So many things not on my Political bingo card this year. And here we have another one:
Former State Representative Neal Tapio filed paperwork late this last week to run as an independent in the District 5 House Race.
Yes, the same Neal Tapio who ran for Congress, with a campaign that included accusations of racism after verbally haranguing an inter-faith prayer group at the Capitol, and claimed towards the end of the campaign on a hot mic that “all that has to happen is that there will be one more terrorist attack between now and then and I will be the, just by the Trump effect, I will be the candidate.”
Neal has joined the campaign as an independent in the general election, which in case no one reminded him, will not just have Republicans voting, but also Democrats and Independents voting in this election, as he runs against the two GOP nominees.
I’m not thinking that running not just to the right, but to the far, far right of the Republicans in the race is going to be effective in this contest.
Is this the Mr. Tapio fellow who used to claim the government controlled the weather? This fellow is right up there with Ms. Taffy on the insanerism scale. Almost reaching Howie-grade.
When Tapio won last time he was able to ride on rep. Koistinen and mayor Holien’s endorsements. I’ve heard there has been a falling out.
I was at the prayer group and the Argus Leader had an article on it with me pointing a finger at Tapio.
So he’s been the real RINO all long.
Running against the Republican nominees? What does the SDGOP PLATFORM say about that? What a RINO!
Mr. Tapio was a RINO then, and he’s a RINO now. That the fellow is from Watertown City is probably just a craw digger for some of the sweller fellows from there, like the Messrs. Bartels, Vilhaur and Schoenbeck.
If it wasn’t illegal, for sending Tapio and then Garcia to the legislatures the town of Watertown City should just flat out lose its vote for 2 years. Banned, Watertown, banned you are from the vote!
This is exactly in Constitutional Party Shad GPT’s lane. Will he be Neal’s campaign manager again?
This is hilarious. RINOS calling conservatives a RINO. Watertown is ready to roll with Tapio! Ready to get at least ONE RINO out of the House. This page is never-ending comedy. Thanks for that!
What Tapio is isn’t conservative—it’s unhinged lunacy. Please don’t confuse the two. And yes, the stupid RINO moniker can be accurately applied to Tapio.
God bless you sweetie. Tapio has changed parties. It is clear that alt-right people are more focused on their political positions. This is what a want to be career politician does.
RICO — Republican In Convenience Only
grudznick is in want of a Mr. Tapio hat. Does anyone in Watertown have a Mr. Tapio hat that can be delivered to the District Numbered 30? If there is a Ms. Garcia skirt or shawl, it would also be accepted.
Many underestimated him when he ran for state senate. Tapio is crazy but he’s also smart. He lacks the ability to listen.
Funny – he was the product of Mr. Holien and Mr. Koistinen the last time. Wonder how they feel about this turn of events or are they switching to Independent too? Long story here folks. Hang on to your hats!
Many many people in Watertown still wonder “Who the heck is Neal Tapio?”
My gawd Watertown.
First you send Garcia and now want to send Tapio,
Roby and Callies, their addresses are on the Sec of State website for your donations.
Using The term rhino just proves stupidity
Apparently North Dakota’s having the same “luck” with county GOP office – holders. . .
https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/05/04/court-records-district-2-gop-chair-accused-threatening-men-work-site-with-rifle/
He’s a cult of one.