The Dakota Scout had a story today doing a deep dive into the background of State Treasurer candidate Heath Shields, along with an interview that seems to have been contentious:
“I am a person of faith. If you really want to get into the weeds, we can do that,” he told The Dakota Scout.
The review found two bankruptcies and criminal charges scattered throughout Shields’ background report, including charges involving possession of more than four ounces of marijuana, prostitution and writing a bad check. While those charges were filed decades ago in his home state of Texas, Shields’ most recent bankruptcy filing occurred in 2017. A simple assault charge and an aggravated assault charge from 2024 also appear on his criminal background report.
Shields defended his record in a phone call with The Dakota Scout on Thursday, saying his criminal history stemmed from a rough upbringing in his youth and characterizing the bankruptcies as a product of building a successful business empire that included auto dealerships, a gun range and auto repair shops.
And..
“I can say that all new hires at the State Treasurer’s Office are required to pass a background check,” Hull said in a text message sent to The Dakota Scout on Thursday. “If what you have said is true, it does not sound like he would be hired to work there.”
There is far more in the story than I can unpack here, because I can’t quote everything from both sides. Suffice it to say you should go read the article for yourself and make your own decisions.
Maybe they should ask the neighbor and cops what happened?
Tina Mulally admitted to smoking meth in her past many times in public and got elected. Not worried about it. God works in mysterious ways.
Because Tina Mulally has been so great for us. Not a great example of redemption from meth use.
Meth. We’re on it
Mulally was horrible in district 35and didn’t get anything done. She’s a quack and now she wants to be in the auditors office? Can you imagine how screwed that office would be!? She termed out and now all she wants is to get another government job. That job requires tons of experience and degrees. She has none of those at all!
Heath needs to withdraw from the race.
First, he’s not qualified for the office Second, he wouldn’t pass a background check to work at the office and Third, he’s unfit for the office.
If you have a criminal background, don’t run for public office. I don’t care if you have found redemption go do something else with your life.
I wonder what his actual role was in building those businesses. The nonstop bragging is a massive red flag especially from a felon with multiple bankruptcies who thinks he is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Hope the delegates do not fall for his BS it would be a straight up national embarrassment if this guy ends up on the general ballot. If I were the Democrats this is the race I would be laser focused on. If the delegates are clueless enough to nominate him they should put resources toward winning that office in the fall. Force the GOP to spend their resources defending his record. Also, someone needs to drop his full criminal background docs. The guy could not even get hired to answer phones there yet he wants the job.
I am surprised Taffy Howard isn’t running. She was a big reason the trust fund for unclaimed property passed the legislature.
He is the best. No one knows business like Trump, I mean, Heath.
Worse yet, he’s not a real South Dakotan.
Isn’t that the Baranco issue also? He’s skipped every lincoln day for 2 months. Hard to vote for a guy who doesn’t show up in the heat of the campaign.
In David’s defence, he has had a major health issue that has prevented him from campaigning. He is recovering and will be able to serve.
But he needs to start showing up. People are beginning to wonder if he can be healthy enough to do the job.
Having some sort of criminal record doesn’t totally DQ someone to me. It’s 1) how recent the assault charge and bankruptcies were, 2) there were multiple bankruptcies, 3) he’s running for TREASURER, 4) he’s a transplant.
The experience is like Ravnsburg for AG again with even less qualifications.
Agree with all of this! What part of “two bankruptcies” equals “successful businessman”? None of it. Definitely not qualified to be TREASURER!
Didn’t Donald J Trump have multiple bankruptcies? He was elected President twice by MAGA.
The Don is one of the only people to figure out how to bankrupt a Casino. Not to mention how he stole from a veterans charity and the numerous felony convictions. The only way the Don makes money now is by violating the emoluments clause and taking bribes through his crypto schemes. This is where the bar exists inside the GOP.
But we are winning right?
If you call winning the K shaped recovery that is further widening the gap and destroying the working class, then yes we are crushing it.
Waiting for all the holier than thou zealots from the state and county parties to chime in, never mind the fact they invited a sex predator to be VIP speaker at the convention.
Shields also has prostitution charges, hes just not been a good human being. I assume more will be coming out.
Neither are you, but we don’t say anything
A jury found Bialota guilty of assaulting a 12-year-old boy just a couple years ago and he is running for Congress. … but of course, the judge jury and prosecutor are all corrupt so it doesn’t count.
Biology also has pending charges that will not be heard until July, after the primary. The judge did not want the trial to influence the election.
Biolata also has no chance at winning anything. He’s a quack just like Mulally.
Let me get my tin foil hat and blow a whistle.
Just like that neighbor to bring a skid steer to a gun fight!
Not sure I want to be drinking beer in that neighborhood
I’m not voting for a savior as I already have one so everyone can shut up about it.
4 personal bankruptcies according to the podcast. Sure, be in charge of all the public money.