The word out of Pierre recently is that Jason Glodt, whose Marsy’s Law Ballot Measure just made the ballot, is a busy man. However, as of January 1, it’s my understanding that he’s taking a step back from one of his current duties, as interim Director of the SDGOP, to concentrate on that same Marsy’s Law campaign.
And while that may seem to leave the state GOP running a little skinny as we go into 2016, unlike the Dems, it’s not cause to fret.
Much of the groundwork for next year is already laid, with overwhelming numbers of Republican legislators ready to roll. It’s not as if we’re still scrambling to to find people to run for US Senate or anything. (Ann did promise there would be one, so Dems can consider that done, I’m sure. Really, I’m sure.)
The biggest challenge in making the choice for a new GOP ED, the important thing will be to find the right fit for the party.
As I think I’ve mentioned from time to time, and as noted in Governing magazine recently, state political parties are trying to find their way post Citizens-united. They’re not exactly the sugar daddies that they used to be, with PAC’s and outside groups able to step in and dole out cash.
In my first run with the GOP as a young pup back in 1988, I was in a meeting with Rep. Don Ham representing the House Caucus, and the GOP ED, and we determined who received $250 donations, $500 donations, and the big one – $1000 donations. (There were two Republicans who trafficked and voted mainly with Democrats who received a token $50.) And this was a big deal – these were some of the biggest donations these candidates received.
Nowadays, not so much. There’s our advertiser the Rushmore PAC, there’s Mike Rounds’ Peter Norbeck PAC, and many others that are based strictly on ideology who make those party donations back in 1988 seem paltry.
But the GOP Party apparatus still has roles that others can’t fulfill. There’s the organizational structure they provide, as well as a cadre of activists. There’s the historic data the party wields in terms of decades’ worth of voter data. There’s the bully pulpit of speaking for a tremendous number of Republicans in South Dakota, as well as interfacing with the national GOP.
The right person can do all of those things, and far more as they do their best in trying to herd the cats, and keep the peace among various factions of the party.
Right now, there’s such an abundance of Republican officeholders that shaking loose someone with the experience, as well as the administration, communication, and fundraising skills to do the job might take a while. In other words, many of the good ones are taken. But there are still good ones out there.
And whoever that is, and however long it takes, the important thing is that we have the right person for the job.
The SD GOP could use a fulltime ED. The Dems have one. Why doesn’t the SD GOP?
Because the SDGOP is saving money and banking it for elections. The Dems are spending everything they raise on staff.
It would be good to have ED to help with candidate recruitment. I think it’s worth spending the money on.
I can’t wait to see the cash on hand for each party at the end of 2015.
I have no doubt that the GOP will blow past the numbers that the Dems have raised.
Will that be due to ‘loans’ from wealthy party members?
SDGOP has zero debt- look at the campaign finance reports
I have looked at FEC reports for the SDGOP and have seen loans from the Mr and Mrs Craig Lawrence of up to $10,000.00. Multiple times. Duh!
The biggest secret in South Dakota politics is that the GOP is just as unorganized, or more so, than the democrats.
You can blame leadership for that, give Pam Roberts a call and let her know you want to see GOP staff. We are entering a presidential election year and should be more organized. Her number on party website is 605-224-7347.
That is exactly what Pam is doing- did you read the story? Party is ramping up for the election. I am glad they saved money the past year instead of blowing it on a bunch of staff.
It’s Pam Roberts responsibility to get someone qualified in the office to start fundraising, helping legislators with petitions, and making sure we don’t give any dems a free pass.
Based on campaign finance reports, SDGOP is tracking to post record-breaking fundraising numbers for an off-election year… and will have significant cash on hand going into 2016.
I don’t think it looks good that the state party appears to be supporting Marsy’s law.
I agree. That’s why it’s good that Glodt is leaving. He probably should have a while just to protect the integrity of his ballot measure and the party.
Ditto that
FEC report shows the South Dakota GOP paying Mr. Glodt consulting fees since May of 2015, apperently to collect signatures for Marsy’s Law.
Looks like Glodt has been raising a lot of money for the Party, SDGOP is tracking to post record-breaking fundraising numbers for an off-election year… and will have significant cash on hand going into 2016.
Why don’t we bring back Dave Roetman?
Funny Dave.
Hi Jason!
Hi Santa!
Girls, please play nice….
Will the office stay in Pierre or is it only temporarily there because Glodt has generously donated it?
Will be interesting to see what the next generation of SDDP and SD GOP staff looks like and who wins.
In 2008 the Dems had the wind at their backs and since then the SD GOP has had the wind at their backs. Basically both organizations could have closed the doors and won the races they won in those years without any staff.
I hope the parties build for a neutral year or a staff that has the skill to go uphill. The GOP won’t be coasting forever (especially if we have an open governor and house seat in ’18) and the dems won’t be tanking forever. One cycle is all it will take to change places if they don’t hire the right people to weather the political storms that could come from the national level.
The state “republican” party has never been deader. The liberals are in control of it and the base knows it. Just let it die on the vine.
