Author: @SoDakCampaigns

I know I’d mentioned a time or two that the Minnehaha County malcontents who tried to remove Chairman Korry Petterson have no authority under party bylaws to do so.   And it appears that (once again) I’ve been proven right, as the State Republican Party Executive Board had to concede the fact in a facebook post last night.

If you have forgotten, on October 28th, the Vice Chair Marsha Symens had sent out an e-mail to members noting in part:

Included in this correspondence is the official censure of Chairman Petterson.  As a result of this action, the Minnehaha County Central Committee has voted to remove Chairman Petterson from his position, effective immediately. In accordance with our bylaws, Vice Chairman Symens will assume the role of Chair.

Despite the fact there’s nothing that says they can do that. It’s my understanding per reports I’d heard that the Minnehaha people were then pigeonholing some of the executive board to uphold their position.

And guess what? By a majority vote, that didn’t happen.

An Executive Board meeting of the South Dakota Republican Party was held the evening of November 10th, 2025, with 11 of 12 members attending, to address the recent vote in Minnehaha County to remove their Chairman.

It was the majority voice of the Executive Board that our bylaws do not allow for the removal of duly elected officers by going to Roberts Rules of Order for guidance in the matter.

If the South Dakota Republican Party is to have a process for removing officers, it will require a bylaws amendment to be passed by a properly convened body of the State Central Committee.

Read that here.  For some reason they had to wait to announce it until they could make a graphic featuring the former 32-year Democrat & Obama supporter currently in charge of the SDGOP.

As noted, they made this decision by a majority vote. Although, if I were a betting man, I’m guessing Tom Pischke was a dissenting vote, since the people who are no longer in charge after their brief insurrection ended were his allies.

And it looks like the Minnehaha County Republican organization can get back to their business of being completely useless and dysfunctional, save for entertainment purposes.

(When exactly was that Minnehaha County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner this year?)

Thune: The Schumer Shutdown Is Almost Over

“[A]fter 41 days, I’m grateful to be able to say that we are close to getting the government reopened.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Click here to watch the video.

SECRETARY MONAE JOHNSON ANNOUNCES WINNER OF THE 2025 JOHN LEWIS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

 PIERRE, S.D. — Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson today announced Ayden Calvert as the recipient of South Dakota’s 2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, an honor recognizing a young leader who has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement, community service, and integrity. The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), celebrates the legacy of Congressman John Lewis by honoring exceptional youth who show dedication to advancing positive change in their communities through leadership and public service.

“Ayden Calvert embodies the spirit of service, courage, and civic responsibility that Congressman Lewis represented,” said Secretary Johnson. “Ayden’s leadership reflects the values of perseverance, kindness, and participation that strengthen our communities and our democracy. We are proud to recognize his achievements and contributions to South Dakota.”

Secretary Johnson will formally recognize Calvert during an upcoming meeting at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.

Attorney General Jackley Joins Fight for Farmers and Integrity of Renewable Fuel Standard

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joins the Attorneys General of Iowa and Nebraska in sending a letter to the United States Department of Justice, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency and Securities and Exchange Commission asking them to investigate large refiners that may be skirting compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard program (RFS).

President Trump’s national energy policy encourages domestic oil and gas production, including energy from renewable sources such as ethanol.  In order to promote the nation’s energy independence, the RFS requires larger refineries to produce a certain quota of ethanol-blended fuels.  Refineries facing economic hardship can apply to the DOE and EPA for an exemption from RFS requirements.

The Attorneys General have noted inconsistencies between high profits reported to the SEC by refineries claiming hardship exemptions which they believe indicate that certain refineries are skirting the RFS’ requirements.  The letter asks these federal agencies to share information to determine if refineries touting their profits to one agency and claiming hardship to another are in compliance with RFS production and exemption standards.

“Renewable fuels are important to South Dakota’s economy, especially rural communities; but if refineries are not following the rules, they hurt our state’s farmers and ethanol industry,” said Attorney General Jackley.  “Skirting RFS requirements thwarts the President’s national energy policy. The federal government needs to ensure that the RFS’ integrity is maintained.”

Read the full letter here. 

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Board of Regents Names Dr. Alan LaFave as Next President of Northern State University

PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan D. LaFave, D.M.A., as the next President of Northern State University (NSU) in Aberdeen, beginning this January.

Dr. LaFave returns to his alma mater and longtime institution after seven years as President of Valley City State University (VCSU) in North Dakota, during which he oversaw a time of growth, progress, and strategic collaborations. Prior to his presidency at VCSU, he spent nearly three decades at Northern State University, from Instructor to Professor of Music, Department Chair, Associate Dean, Dean of the School of Fine Arts, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. LaFave earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Northern State University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Arizona State University.

