Author: @SoDakCampaigns

Thune Joins Martha MacCallum on Fox News

 “And I think that the Democrats, they’re clinging to this sort of ideological view that they have, and it’s completely out of step with the American people, and frankly, it’s completely out of step with what is just basic common sense.”

Click here or on the picture to watch the video.

 WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Martha MacCallum on Fox News. 

On the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act:

 “I said this the other day: I’ve never seen a quicker abandonment of something that Democrats used to say they supported than their undermining of Title IX. And to me, it’s mind-blowing to think that something that is an 80 percent issue with the American people – and frankly, just a matter of common sense. I mean, having boys playing girls’ sports is not safe, it’s not fair. There is no level playing field then when it comes to women in sports, and it’s just flat wrong. And I think that the Democrats, they’re clinging to this sort of ideological view that they have, and it’s completely out of step with the American people, and frankly, it’s completely out of step with what is just basic common sense.”

 On tariffs:

 “What I’ve said is, and [President Trump] talked about reciprocal tariffs, and that we ought to be treated fairly, and I don’t disagree with that. I do know, as somebody who represents an agricultural state, how dependent we are upon export markets, and so I think as we think through these things, you’ve got to think through the implications and the impacts that ultimately tariffs are going to have on certain sectors of the economy. And, you know, you take a state like South Dakota, a huge amount of our exporting is to Canada or Mexico, and a huge amount of our importing is from Canada and Mexico. And so obviously we’re going to pay attention to that, and we want to ensure, as they go about this, they do it the right way.

 “In my view, and I’ve said this before, I think this is a specific purpose he’s trying to accomplish. He’s trying to stop the flow of fentanyl into this country, and to get our two neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, more engaged in helping stop it. And then, for that reason, I hope this is a temporary thing.”

 On DOGE:

 “[A]t the end of the day, what DOGE is doing is long overdue – I’ve said this before. We need this kind of a scrub of the federal government, and it does need to be updated, [and it] does need to be modernized. It needs to be made more efficient, and it needs to cost less. And I think that’s what the American people are demanding. That’s what this is designed to do.”

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Kristin Conzet Joins Western Dakota Regional Water System as Executive Director

Rapid City, S.D. — Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin Conzet as its new Executive Director. A former South Dakota State Representative, Conzet brings extensive experience in governmental relations, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project management.

Conzet played a key role in securing funding for major infrastructure projects and fostering collaboration among state, local, and federal entities. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing WDRWS’s mission to ensure reliable, long-term water security for western South Dakota.

WDRWS extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Cheryl Chapman, P.E., for her dedication and leadership as the first Executive Director of WDRWS. Chapman’s commitment and advocacy have been critical in driving the project forward, and she will continue to be a valued champion for the system’s success.

“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the incredible work already accomplished,” said Conzet. “Water security is a vital issue for our region, and I look forward to working with stakeholders to further this project.”

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Gov. Rhoden Signs Six Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed the following six bills into law:

• SB 65 provides for the sale of certain real estate located in Pennington County and provides for the deposit of the proceeds;
• SB 71 revises provisions pertaining to the compulsory age for school attendance;
• SB 109 permits a school district to implement a new or revised section 504 plan, individualized family service plan, or individualized education program for a student who is the child of an active-duty member of the United States armed forces;
• HB 1057 transfers moneys from the South Dakota-bred racing fund to the special racing revolving fund;
• HB 1063 revises the provisions for preparing a fiscal note for ballot questions; and
• HB 1173 eliminates the cap on assessment amounts for road improvements.

Governor Rhoden has signed 57 bills into law this legislative session.

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I was thrilled to have Meade Co. Sheriff Pat West join me before the President’s address. I’m grateful for my guests last night, Sheriff West and Clay Co. Sheriff Andy Howe. I will continue to back policies that will help them do their job. https://t.co/IVmjT3kUg2

— Dusty Johnson (@DustyJohnson) March 5, 2025

Newsmax has high praises for South Dakota Senator and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for his performance since taking his new position as the “cat herder” of the US Senate:

Rookie Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., might be the unsung hero of the early Trump administration. Moving the Senate with unaccustomed speed and keeping his often disparate Republican caucus largely united should earn acclaim throughout the Republican Party for his leadership ability.

At this writing, the Senate has confirmed 19 Trump Cabinet and sub-Cabinet nominations and, through a cumulative 1,197 Republican confirmation votes. In only seven of these 1,197 instances did a Republican fail to support the appointees.

and..

Leader Thune also moved quickly and skillfully to pass a 62-page budget resolution, setting the stage for enactment of the president’s energy, border, and defense priorities. And he did so ahead of the House bill, of which Trump favorably proclaimed as “a big, beautiful bill.”

and..

An earlier Senate majority leader, Howard Baker, believed that “being leader of the Senate was like herding cats. It is trying to make 99 independent souls act in concert under rules that encourage polite anarchy and embolden people who find majority rule a dubious proposition at best.”

Thune has, in two short months, demonstrated he is a cat herder of the highest order.

Read the entire story here.

Senator Thune has always been thoughtful and conscientious in working for South Dakota – great to see cream rising to the top!

Rounds Introduces Legislation to Help Combat Avian Influenza Outbreak 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation to help combat the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the United States. The Avian Influenza Vaccination Strategy Act would require the U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to negotiate with trade partners on a strategy for HPAI poultry vaccine.