In 2010 the SD GOP was in a dog fight with SHS. They swept Noem into office (even without a majority) all the constitutional offices and recent high of legislative seats.
In 2012 they lost 1 senate seat (because of redistricting) and gained 2 house seats. Thanks to Tony Post.
In 2014 the party Jason came in and saved the party from disorganization and won all statewide elected seats in over 50 years while raising tons of cash.
Without the SD GOP I guarantee you would have not seen such a high success rate. Just because 3rd place Stace and ilk are not in control, doesn’t mean the party is dead.
Obama did all you mentioned. The state gop is about to have a full blow rebellion, just like the national gop. A party can only say one thing and do another so long.
The rank and file are finally realizing that Daugaard, Rounds, Noem and Thune have more in common with Obama than they do with the folks who elected them.
Extreme comments that jump the shark hurt your credibility big time.
I would bet all would vote for Hillary before Trump. That is the truth of the matter and the rank and file are beginning to figure that out.
Jason Glodt didn’t save anything from anyone. He worked for Rounds. Not the party. Rounds won and that’s good but let’s not credit Glodt for saving the party and winning any other statewide seats. I’d think Sattgast, Barnett, Krebs, Jackley, Brunner, Noem Daugaard, Michels and Hanson would differ. As would most of the legislature.
I’m wondering how you give credibility to someone anonymous. That said, to characterize these people in the same breath as Obama is de facto incredulous, anonymous or not.
P.S. The role of the parties are actually better under Citizens United. I never understood why the party gave cash to candidates. All cash is green and ubiquitous. Now the party has to give what money can’t buy (or at least can’t by effectively) and that is organization, advice, counsel, etc.
Its harder for parties to raise money under Citizen’s United and McCain/Feingold. They have to adapt and have a long term plan as well as institutional experience and services to offer. Good things are never easy.
No it’s not Dave! Well it may be harder for people like you to raise money for the ilk you associate with. There are state GOPs that are not corrupt that have standards unlike the corruption we see in South Dakota and they get donations easily
My money says that the party will hire someone who is a Dusty Johnson loyalist because they will want to box others out of a congressional campaign.
Lucas Lentsch should also have a say in this position considering that he used to be ED much like John Thune was.
Lucas and John Thune would make quite a team in DC.
‘Lucas and John Thune would make quite a team in DC.’
I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.
Good Grief. Can’t we all just get along?
Dave R,
Here is my opinion: Because of Citizen United which will be giving money direct to candidates, the party has less need to be in the business of giving money to candidates and can (and should) then feel comfortable using all of its money raised to do centralized activities (recruitment, procuring advantageous mailing materials and costs, organization, lists, etc.).
I agree.
It also makes PACs more relevant, which is interesting to watch.
Troy,
Do you think Noem and Thune should run their reelection campaigns through the party or do it independently?
The GOTV effort I mean and funding the party apparatus?
Anonymous 6:40,
While I think it wholly acceptable if they were to engage the party for assistance and pay for what they get in value, I think they need to primarily run their campaigns independent.
The biggest reason the SDDP is in such dismal shape is they became campaign arms of Daschle, Johnson, & Herseth becoming a cult of personality. Because they are gone, they lost all their infrastructure and donor base.
Sidebar: Secondary reasons the SDDP isn’t relevant is their natural workers and donors are occupied with ballot initiatives taking away resources away from winning elections and recruiting candidates who are perfectly aligned with the Bernie Sander’s wing.
I think it was Lars Herseth who said a good Democrat candidate has to be selectively conservative on the right issues to attract enough Republicans and Independents to get over 50%. Conversely, Republican candidates have to only be selectively moderate enough on a few issues to win (and in many cases don’t have to be moderate on anything because the Democrats are so ideologically pure on every issue they drive away enough Independents for the GOP candidate to be purely conservative).
Legislative primary races will be decided in June, six months from now, and general election in November. That’s a short amount of time for a new ED to learn the ropes.
Does the Republican Party have a training for citizens intrested in running for office?
Contact your county party chair. They will help. If you are in Minnehaha, talk to me.
There are plenty who are willing to help. all you have to do is to ask.
Will they help with getting signatures? Also, do they have a list of who is running in my county?
Some will help with getting signatures. Its really not a high bar so generally candidates are on their own. Often party events (Lincoln Day) or meetings are good places to get signatures. Get twice as many signatures as you need and make sure they are all Republicans.
Most Chairs will know who is likely to run, but there are also folks who jump in unexpectedly. Unlike the opposition, the GOP adopts a hands off approach to primaries, the concern is simply getting candidates for every office.
I will walk a new candidate through filing with the SoS, getting a petition ready, notarize the petition, etc. Many county party chairs will do the same.
Our group met with that Mr. Glodt and that Ms. Miller, and we were not really impressed with their lack of enthusiasm for truly important issues. Abortion, Immigration, a free Jewish State, getting rid of the EPA, getting rid of the Dept. of Education. This year we will not be giving our check to the SD GOP, but to AFP. Sad, but true….we think you have lost your path. p.s. we miss Dan Lederman and his talks about a Gaza Strip free of muslims. He was a good person.
