Author: @SoDakCampaigns

From Facebook, South Dakota Republican Party Executive Director Reggie Rhoden is announcing tonight that he is leaving his position as ED for the SDGOP. In part…

I’ve always been intentional about avoiding direct employment under my father. I don’t care at all for the word ‘nepotism’. That’s why I’ve always been diligent to earn my own way, build my own relationships, and stand on my own merit. Titles and opportunities should be based on hard work and ability, not last names. But with my own father becoming the 34th Governor of South Dakota in the middle of the term, I find myself in a rather unprecedented position.

The SDGOP will elect a new Chairman this Saturday. Typically, someone in my position would work closely with the Chair and Governor to help shape that decision. However, with the Governor being my own father, I believe it would resemble a conflict of interest for me to take on that role. It also wouldn’t be fair to the party that has been so good to me and my family for so many years.

This is why I wanted to use this post to announce that I’ll be stepping down from my position as Executive Director of the South Dakota Republican party. While I’ve made the decision to no longer fill the job, I do intend to finish it. Regardless of who the next Chairman is, I will remain so long as it takes to ensure the party undergoes a smooth and transparent transition. I have been diligent not to show favoritism or public support for any Chairman candidate, and hope to serve as an example for future politicians in positions like mine.

I’ve greatly enjoyed my time as ED, and I’ll remember it as a highlight, but equally optimistically, I’m looking forward to what the future has to offer. Thank you to all of you who have donated to the party, volunteered at events, served on your local GOP, or just passed on a kind word about us. A kind word has a lot of potential. Thank you, Chairman Wiik for allowing me this opportunity to serve the SDGOP alongside you for the past year. Thank you Vice-Chair Fitzgerald for everything you’ve done and the hours of labor you put in for the party and for our family. Treasurer Koenecke, for your sound advice and wealth of knowledge. Secretary Oakes, for your comradery and compassion during the difficult times.

It’s been an honor to serve the South Dakota Republican Party.

Reggie, thank you for your time and effort for the South Dakota Republican Party.

From the Wall Street Journal, former SDGOP Executive Director Madison Sheahan is reported to be headed to a senior role in ICE:

The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Caleb Vitello, was removed from his post, administration officials and other people familiar with the matter said, amid frustration in the Trump administration that deportations haven’t accelerated faster.

The administration is shaking up the leadership at ICE and is soon expected to announce a new acting director, one of the administration officials said.

and…

Officials are expected to hire Madison Sheahan, the Louisiana Secretary for Wildlife and Fisheries, in a senior role at ICE, people familiar with the matter said. It is unclear who the next director of the agency would be. A spokeswoman for Sheahan declined to comment.

Read the entire story here.

In case you haven’t seen the latest stupid idea coming out of Pierre..

As noted in the Dakota Scout in an article posted a few minutes ago:

Dell Rapids Republican Sen. Tom Pischke thinks their money should stay in federal races. Federal candidates have a broader base to raise money, giving them a fundraising advantage.

and..

While he also supported the measure, Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, questioned whether the bill would affect the state Republican and Democratic parties. Both receive funding from their national parties. Pischke said he didn’t think it did, but he wasn’t sure.

Read that here.

When asked if it would affect the state’s political parties, Tom’s response was literally  uuuuhhhhh… I dunno.  I’m guessing he didn’t bother to read his bill?  Because a lot of this is basic campaign finance.

The bill proposes that committees organized under 12-27 may not accept federal contributions as defined in 52 U.S.C. § 30101.   12-27 is the entire campaign finance chapter, which includes PAC’s, legislative candidates, political parties, etc.  The Federal code also includes the local chapters of national political parties (like SDGOP…SDDP)

This bill seems to be poorly written (of course, because it’s a stupid Tom Pischke idea), but if it’s being applied to candidate committees on this basis, it’s applying to political parties.

Guess what? Political parties operate with both State and Federal Accounts.  They do this because some expenses are federal, and some are state. Some are mixed.  Look at the FEC filing I just posted, and go page 12.   In effect Tom’s idiotic bill would ban the state Republican and Democrat parties from moving money between their state and federal accounts to pay bills.

And it doesn’t stop there. Have you ever heard of a joint fundraising committee as governed by the FEC?  South Dakota has them and uses them with the State Republican Party and both state and federal officeholders… and I would almost guarantee this measure would cause problems with how funds are allocated. And it would be useless, since Tom’s bill would prevent the funds raised with a nationally filed committee from being used via the state account.

Oh! Don’t forget this wouldn’t just affect Dusty Johnson or Mike Rounds if they ran for State Office.  It affects legislative candidates just like this poor sap:

Unlike Tom Pischke of 2025 who says “In essence, it’s my opinion money raised at the federal level should be spent on federal races, and money raised in the state should be spent on state races,” The Tom Pischke of 2022 was happy to take Federal PAC money. But if his legislation moves forward, new Tom would be barred from taking the dirty tainted federal money that old Tom happily accepted from National Shooting Sports group.

