Congressman Dusty Johnson profiled by SD News Watch, and asks the question if he could be “the next Governor”

South Dakota News Watch has an extensive profile of Congressman Dusty Johnson’s background and career, and opines whether our popular congressman could be the next Governor for the State of South Dakota.

“As voters, we either want someone who matches our ideology, or we want someone whom we believe will be more of a trustee and do the right thing for the people because they have more information. I think that’s going to be a challenge for Dusty because it appears to me that the state is moving in the direction that we are more ideological in terms of what we want from our leaders in the Republican Party. It’s a challenge, but it’s not clear if it will be a problem.”

and..

News Watch analysis, based on interviews with political pundits, officeholders and colleagues and mentors of Johnson, point toward him running for governor in 2026. He has met with potential donors and had nearly $3 million in his campaign committee as of the June 2023 filing date, plus about $65,000 in his leadership political action committee. He also established a state-level PAC in February.

“I hope he runs,” Daugaard, who served as governor from 2011 to 2019, told News Watch. “I think he will. And if he does, I am four-square behind him.”

and..

Dusty Johnson focused on rural economic issues and blasted Biden’s social spending. But vulnerabilities were exposed in a race pitting a well-known incumbent against “the least effective legislator in modern South Dakota history,” as Johnson characterized (Taffy) Howard.

and..

The parade of GOP primary opponents for 2026 could get crowded, with Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden and Attorney General Marty Jackley the names most mentioned, along with Johnson. There will almost certainly be action from the party’s populist brigade, especially after Howard’s tally in the U.S. House primary.

Read the entire story here.

While I don’t agree with some of the author’s conclusions, it’s a wide-ranging article which provides an extensive background on our state’s congressman, which is well worth your time.

Guest column: Making South Dakota Schools Safer by Sen. Brent “B.R.” Hoffman

Making South Dakota Schools Safer
by Sen. Brent “B.R.” Hoffman

School safety isn’t one of the more popular topics of discussion in the storied hallways of the state capital.  It’s an uncomfortable problem that lacks obvious, cookie-cutter solutions, and nobody wants to talk about school shootings.  But if we’re to make our schools safer, we must think about the unthinkable.

Since the year 2000, there have been nearly 500 documented school shootings in America.  These shootings have become ever more common, ranging from isolated incidents to horrific mass murders, such as the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Connecticut, where a lone gunman took the lives of 20 first-graders before ending his own.  These incidents occur in big cities and small towns, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools, and in so-called red states and blue states.

Unfortunately, there has not been a strong, nationwide effort to prevent or respond to the next one.  A study by the American Legislative Exchange Council revealed “fewer than one-third of states have given any direction to local schools regarding solutions for securing their facilities that are based on experience, proven technology or best practices.”  While states that have experienced mass shootings have implemented stronger school safety laws, the majority of states remain unprepared for this very real threat.
Here in glorious, freedom-loving South Dakota, it’s tempting to think something like a school shooting can’t or won’t happen here.  That is wrong thinking.  While our state hasn’t experienced a mass shooting (there have been seven school shootings in our history), it’s impossible to predict the location, source, motivations or tactics of the next incident.  We can and should pray for our children’s safety, but we must also prepare for their safety.

As it stands, our school districts vary widely in resources, capabilities, facilities and training.  Many have proactively upgraded facilities and procedures, but only about 35% of schools have full control of access points, a panic button, an emergency operations plan and the means to implement it.  Less than 25% of our schools have a school resource officer or sentinel readily available to respond to a violent threat.  We can do better.  We must do better.

Since this past summer, a small team of educators, legislators and law enforcement have been working on a proposal to improve school safety.  Our draft bill incorporates best practices such as facility requirements and a security grant and stipend program.  We’re confident this proposal can dramatically improve our school safety posture, but it will not be easy or convenient.  There will be opposition.  It will cost money.

Within the next few weeks, we hope to fine-tune and release the draft language for this bill, titled “An Act to establish and modify provisions related to school safety.”  We humbly ask for your support or your suggestions to improve it.  For our schools.  For our kids.