“Dr. LaFave brings the combination of deep institutional knowledge of Northern State University, a proven leadership record in a university presidency, and a clear vision for aligning higher education with community needs,” said Board President Tim Rave. “We are confident that he will guide NSU towards a vibrant future where students succeed, the campus community is engaged, and the region benefits. We’re grateful for his willingness to come home and serve.”

The South Dakota Board of Regents and Northern State University look forward to working with Dr. LaFave to ensure a smooth transition and to support his vision for the university’s future.

“I am excited to return to NSU and to the Aberdeen community. I am committed to honoring NSU’s legacy while guiding it toward a future of continued growth, innovation, partnerships, and student success,” said Dr. LaFave. “I am grateful for this opportunity and appreciative of the South Dakota Board of Regents. I look forward to strengthening the university’s relationships with the community and the region as we continue to address workforce needs.”

Dr. LaFave’s appointment follows an extensive national search process conducted in partnership with the Regents, the NSU search committee, campus stakeholders, and community members.

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Quick? How many hand jokes can we make?

This past week the election conspiracy goofballs in SD Canvassing declared they are hosting a “Hand Count” Expo in Sioux Falls, to try to spread their goofiness to end the use of ballot counting machines… well, because.

Due to their failure to convince anyone that we need election results to be slower and more inaccurate by counting ballots by hand, they feel they need more conspiracy minded luddites out there to spread their gospel. So they are attempting to boost their numbers by inviting people to become “certified hand counter trainers.”

Nevermind that when they’ve tried it, hand counting has been proven to be slower and more inaccurate.

With their post, the Hand Count Expo promoters have a picture of election conspiracy huckster Rick Weible speaking to people who believe too much of what their crazy relative posts on facebook.

Of course, this is the same Rick Weible who claimed to be “a South Dakota hero…”

.. and who told Brookings County Commissioners that his life was at risk because of what he knows about the machines..

Rick Weible claims his life is at risk, and it’s a plot by the US Government (start at 5:50).

The big questions about the Hand Count Expo we should know before people consider attending is whether or not you can become certified if you’re missing a finger or two?  Because if they only have a partial hand, that person may require assistive technology to effectively hand-count.

And let’s face it. The hand-counting election conspiracists of South Dakota Canvassing have a tendency to completely discount things like assistive technology. Especially when it comes to voting.

She said South Dakota Canvassing does not seem to understand why the machine exists as required by the Help America Vote Act.

These specific machines are designed to help people with disabilities vote independently.

and..

“Who in the world would be against that,” Frankenstein asked. “Who would be against helping disabled people vote? I don’t think these folks realize that when they put number three on a petition, that says electronic voting devices of any kind are prohibited.”

She said the Help America Vote Act requires one of those electronic devices to be in every polling place for every federal election. “So, if your ballot has a federal election on it, those have to be in the polling place,” she said. “So, the problem with the petition, there could be others, but the one that’s just glaring and obvious for this election lawyer is that number three, there’s no exception made for federal cases … so it outright violates the Help America Vote Act.”

and..

Frankenstein said if that happens, the county will be sued. She said she will get called to defend the county, and she will lose.

“I can’t possibly defend that,” she said. “How could I defend a county ordinance that violates federal statute?”

Read the entire story here.

Just so you’re aware of all these caveats, such as no one in South Dakota is really doing slow and inaccurate hand counting of ballots in the state, that the use of technology is embedded in federal law and is never going away, and that this whole thing is a charade of self-promotion being put on by goofballs and hucksters…   well then, you do you and become a “certified hand count trainer” if you’re so inclined.

I’m sure that the certificate will be be printed off on a laser printer and handed to the participants. Which is ironic, considering laser printers are a technology that actually has been hacked, as opposed to ballot counting machines which are not hooked up to the internet.

If you do decide to go, find out if you get a official tin-foil hat with that make-believe certification.  It might be collectible someday when we look back 100 years from now and shake our heads over this period in history.

From Facebook, South Dakota College Republican Chairwoman Jorja Whempner has decided to step down from her position, as she pursues a new professional opportunity.

 

A postscript to the case on one-time South Dakota candidate Ryan Gaddy, who unsuccessfully tried to run as Libertarian for PUC in 2014, and unsuccessfully tried to organize a decriminalization effort for marijuana in 2015, has been sentenced for threatening a legislator out in Idaho according to news reports:

A Shoshone County man was placed on probation after threatening a North Idaho lawmaker, though the judge in the case warned that he will be kept on the “tightest of leashes” during the period of his probation.

and..

While on probation, Gaddy must wear a GPS monitor and complete 250 hours of community service. He is not allowed to use social media or own any weapons.

