The Safe, Strong and Free PAC pre-dates Governor Rhoden’s gubernatorial announcement, but that didn’t stop the group from getting the show on the road to start raising money for the Governor’s effort to retain the office he is currently sitting in.
How much did they raise and from who? You can read for yourself below:
Strong Safe and Free PAC by Pat Powers
There are a number of big donors on this list including the Gov’s sister in-law Trish Murphy ($8,000), Wilson Persinger of Dakota Dunes ($5,000), Former State GOP Chair Craig Lawrence ($5000), Scott Doll of Waubay ($5000), Barry Burgess of Rapid City ($6,500), Henry Carlson ($10,000), Mike Derby ($10,000), Hani Schafai ($5000), Matt McCaulley ($5,000). Arch Beal ($4000), and Harry Christianson ($10,000), among others.
Donors raised a total of $155,753.61, but then shifted $141,500 directly to the Rhoden for Governor campaign for inclusion in their total for 2025.
After other expenses, that leaves a little over $2700 to continue the effort in 2026.