(I’m adding this, as I was noting it to a legislator – this part is also big)  It doesn’t just stop there. It also prevents national fundraising platforms from being used. For example, if someone wants to donate to a campaign through ACTBlue (dems) or Winred (GOP), the entity that takes that money is a federal FEC filing entity. They would normally cut a check from there to the legislative recipient.  SB201 would ban that money being transferred to the South Dakota legislative candidate, because SB201 shuts down those transfers.

To summarize, If Tom’s bill would pass, he’s going to shut down both political parties (at least until someone sues), and ban legislators like himself from accepting donations from federally filed PACs.

The next time Tom Pischke tries to bring legislation, he might bother trying to actually read what the bill is going to do first.

I had a nice note from a legislator last night who I had reached out to on House Bill 1239, Bethany Soye’s lock up the librarians bill which unfortunately and embarrassingly passed the House of Representatives to subject librarians, teachers, museum workers, etc, to up to a year in jail if a minor checked out something that someone believes is objectionable.

The legislator who dropped me a kind note offered that “I voted no.  Was hoping we would defeat the bill so we did not have to add a prison pod for all of those librarians!“

That gave me a chuckle. But unfortunately, it’s not that far off the truth.  The bill is now moving over to the Senate as led by Carl Perry in Aberdeen who is priming the bill to move librarians from the book stacks in their local communities to join Andy Dufresne in the Shawshank prison library as this legislative session’s attack on education continues.

Along those lines, it’s a good reminder to start working the phones to communicate to your state Senators to stop the march of trying to shut down libraries in South Dakota, because no one is going to want to work at them. As one legislator in the House related – all my librarians in my District called me and told me they’re quitting if this passes.

The South Dakota Library Association had a note on Facebook yesterday which I wanted to share to assist you in registering your complaints with your Senators:

Otherwise, you can reach the State Senate message line at 605-773-3821.

You can find your Senators with this tool, and once you know, send them a message and tell them not to criminalize librarians for checking out books, and to vote NO on House Bill 1239.

Attorney General Jackley Releases 2024 Crime in South Dakota Report

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the overall number of reported criminal offenses reported statewide in 2024 increased 1.21 percent compared to 2023.

The Crime in South Dakota 2024 Report indicated that the number of reported criminal offenses was 67,959 in 2024 compared to 67,145 in 2023.

“Last year’s crime statistics demonstrated overall that South Dakota is a safe place to live and raise a family,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Law enforcement will continue to focus on violent crime and addiction. I appreciate our dedicated law enforcement officers and prosecutors across the state.”

The more serious crimes, known as Group A and which include such offenses as homicides, sex offenses, and aggravated assaults, totaled 47,070 offenses in 2024, compared to 45,905 in 2023, a 2.53 percent increase. The number of less serious offenses, known as Group B and which include such crimes as DUI and disorderly conduct, totaled 20,888 in 2024, compared to 21,240 in 2023, a 1.65 percent decrease.

Other category numbers indicate:

*** 31 homicides reported in 2024, up from 18 in 2023.

*** DUI arrests were at 5,493 in 2024, up from 5,412 in 2023.

*** Total drug offenses increased to 6,751 compared to 6,315 in 2023.

*** Burglaries were at 1,777 in 2024, compared to 1,823 in 2023.

*** Juvenile arrests were at 3,776 compared to 3,994 in 2023.

*** Drug offenses involving methamphetamine were at 3,133 in 2024, compared to 3,018 in 2023.

*** Fentanyl offenses are included in the “Other Narcotics” category. There were 397 such other narcotics offenses reported in 2024, compared to 237 in 2023.

In 2024, Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a suspect’s vehicle during a police chase and died at the scene. There were 486 South Dakota law enforcement officers killed or assaulted in 2024, compared to 449 assaulted in 2023. No officers were killed in the line of duty in 2023.

The crime report is compiled by the Attorney General’s Criminal Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) and is the most accurate and comprehensive compilation of South Dakota criminal statistics as it reflects the actual arrest and reporting information by South Dakota law enforcement. Criminal statistics help identify trends in criminal activity that assists in crime prevention and enforcement efforts across South Dakota.

This year’s Crime in South Dakota Report can found here.

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In the final moments of House Education today after the regular business, State Representative Phil Jensen tried to pull a fast one, and calendar House Bill 1177, which had previously been deferred to the 41st day.  Why, you might ask? Because he was trying to bring back a modified version of his measure, House Bill 1193, which had been killed earlier this week was being hoghoused on to 1177.

Phil’s attempt to calendar 1177 was quickly killed in committee, and Phil failed. But it brings up a point on the controversial Representative’s legislation this session.  EVERYTHING that Representative Jensen has introduced this session has been killed.:

Bill	Subject	Status
HB 1105	require the display of the state seal or motto in public school classrooms.	Killed on the House Floor 30-38
HB 1193	prohibit the Board of Regents and institutions under its control from requiring students to reside in on-campus housing or purchase meal plans.	Killed on the House Floor 28-42
HB 1197	permit a teacher to assist a student in objectively reviewing scientific information.	Killed in House Committee 9-6
HB 1199	repeal a provision requiring the sale of property acquired by a tax deed.	Killed in House Committee 12-1
HB 1224	defund the Huron School District.	Withdrawn after universal public outrage
HB 1269	authorize display of certain flags on public property.	Withdrawn

Just for the sake of checking, I went back to last year as well.  Same thing. All of his House bills failed or were withdrawn.