 —

The author served a career in the military, surviving the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.  He’s a published author, occasional newspaper columnist and currently serves as a state senator for District 9 in glorious South Dakota.

Gov. Noem Calls on Congress to Resolve Speaker Race, Support Israel

Gov. Noem Calls on Congress to Resolve Speaker Race, Support Israel

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, following her statement of support to the people of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Governor Kristi Noem called on Congress to swiftly resolve the Speaker of the House race so that they may take action to support Israel:

“Israel is America’s most important friend and strategic ally, but they have been devastated by a barbaric invasion of their God-given homeland. During my time in Congress and on the House Armed Services Committee, I saw how important it is that Congress support Israel. That is truer today than it has ever been, but actions speak louder than words. Congress must act.

“Before Congress can act, the United States House of Representatives must resolve the Speaker of the House controversy. The best resolution is to rally in support of my friend and former colleague Jim Jordan. He clearly has the firmest support of his House Republican colleagues. Congressman Jordan will support Israel in their time of need while ensuring that Congress remains good stewards of the American people’s taxpayer dollars.

“I also call on the House to speed up their plans for resolving this controversy. The people of Israel cannot wait until Wednesday for Congress to act in their support. Congress should act no later than Monday. Lives depend on it.”

While Governor Noem served in Congress, she was a member of the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Department of Defense and numerous other aspects of our nation’s national security. Governor Noem has visited Israel numerous times to display her support for America’s most important strategic ally.

###

Gov. Kristi Noem Supports Israel

Gov. Kristi Noem Supports Israel

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, in the wake of the devastating invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists, Governor Kristi Noem issued a statement of support for the people of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“Beloved people of Israel: your friends and allies in America stand with you. We support you in defending the homeland given to your people by God. These barbaric actions have shocked the conscience of the world. We share your anger at the viciousness of these attacks and the death, pain, and suffering it has caused, and we support your right to use all measures necessary to prevent future attacks.

“During my time on the House Armed Services Committee, I saw what regular violence perpetrated by Hamas terrorists against Israel looks like. This goes so far beyond that – this was an act of war, an invasion of your sacred home.

“We are praying for a swift resolution to this war; for safety and peace for the hostages taken by the Hamas terrorists; for comfort to the families who have lost loved ones or whose lives have otherwise been forever changed by this horrific day; for the first responders to act calmly and quickly in their work of healing and repair; for Prime Minister Netanyahu and his armed forces to strike swiftly, truly, and with justice; and for Hamas to be driven from the face of the Earth as a just consequence for their atrocities.

“In the coming days, all Americans – and the whole world – must stand firm in our resolve to support the Israeli people. As Prime Minister Netanyahu said, ‘This war will take time. She will be hard. Challenging days are ahead. But… with the help of God… we will win.’ Godspeed to you, my friend Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to your people. You will win, and you have our support every step of the way.”

While Governor Noem served in Congress, she was a member of the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Department of Defense and numerous other aspects of our nation’s national security. Governor Noem has visited Israel numerous times to display her support for America’s most important strategic ally.

###

Carl Perry announces for Senate, stale endorsements for House now ported to his Senate website generating complaints.

Had an e-mail with an announcement for Carl Perry running for Senate sent to my Yahoo account this AM by his marketing agency. I really hadn’t had a chance to look at it yet, because the first couple of lines had my eyes rolling so badly I was worried I’d have to visit my optometrist, so I set it aside until later.

But then my e-mail and text messages started blowing up, as people were noting that endorsements they made when he first ran for the House have now been ported over to his Senate campaign website without permission, and using them in a context several years later that they weren’t intended for.

First, the announcement which had me scoffing:

Carl had “six successful years in the State House of Representatives?” Are they kidding? Did they bother to actually read the record? As I noted in my previous post noting that Perry & Novstrup were switching chambers:

 His 2023 record for the bills he primed were 4 bills killed in committee, 4 bills withdrawn, so there’s no laurels for him to rest on.

Read that here.