Weird comment. Glodt was the emcee at the Right to Life Hour of Reflection last year and advocated repealing the Dept of Ed while on the Rounds campaign. I also saw him give a speech last year talking about the need to sue the EPA.
and how is that repeal coming of the Dept of Ed…what a joke…Rounds has not introduced a bill or did anything about the Dept of Ed has he?
Dan Lederman is part of the problem and by what he has said repeatly a known racist
Hm. I wonder who would be spreading such lies anonymously about Dan from the Minneapolis area…..
After all our SD delegation voting for this monstrous spending bill, which essentially gave Obama and his cadre all that they wanted in the way of policy and spending, I am starting to feel just like Franklin Graham. He just left the GOP and registered independent. We send these people to DC hoping that they will stand up to the political winds, but they just don’t seem able to. They had better start paying attention to the little people outside the DC bubble and realize that we have HAD IT!
They have shown their true colors–they support Obama more than Franklin Graham.
Kelsey Webb ran the Governor’s campaign and has the experience to be the next ED.
Justin Rollins has way more experience.
Yes he does. And he’s fairly well known throughout the state.
He is well organized and punctual.
Kelsey Webb didn’t do anything to help Daugaard get elected. That campaign was run by Dusty Johnson. Everyone knows that.
WHAT?
Dusty Johnson and his BFF Venhuizen can take all the credit they want for defeating the “Two Susan’s” and I’m not sure it looks good on a resume. It’s the same as Venhuizen thinking he’s a political genius for defeating Heidepriem in ’10. Those were slam dunk races that could have been waged by high schoolers who didn’t know anything about politics.
At least I don’t see Kelsey out self promoting herself like the other two and how obnoxious is it for the other two to give her that title and then privately act like she was just a person with a title and not really someone who had anything to do with the campaign. It makes me mad. She’s a hard worker.
good discussion – I am concerned about what this Medicaid/Obamacare expansion will mean for both our state, and our party. If expanding the welfare rolls by adding 10% of our state’s population passes in an overwhelmingly GOP dominated legislature, there will be a lot of us asking: what’s the difference? and that will be a future challenge for the GOP in organizing and recruiting. I would really be surprised if it didn’t affect the enthusiasm of the people we ask to go out and organize and sell tickets to our large network of Lincoln Day Dinners.
Lee,
I think it’s safe to say, should the expansion pass, there will be fewer attendees at those dinners and fewer volunteers for party activities 😉
Medicaid expansion will be a deal breaker for me.
I’m not the biggest Daugaard fan in the world. I’d like to see another option than Jackley or Mickelson for governor if Kristi doesn’t run.
‘Medicaid expansion will be a deal breaker for me.’
Yes, we definitely wouldn’t want to provide more funding for people who need it the most, like the elderly who live in nursing homes and start out as self-pay and have to rely on Medicaid when the nursing home devours all their money. Right on! Anne Beal for ED!
Does Glodt get involved in the 2018 Governor’s or House race?
It would be a good get for Kristi but if Marty goes after him then it looks like he’s really tied to Rounds and not his own man.
With all of the potential 2018 candidates out there no one will want to work for the party if they are close to Noem, Jackley, Mickelson, Krebs, Lentsch, Seward, Gosch, Michels, Westra or anyone else because it’s better to be with a candidate than a party.
Jason Williams would be a fine choice as ED. However, Marty Jackley would be smart to snag Williams up first.
Williams told me a few weeks ago that he really enjoys working for Krebs. I don’t see him wanting to leave unless someone he really respects like Beth Hollatz in Noem’s office could persuade him to consider something different.
Rollins would be a fine choice but how does someone get him away from Rounds? Why would Webb leave Daugaard when she is probably planning to run Dusty’s campaign in a few years. Why would Glodt leave GSG and lobbying to work on another campaign?
As far as Governor goes Mickelson looks like he will raise a lot of money and be a good candidate but I’m concerned he is too liberal and want to spend money. Jackley needs to differentiate himself and standout from the Pierre crowd but he has a lot going for him. Right now Kristi looks like she has the inside track and I have also heard the story that Kristi’s team is looking to pick up Glodt because they don’t have a grassroots person.
It would be foolish for most of these people to get involved in a GOP primary when they have friends on all sides. ED might be a better position than most people think.
There will also be a conservative candidate in the race for Governor, not just Mickelson, Jackley and Noem.
If you aren’t happy with those 3 then you have a real problem.
We are finally in a period where conservatives aren’t settling for campaign conservatives. Conservatives are looking for actual “campaign and governing conservatives=conservatives”.
Is that why Trump is leading the pack?
I love Trump but don’t tell me that he’s a conservative like some of the others. Trump is a nationalist, patriotic, guy who speaks his mind but doesn’t always fall on the conservative side of the issue.
He wouldn’t do it but Mike Lauritsen would be my choice.
Sad to see Glodt leaving the GOP but he’s leaving them in great shape.
Thank Craig Lawrence