“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to impact millions of birds across the United States, which hurts our producers and our supply chain,” said Rounds. “While our leaders continue to work toward a solution, we must make certain that this solution includes communicating with our trade partners about our vaccine strategy. If trade partners won’t accept birds that have been vaccinated against HPAI, this could have further implications for producers.”

This legislation is supported by Dakota Provisions and the National Turkey Federation.

“Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI) continues to pose a significant threat to domestic poultry populations in our region and across the United States,” said Jordan Woodbury, CEO of Dakota Provisions. “We appreciate Senator Rounds’s proactive efforts to address the concerns of our critical trading partners.  Impacted turkey producers and allied industries in South Dakota are in need of additional mitigation tools, including the potential use of a HPAI vaccine.”

Since the most recent outbreak of HPAI in February 2022, 157.7 million birds have been lost to the virus in all 50 states. In 2024, HPAI impacted 18 commercial flocks in South Dakota. HPAI has also infected other animals, including dairy cattle. Many poultry producers believe an HPAI vaccine will provide significant relief; however, the deployment of a vaccine for poultry is contingent upon our negotiations with trade partners. If trade partners cannot agree on a vaccine campaign, they could move to block imports of American poultry.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, who was confirmed on February 13, 2025, and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett are preparing a strategy to respond to HPAI, including a focus on biosecurity and medication. USDA has conditionally approved a vaccine for poultry that is deployed by individually injecting each bird. Once the vaccine is fully approved, deployment will vary from species to species.

Rounds has been a leader in the push for an HPAI vaccine. In January 2024, Rounds sent a letter to then-USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and then-U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai asking them to begin discussions with trade partners on HPAI vaccines.

Click HERE to read full bill text.

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Referring back to my earlier post on SDGOP Chair Jim Eschenbaum testifying in committee opposing a change in law to allow the Governor to pick his running mate, where he listed himself on the roster, and announced his testimony specifically as Chairman of the South Dakota Republican Party.  Well, it’s not the only time he did that.

Eschenbaum ALSO testified in Senate State Affairs Committee that day on House Bill 1052. And once again, listed himself on the roster as Chairman of the South Dakota Republican Party.

“… I apologize for my first appearance here as chairman of the South Dakota GOP. I thank you for your service to the State of South Dakota. There is one reason only that I am now chairman of the South Dakota GOP. One reason only, and it is this topic.  You all know I served the South Dakota Property Rights and Local Control Alliance as chairman. One reason only that I am chairman of the South Dakota GOP. It is this topic. Please give the people the protection that they have asked for…”

Is it just me, or do you also get the impression that he’s testifying as the chairman of the South Dakota GOP?

If that’s the case, where is his lobbyist badge when he’s testifying as such? Because according to the Secretary of State, he certainly isn’t registered as a lobbyist for the Republican Party. Despite the provisions of 2-12.

Rules must only apply to the rest of us.

Johnson, Sheriffs Commend Trump Victories After Joint Address

 Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Meade County Sheriff Pat West, and Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe released the following statements and videos following President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress.

“I thought it was incredible how [President Trump] wove together these stories about how securing the border actually impacted real people’s lives. I thought it was a powerful speech,” said Johnson.

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks

“I was excited to hear about [President Trump’s] support on continuing to secure the border. I was glad to hear that he recognized law enforcement, military, and some of his accomplishments there,” said Sheriff West.

Click here or the image above for West’s remarks

“I was really happy to see the President talk about support for law enforcement, support for the military, protecting Social Security, keeping fentanyl from coming across the southern border, and taking action against the cartels from Mexico,” said Sheriff Howe.

Click here or the image above for Howe’s remarks

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Thune: President Trump Delivers a Strong, Hopeful Message to Americans

 “This much-needed change in direction from the Biden administration’s failed policies could not come soon enough for families in South Dakota and across the country who have been paying the price for Biden’s far-left agenda.” 

 Click here or on the picture to watch the video. 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement following President Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“After a tough four years of rising costs, lawlessness at the southern border, and a weakening of America on the world stage, the time has finally come to turn the page and get our country back on track,” said Thune. “The American people gave President Trump and Republicans in Congress a decisive mandate in November to secure the border, unleash American energy, and rebuild our military, and Senate Republicans have wasted no time in getting to work to implement this agenda.

“In addition to moving at an aggressive pace to get the president’s full team in place as soon as possible, we have already passed legislation to help crack down on illegal immigration and start dismantling costly regulations imposed by the Biden administration,” continued Thune. “We also remain committed to extending critical tax relief for American families and cutting wasteful government spending. This much-needed change in direction from the Biden administration’s failed policies could not come soon enough for families in South Dakota and across the country who have been paying the price for Biden’s far-left agenda.”

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Learned something new this afternoon.

While listening to House Bill 1164 (to revise the process for nominating candidates for lieutenant governor) being debated on the Senate Floor this afternoon, one of the opponents, the awful Senator Tom Pischke, noted that the South Dakota Republican Party had testified against the bill to allow the Governor to pick the running mate of their preference.

I had to go look and yes, yes they did.

While there were no opponents testifying in the House, when it came to the State Senate it had the same proponents, but newly elected party officials of the SDGOP – Chair Jim Eschenbaum and Vice-Chair Janet Jensen in literally their first act as elected party officials – stood against the Republican Governor and testified against a bill that Governor Larry Rhoden sent a representative to testify in favor of:

We’ll have to see how it goes the first time Chairman Eschenbaum and VC Janet ask the Governor to sign a fundraising letter for the GOP.