His legislative record has been middling, at best. When he talks about “legislative victories,” he probably isn’t talking about this years’ House Bill 1083, where he tried to double the minimum amount of insurance required on vehicles, to make South Dakota the highest in the nation (higher than Massachusetts or California).

But aside from a couple of my gripes on puffery, after the release went out, what was more interesting were the unsolicited comments I started getting from people about endorsements that are on his website which were from several years ago in a different race.

“I’d say Carl’s “endorsements” aren’t overly honest.”  and

“Carl has updated his website. Problem is he hasn’t reached out to me to see if I am supporting him. He just assumes?”

Those were two people who had started to express interest in the candidacy of Katie Washnok for the District 3 Senate Seat before the announcement, and whom I suspect will be more forthcoming and vocal of their support.  That’s not a good look for Carl.

Candidates are going to wordsmith their resume and support to paint them in the most favorable light. But they need to know that too much puffery runs a risk of blowing up in their faces.

Look at what happened with Jolene Loetscher when she was running for Sioux Falls mayor in 2018. For example, when she claimed in her advertising that she was a “biotechnology pioneer” when she was actually had a business collecting dog poo and shipping it to a lab. And claimed the support of the police when she didn’t have it.

Puffery and embellishment were largely the cause of Loetscher’s woes and eventual loss. If Carl Perry isn’t careful, he’s going to be following her down that path.

Governor Kristi Noem being criticized for successful recruitment effort. I think it’s because people don’t like state marketing campaigns.

I’m sure you’ve seen or heard about the ads that Governor Noem is running in media markets across the country encouraging people to come to South Dakota:

Inevitably, the Governor finds herself taking some hits on the ads because they were ran through an out of state firm which happened to have had the successful proposal.

And there’s no denying the quality. The Governor has had opportunity to tout the success of the campaign again and again, as noted most recently:

“These ads have achieved their goal: people are talking about South Dakota. Those of us who were born and raised here know how wonderful the state is – and it’s time for the rest of America to see that, too,” said Governor Noem. “I am so happy to see folks from all over the country looking into moving their families to South Dakota. Freedom-loving Americans from coast to coast want to be a part of the great life we’ve all built for ourselves here in the heartland.”

The ads have been viewed over 720 million times. 6,792 people have applied to move to South Dakota through “Freedom Works Here.” Over 1,547 applicants are in the final stages of moving to South Dakota. The most applications have come from California (1,048), Florida (519), Texas (488), Minnesota (374), and New York (312). 183 South Dakotans have also used the campaign as a tool to get plugged into career opportunities. A map showing where applicants are from can be found 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.

Read that here.

I’m sure timing, the national environment, and other things factor into it as well, but there’s no denying that this has been one of the most successful marketing efforts ever to recruit people to move to South Dakota.

Even in the face of success, people are finding a way to criticize the Governor over the marketing campaign. I can’t help but wonder if people go looking for excuses just to criticize advertising from the state?

Literally we’ve been doing this as a state since statehood. Above my desk is one of the earliest versions of a “move to South Dakota” campaign, where as part of the 1899 “Pierre for Capital” campaign, it points out how western South Dakota has been opened for settlement by act of Congress. Recruiting people to move to the wide open spaces of South Dakota to improve the economic condition of the state has been done since statehood.

That piece was printed by Pettibone, Wells & Company out of Chicago at the time.

This Governor has taken hits in the past for advertising campaigns from the various state agencies because everyone has an opinion. When trying to raise awareness for how methamphetamine addiction can affect everyone, we had the “Meth, We’re on it” campaign. The Governor took flak on that, and as part of the criticism, it was brought up that it was developed by a Minnesota firm.

But, just a few years before, with a different governor, we had another ad that took fire. This time the recruiting campaign that then Governor Daugaard was taking heat over was “Why Die on Mars When You Can Live Here?” That came from a South Dakota firm, but that didn’t enter into the griping. Why? Well, because we developed it here.

If the state and the marketing agency followed the rules and guidelines, why are we complaining? Don’t like the procurement rules? Change them. Otherwise, why are we trying to find reasons to throw shade on success? We’ve had marketing campaigns that have resonated, and others that didn’t. They’ve come from within the state and from without.