It makes me wonder. In past campaigns, Phil has been grinded on for a number of things.  But has anyone ever gone after the fact he comes with a personal agenda and just can’t get anything done?

After watching this legislative session, I’m a bit downtrodden when it comes to wondering whether voters even care much anymore.  But who knows. Maybe this next election they will surprise us all and show some interest in what their legislators are proposing in Pierre.

We can hope.

South Dakota Democrats filed their February FEC report yesterday, detailing what was raised and spent in January in their federal account:

Feb2025 Sddp Fec by Pat Powers on Scribd

Starting the month with $83,458.94 in the bank, they added $29,107.31 to their coffers, and spent $34,153,51. Leaving them with $78,412.74 in the bank.

Nothing terribly unusual in terms of donors, except compared to South Dakota Republican FEC Reports, they have them.   Hang tight for the GOP Report when it hits the FEC filing database.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider as Secretary of Veteran Affairs

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider will serve as the new Secretary of Veteran Affairs. He will assume this new position on March 6, 2025. You can find a photo of Senior Chief Schneider here.

“Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider is a hard-working professional with strong leadership skills,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “He has served his country wholeheartedly for many years, and I am confident that he will work diligently with me to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.”

Senior Chief Schneider was born and raised in Wentworth, South Dakota. In May 1995, he enlisted in the United States Navy, turning down a baseball scholarship in favor of serving his country. Senior Chief Schneider currently serves as the Deputy Senior Enlisted Leader for Expeditionary Medical Facility Camp Pendleton and the CEO of Bethel Lutheran Home.

“I want to thank Governor Larry Rhoden for the honor of nominating me as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Senior Chief Jeremiah Schneider. “I will approach this position with the same determination, vigor, and love of country that I have in my naval and civilian careers. I have been and will continue to be an Advocate for the State of South Dakota, our Governor, and our Veterans.”

Senior Chief Schneider’s personnel awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He is also Seabee Combat Warfare qualified.

Senior Chief Schneider is married with four children and currently resides in Southeastern South Dakota.

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When in Pierre today, Dusty Johnson told a Pierre Radio station that there’s a possibility he could run for Governor in 2026, according to Huron Radio:

“I expect to. Nobody knows the future for sure. One of the difficult things about being in the House is that you are up for election every two years regardless. So, yeah. I’m doing the things you need to do to go out and make sure that the voters understand that I work hard whether I run for another term in the House or whether I run for Governor. In general, they think I’m doing a pretty good job, I’m going to keep working hard.

I feel like if I take care of my day job, the politics will take care of itself down the road.”

Listen to Dusty say that here.

Draft Explanation Released For Constitutional Amendment Submitted by Sioux Falls Man

PIERRE, S.D. – An explanation for a draft constitutional amendment, proposed by Rick Weiland of Sioux Falls, that would require legislative changes to initiatives and referendum procedures to be approved by a vote of the people, has been submitted for public review by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the proposed constitutional amendment to help assist the voters.

This proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature to pass legislation that changes or repeals laws affecting initiative and referendum procedures. The legislation does not become effective unless approved by the voters and the next general election.

The ballot explanation can be found here.

State law requires the Attorney General draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot. The Attorney General’s explanation is meant to be an “objective, clear, and simple summary” intended to “educate the voters of the purpose and effect of the proposed” measure, as well as identify the “legal consequences” of each measure.

Once the Attorney General has filed and posted the draft explanation, the public has 10 days to provide written comment. The explanation was filed Feb. 20, 2025 (Thursday) and the deadline for comments on this explanation is Sunday, March 2 at the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota. The final explanation is due to the Secretary of State on Wednesday, March 12.

Current law requires 35,017 valid petition signatures for the measure to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot. 

To file written comments on a draft Attorney General’s explanation please use one of the following methods below. Copies of all received comments will be posted on this website. https://atg.sd.gov/Legal/ballotexplanations.aspx#gsc.tab=0

Comments may be submitted via mail, or through hand delivery, to the Attorney General’s Office at:

Office of the Attorney General
Ballot Comment
1302 E. Hwy. 14, Suite 1
Pierre, SD 57501

Comments that are hand delivered must be received by the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota, by Friday, February 28.

Comments may also be emailed to ATGballotcomments@state.sd.us by Sunday, March 2.  Comments should be clearly expressed in the body of the email. The Attorney General’s Office will not open attachments to prevent malware or other digital threats. Please include your name and contact information when submitting your comment. The title of the comment must be included in the subject line of the email.

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