If there was doubt about Governor Rhoden getting into the race for his current seat, this weekend‘s events in connection with the State of South Dakota‘s annual Governors Hunt should remove those questions.
For the Governor, this week kicks off a dual effort; including both a formal fundraising letter from his campaign, and a fundraising event this afternoon for a political action committee supporting him.
This afternoon’s pre-Hunt PAC event for the Arch Beal/Mike Derby fronted “Strong, Safe, and Free PAC” has no formal invitation noting major sponsors, but at least some people found themselves personally invited not by PAC sponsors, but the Governor himself calling them from his personal cell phone asking for their attendance. (Update – hearing $5k a pop is the ask being made.)
This comes simultaneously with a fundraising letter dated 10/23 that went out from the Rhoden for Governor campaign:
With a light indication of his plans, and lamenting that “campaigns are too long,” but that “we would like to continue to serve,” Rhoden asks for “help” and asks recipients to “consider a donation so I have enough money to run a competitive campaign.”
The letter might be one of the lightest asks that I’ve ever seen in modern politics, omitting any indication of what he will use it for, eschewing a direct ask for a specific amount, or even summarizing the main points with a PS.
I did not receive any enclosures with this piece, so I am unaware if there was a donation card, or indication of a way to donate online which was not included in the main body of the letter. In fact, there is no indication of his website address on the letter at all! (See update – pp)
But clearly the fact this went out is an indication that Governor Larry Rhoden plans to announce.
Separately from this letter, what I am hearing through the grapevine is that an official announcement will be forthcoming in the next 2 to 3 weeks, at which time we will see more on what Governor Rhoden’s election agenda will be and how it could play out.
And it will play out in a competitive field.
Considering that the leader of the House of Representatives, Representative Jon Hansen, is the trailing candidate in the race for Governor and prides himself on opposing nearly all forms of government encouragement for economic development, the governor’s declaration of South Dakota being open for business could find itself stymied when we hit the realities of the legislative session.
This will be a hard fought race, and Governor Rhoden is just getting to the starting line.
**Update**
I’m informed that a card did go out with the letter, and it does have the website address with it:
That is easily the worst political logo I have seen from a statewide candidate. Looks like a popcorn brand or something
I was thinking it looked like Lisa Simpson’s hair!
It looks like his name is setting with the sun. Not the subliminal message you want to send.
That’s a sunrise. A very welcome one. Thanks sir.
It’s actually the state seal.
I see it. Ok. Also a good choice.
Popcorn is a SOLID choice.
Dollars for Rhoden = votes for Doeden.
This is great news for Doeden.
Doeden’s only real chance in the primary is if Governor Chair Warmer jumps into the race and badly spilits the “normie” Republican vote.
And I fully feel that Larry would be the last one to realize this.
Still thinks signing 1052 helps him? Clueless.
HARD NO, on his efforts.
Rhoden and Doeden have nothing in common.
Other than Rhoden takes votes from Dusty and that helps Doeden.
One candidate has to clear 35%.
Rhoden is everyone’s second choice in a runoff.
If we had ranked voting THAT would be a win.
Doeden shouldn’t even be discussed. Anyone thinking ‘he’s new blood’ will certainly realize by 1Q that he’s not fit for office.
The good old boys club strikes again. The people who are most happy about this decision are the Pierre lobbying firms. I am sick of old people running government. First Biden now Rhoden. For those folks who think I am being too harsh, go listen to him speak anywhere, then prove me wrong.
i would ask if chat gpt wrote this, but I think it may be better a letter if it did.
His problematic grammar is concerning.
Funny you say that. I thought it was a ‘from the heart’ type letter that politicians typically don’t like to use. The canned messages that beg and refer to whoever is the president at the time are the ones that go right in the garbage. Then again, this is always a critical group so take that into consideration.
It has a defeated tone that comes across as desperate.
That fella with the trademark scowl on his face also running for Governor always refers to Governor Rhoden as the interim Governor.
There’s only one reason for Rhoden to run, and it’s called Ego.
Rhoden is intelligent, forthright, and hard working. He is not egotistical.
I agree. He’s so smart he creates a task force for every major decision because he’d rather blame others for the heat instead of being a strong leader this state needs.
EVERY? I know of two. How many are you referring to?
Stave Nelson might as well run too, he was only a few votes shy of Rhoden’s senate run.
Bragging about signing 1052. Nail in the coffin of fundraising efforts for him.