I’d rather celebrate the big win we are enjoying and the wave of people seeking the freedom of South Dakota right now than manufacture reasons to dislike it.

(Although someone will inevitably grouse about that.)

Annette Bosworth, MD terminates US Senate committee over 10 years after primary loss, claims 33k debt “has not actually been due.”

Now there’s a name from the past.  Hot off the press this morning is a new campaign filing from the Annette Bosworth for US Senate campaign.

FEC Termination filing for Annette Bosworth MD by Pat Powers on Scribd

Remember Annette Bosworth? She was the US Senate candidate who jumped in the 2014 US Senate contest free-for-all against Mike Rounds, Larry Rhoden, Stace Nelson and latecomer Jason Ravnsborg.. where many of them went on to bigger and better things. For at least a while.   Obviously, Rounds became US Senator, and Larry Rhoden later found himself as our Lt. Governor.

Jason Ravnsborg successfully ran for Attorney General.. until he wasn’t Attorney General. As he became the first elected official impeached and removed from office after a tragic auto accident.

After placing third in the race behind Rounds & Rhoden, State Rep. Stace Nelson managed to move to the State Senate for most of a term until he flamed out and resigned after a lawsuit was brought to challenge whether he could block someone from his facebook page. Since then he was divorced and remarried for the 4th? time, and his name has become a fading footnote in South Dakota politics.

Since then, candidate Annette Bosworth ran into some… legal troubles.

Bosworth fought a long battle to get her medical license back after being convicted of six felony counts of “offering a false or forged instrument for filing with the state” in filing false attributions that she witnessed petition signatures, after overturning perjury convictions for the same things.

And the impact of those felony convictions continue to be problematic, as noted in this 2023 decision:

Petitioner, Annette M. Bosworth, M.D., is a South Dakota physician who was once enrolled in the Medicare program but no longer is.  On May 27, 2015, she was convicted on six felony counts of offering a false or forged instrument for filing with the state.  She did not report those convictions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  Based on her convictions and her failing to report, the Medicare contractor, Noridian Healthcare Solutions, revoked her Medicare enrollment and billing privileges, followed by a three-year reenrollment bar, which expired on March 26, 2019.  She has not reenrolled.

and..

Conclusion

CMS is authorized to include Petitioner Bosworth on the preclusion list, effective January 1, 2019, because, within the preceding ten years, she was convicted of a felony offense that CMS reasonably determined is detrimental to the best interests of the Medicare program.

I have no authority to review CMS’s determination that Petitioner will remain on the Preclusion List for ten years.

Read that here.

Which seems to say she is barred from billing Medicare for a decade, which doesn’t end until 2029! That’s not going to help the bottom line.

But getting back to the filing. The interesting part in the filing is the last page. Since the end of her campaign, Bosworth has been recording this debt to attorney Joel Arends:

But in today’s filing, it’s not there, and the new filing makes this claim to the FEC:

With the campaign claiming that “The amount represented a future stream of monthly retainers for legal fees anticipated for the remainder of the 2013-2014 cycle.”

Well.. not exactly.   While Bosworth has maintained to the FEC that it was for disputed legal services, Arends noted to me today that it was for campaign management, and not in the scope of legal services.  The big thing that’s happened recently is that I’m told that the statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit for breach of contract has run out.  And obviously Joel had moved on from this long ago.

It’s hard to give the full account of Annette Bosworth’s careening ride through South Dakota politics in a blog post, because it was just so crazy. I didn’t even get into the part where she spoke about living in a van, Mitchell Olson’s lawsuit against the Annette Bosworth Legal fund, etc. As we get to years and close to a decade later in part, it’s hard to remember the constant drama and insanity that surrounded this train wreck of a campaign.

But here we are. The closing of this campaign account marks the closing of the story of Annette Bosworth in South Dakota politics. And it will be left to the historians to remember.

