envisions is unrealistic at best.

EVs would also place a heavy burden on our electric grid, which is nowhere near capable of supporting such a significant increase in demand. In fact, our nation’s energy grid is already being stretched by increased demand and the move away from conventional energy sources. We are rapidly approaching a situation in which we simply won’t have the ability to keep up with current electricity demand, and adding millions of electric vehicles on top of that could lead to widespread blackouts and brownouts, to say nothing of higher electricity prices.

In addition to Americans’ daily drivers, the Biden administration is also imposing new regulations on heavy-duty trucks, like those used in commercial trucking, to push truckers to switch to electric versions of their vehicles. By one estimate, the infrastructure and electricity costs of complying with the regulation could cost almost $1 trillion, which doesn’t include the cost of the new trucks themselves.

The future the Biden administration envisions is unrealistic, and forcing it on the American economy and households through heavy-handed regulations is just wrong. I have joined my Senate Republican colleagues in pushing legislation that would roll back these onerous and costly mandates, and we will see to it that the Senate takes an up-or-down vote on stopping these misguided regulations.

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Sacrificing to Serve
by Congressman Dusty Johnson

BIG Update

Applications for my U.S. Service Academy nomination consideration opened this week for the Class of 2029. It’s one of the privileges of my job to meet and nominate brilliant young individuals to attend one of the prestigious academies.

Attending a Service Academy equips and trains the next generation of officers in our Armed Forces, focusing on leadership, both the physical and mental aspects of military training, and preparing students for a career as an officer.

You can find more information on my website at https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations and by watching the video below from current academy students I previously nominated.

BIG Idea

This week, I stopped by Big Frig in North Sioux City to learn about their business. They make a variety of coolers, drinkware, and cattle coolers to help their customers get the job done. I saw how they make and design their products that withstand the ranching conditions of the Midwest. A big part of my job is meeting with business owners to see how I can help—by navigating federal bureaucracies or introducing policies to address supply chain disruptions, high prices, immigration, and more—to ensure our businesses, economy, and communities can thrive.

Johnson and the team at Big Frig

BIG News

In March, the National Guard temporarily suspended its reenlistment bonuses for servicemembers. This isn’t the first time this has happened. In October 2023, more than 9,000 soldiers saw delays in receiving their enlistment bonus—some from up to five years ago. This same type of payment suspension happened again in 2021.

This week, I asked the National Guard Bureau why the availability of their incentive programs has been unreliable. Failing to fulfill these programs could discourage our military men and women from reenlisting or civilians from joining. We need to ensure a robust military, but unfortunately, the Armed Services significantly missed recruiting goals in 2023 by more than 40,000 people. Now, we have the smallest active-duty force since 1940.

Waiting years to receive an enlistment bonus is unacceptable. These men and women are sacrificing to serve our country and keep us safe—we must uphold our commitment to them.