I had a reader point this out to me this morning (as I’m buried in helping Republican candidates get things out the door).
It’s interesting that South Dakota Democrats reported that while they didn’t have a lot of resources, they put a significant amount of what they have into their candidates:
$17k to Dan Ahlers, and $2500 each to all of their other statewide candidates.
Except “Not running as a Democrat for Sioux Falls Mayor” Jamie Smith. He received the most of all, at $17,500.
So, how much has the South Dakota Republican Party supported their candidates running for office? According to the report that was just filed… zero.
Wow.
SDGOP 2026 Pre-General Report by Pat Powers
They had no staff. They sent no candidate mailers. In fact, this report doesn’t seem to give any indication of what they are doing for candidates.
The Republican Party spent 3.2 k on advertising. $12.7k on “consulting.” Just under $2500 on credit card fees. And they figured out they needed money for a convention after all.
It would be nice if some of the money that people donated with the intent of supporting candidates actually made it to the candidates. But I am hard pressed to see where it did.
I do note that the SDGOP has $113,306.97 in their state account. Unless they are doing something that isn’t evident, it looks like they intend to just sit on the kitty.
And their support for candidates is more moral. As opposed to actual.
It’s ridiculous. I suspect Jim Eschenbaum will want the candidates (then elected officials) to support him in his run for re-election, but he’s been sending them here and there on their own dime to preach to the choir rather than actually moving the needle. The man doesn’t understand campaigns. He doesn’t understand fundraising. He doesn’t understand how to actually help Republicans get elected.
Please tell me we’ll get a good alternative slate to vote for in February.
The Frank K fella who is running for PUC I see is being helped out by the Dem state party too. That guy is everywhere! Door knocking our neighborhood in Aberdeen and when we had an appointment in Redfield here he was going from house to house there too. Never met him before but is a great guy and is younger than the candidate he is running against., relatable and up on the issues.
You think Frank is younger than Don Haggar? Do you have eyes? Frank is probably 25 years older than Don.
Frank is 70. Don is 69, so you’re wrong on a few things.