Richard Thomason Announces Candidacy for At-Large Seat on Sioux Falls City Council

Richard Thomason Announces Candidacy for At-Large Seat on Sioux Falls City Council

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Richard L. Thomason announced today that he will be a candidate for an At-Large Seat on the Sioux Falls City Council in 2024.  

Thomason moved with his family to Sioux Falls as a child and is a graduate of Lincoln High School.  Following graduation from college, Richard returned to Sioux Falls to begin his professional career and currently serves as the Relationship Manager at Central Bank.

“I moved to Sioux Falls before I was three and have loved it ever since, said Thomason. I’m humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve this great city that gives us all so much,” he added.

Thomason was elected in 2020 to serve as a State Representative from District 13 (south central Sioux Falls). Currently, Alex Jensen serves on the Council in the At-Large seat and has announced his support for Richard, following his decision not to seek re-election.

“While I’m saddened my term on the council is coming to a close, I’m incredibly excited Richard has decided to run,” said Councilor Alex Jensen. He has a sincere understanding of the issues facing our community, and I know he’ll be a great advocate for public safety and fiscal responsibility,” Jensen added.

Thomason is a firm advocate for fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets and low taxes.  He has a commonsense approach to decision making that involves research and communication with both sides of an issue to be fully informed.

“Sioux Falls is one of the best places to raise a family, and I want it not only to stay that way but get even better,” said Thomason. “I have great respect for our city government and am excited for the opportunity to get involved in a meaningful way to help take Sioux Falls to the next level,” he added.

###

Tony Venhuizen to seek reelection to State House of Representatives from District 13

TONY VENHUIZEN TO SEEK REELECTION TO STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT 13

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Rep. Tony Venhuizen announced today that he will seek a second term in the State House of Representatives from District 13 in next year’s election.

Venhuizen, 40, was elected to his first State House term in 2022, finishing first in a four-way Republican primary and running in the general election unopposed. He assumed a leadership role in the State House as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, which scrutinizes and sets the state budget each year.

During the 2023 legislative session, Venhuizen was the prime sponsor of a bill to increase the value of the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, and another to allow for a work requirement for Medicaid expansion enrollees.

“In my first session, we balanced our state budget, passed historic tax relief, and expanded opportunities for our young people in K-12 and higher education. There is always more to do, though, and I would be honored to continue to serve in Pierre,” said Venhuizen. “I will remain focused on making South Dakota an even better place for families and business, and I will always defend our values and be pro-life, pro-family, and protective of our liberties.”

Venhuizen grew up in Armour and holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from South Dakota State University and a law degree from the University of South Dakota. Prior to serving in the State House, Venhuizen served as chief of staff to Governor Kristi Noem and Governor Dennis Daugaard, and as a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents, which oversees the six state universities.

Venhuizen and his wife, Sara, live in Sioux Falls, where he works in trust and estate law and she works as an electrical engineer. Their three children – Henry, Elizabeth, and Madeleine – are students at Patrick Henry Middle School and Robert Frost Elementary School, and the family attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Visit www.tonyforsd.com

D 13 State Senator Jack Kolbeck not running for the House, thanks supporters for his time in Pierre

From my mailbox, unlike some who are termed out of office, State Senator Jack Kolbeck is not feeling the pull to return to Pierre in the winter, and is going to devote his time to family & friends, and the community he calls home:

Senator Jack Kolbeck – District 13
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

As most of you know I am termed out of the Senate as of January 2025.

It has been more than an Honor and a Privilege to represent the great people in District 13 and in the State of South Dakota while serving in the Senate.

I have decided not to pursue, as law permits, the Seat in District 13 to the House of Representatives in the State of South Dakota.  

My wife and I have 10 grandchildren and it is time to spend more time with Family and Friends.

We would also like to do some traveling and participate more in community activities in this Great City of Sioux Falls.

I know that there are people who can fulfill the wishes of the people in District 13, and I wish whoever takes on this responsibility the best.

I just want to thank everyone who supported me and my family and gave me the encouragement to represent the people in District 13.  You all are much appreciated, and I am so ever grateful.

Sincerely
Senator Jack Kolbeck

Thank you for your time and your service Senator Kolbeck.