Gaddy must engage in therapy to address mental illness and anger management. He must continue treatment for his chronic physical ailments and update his probation officer weekly about his medical treatments.

If Gaddy violates the terms of his probation, Simmons said he can expect to serve the full five-year prison sentence.

“No pleas of how much your family needs you will sway this court,” she said.

and..

Gaddy’s posts included commentary about firebombing Redman’s office. He also made a video outside Redman’s business, Redman and Company Insurance in Coeur d’Alene.

“Mr. Gaddy made clear in his statements to law enforcement that day that his goal was to kill Mr. Redman and that his motive was to influence the legislative process,” said prosecuting attorney Kyle Singleton.

Read the entire story here.

Thune: An End to the Schumer Shutdown Is Finally in Sight
“After 40 days of uncertainty, I’m profoundly glad to be able to announce that nutrition programs, our veterans, and other critical priorities will have their full-year funding.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, after 40 long days, I’m hopeful that we can finally bring this shutdown to an end.

“I don’t need to go over all the reasons why it’s imperative that we get the government open as soon as possible.

“From the truly precarious situation we are in with regard to air travel to the fact that our staffs have been working without pay for a full 40 days now, all of us, Republicans and Democrats, who support this bill know that the time to act is now.

“And so in just a few minutes I will call up the vehicle for a clean continuing resolution packaged with three bipartisan, year-long appropriations bills: agriculture appropriations, military construction-VA appropriations, and legislative branch appropriations.

“These bills will fund SNAP for the entire fiscal year. They will fund WIC for the entire fiscal year. And they will fund our veterans for the entire fiscal year.

“After 40 days of uncertainty, I’m profoundly glad to be able to announce that nutrition programs, our veterans, and other critical priorities will have their full-year funding.

“And my goal is to quickly move to other full-year appropriations bills.

“As I’ve said many times, I firmly believe that the way to fund the government is by passing appropriations bills through regular order – a process that gives senators from both parties the fullest chance to make their voices heard.

“Mr. President, I also want to mention health care –

“There’s been a lot of talk over the last several weeks – on both sides of the aisle – about the health care crisis in this country.

“And I’m thankful to be able to say that we have senators, both Democrat and Republican, who are eager to get to work to address that crisis in a bipartisan way.

“These senators are not interested in political games – they’re interested in finding real ways to address health care costs for American families.

“We also have a president who is willing to sit down and get to work on this issue.

“And so I’m looking forward to seeing what solutions might be brought forward.

“Regardless, as I have said for weeks to my Democrat friends, I will schedule a vote on their proposal, and I have committed to having that vote no later than the second week in December.

“Mr. President, again, I am optimistic that after almost six weeks of this shutdown, we’ll finally be able to end it.

“I will call up the bill in a matter of minutes.

“And I look forward to passing the clean continuing resolution and appropriations bill package in the very near future.”

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When Will Democrats Say Enough Is Enough?
By Sen. John Thune

Democrats now have the extremely dubious honor of instigating the longest and most severe government shutdown in American history. More than six weeks ago, Democrats chose to shut down the government rather than vote for a clean, nonpartisan funding extension. The American people have suffered the consequences of Democrats’ recklessness, day after day. But as the shutdown dragged on, the Senate Democrat leader was boasting that every day was getting better for Democrats.

Over the last six weeks, the American people have faced growing uncertainty and chaos. Federal workers have gone without their regular paychecks for over a month, and many have turned to food banks to feed their families. Air travel has been a nightmare due to air traffic control staffing shortages. Thousands of flights have been delayed, and millions of Americans have been stranded at airports. Beginning on Day 38 of the shutdown, in order to keep the skies safe, the FAA required a reduction in air traffic across the country. That means more flight disruptions, supply chain issues, and hundreds of thousands more Americans dealing with cancellations every day.

Then there are military families and veterans. November is the month that we honor military families and celebrate Veterans Day. It is shameful that Democrats’ shutdown has forced service members to go to food banks in order to feed their families, that veterans can’t access certain VA programs, and that Veterans Day celebrations are being canceled throughout the country because of Democrats’ shutdown. Not to mention that when they were given the opportunity to pay America’s troops through the shutdown, Democrats shamelessly voted no.

Democrats have shut down the government, they say, over health care. For six weeks, Republicans have been abundantly clear that we are willing to have discussions about health care – just not while the government is being held hostage. But Democrats refused to take yes for an answer. And that’s because at its core, this shutdown isn’t really about helping Americans. What this has really been about is Democrats wanting to show the far left that they’re “fighting” President Trump.

The longest and most severe government shutdown in history is because Democrats would not take yes for an answer. All of this pain and chaos could have been avoided but for Democrats’ need to satisfy far-left activists. The American people deserve better than to be mere leverage and collateral damage in Democrats’ political games.

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