Author: @SoDakCampaigns

A short time back, a group no one has ever heard of came out with a scorecard of how they ranked the candidates for office with such interesting tidbits as how they ranked the candidates running in District 3:

Basically, Carl Perry stinks, but we have beef with Katie, so vote for Carl.   Objective, wouldn’t you agree?  (That was sarcasm. Katie rocks).

Along those lines, we see scorecards from the left, right, and in-between telling people who is and is not the better candidate. So, which one is correct?

Well, I’m going to solve that problem for you with the first ever SDWC scorecard. Working with several conservative Republicans, we’ve come up with the one you should consider when making your decision who is the best – the first ever Real Conservative Scorecard!

The scorecard bases it’s measure of conservatism on 4 different areas:

1) Supporting Law Enforcement and Keeping Communities Safe
2) Cutting Taxes and Discouraging Welfare
3) Protecting Life and Promoting Family Values
4) Securing Our Elections and Giving Voice to All Voters

Pretty basic areas I think all Republicans can agree on over what constitutes a conservative viewpoint. There might be an issue or two that we disagree on, but … well, you can go do your own scorecard. But here’s where I and several other Real Republicans draw the conservative line.

The list of what the bills are comes after the scorecards.  And looking at the data, there are more than a few surprises. The list is broad enough that one vote doesn’t swing it. And legislators are graded on the “tough teacher” scale.. not any of that 90% 80% 70% scale stuff.

So read it for yourself, and let us know what you think:

SDWC first ever Real Conservative Scorecard by Pat Powers on Scribd

Looking like the same cancer infecting the Minnehaha and Deuel County GOP has made it’s way to the SDSU College Republicans, as they blasted a message out earlier today that they’re hosting Not Republican/Independent hopeful for Congress Justin McNeal tomorrow night..

Are they going to change their name to the SDSU College Not Republicans now?

No word when they’ll be hosting the Democrat for Congress, since the concept of being a Republican party auxilliary organization escapes them.

The Katie Washnok campaign posted this video to Facebook – great use of social media for a campaign!

The Yankton County Republican Party has apparently joined the Minnehaha County GOP Vice Chair, and the Deuel County Republican Party in doing things that county party organizations aren’t supposed to do.

Just a short time ago, former Yankton County GOP Chair and long-time carrier of water for the elephant Roger Meyer sent an e-mail out, pointing out that the Yankton County GOP is getting involved in, and showing favoritism in the primary election, as they send money to the person challenging long-time Republican legislator and State Senator Jean Hunhoff:

April 9, 2024

Republican Friends

It has been some time since I have sent an update to this correspondence, but an unusual event at the Yankton County Republican Meeting last night, prompted me to write.  It being an election year, you may hear more from me.

In my memory, a county party has never endorsed a candidate in a Republican primary.  However that changed last night when the Yankton County Republican party voted to provide an incentive to a candidate in the primary for State Senate, Lauren Nelson.  She is running against incumbent State Senator Jean Hunhoff.  The party claimed this was simply an incentive for a new candidate “as they need financial help”.  However, such a contribution can only be perceived as an endorsement.  In the past, our party has always remained neutral in the primary and then come together in the fall to support the nominee.  Individuals, of course, are welcome to contribute to and support the candidate of their choice, but in the primary the party as a group should remain neutral.

On another note, it should be pointed out that the lawsuit against Greg Adamson, Butch Becker and Roger Meyer as the District 18 Republican Political Action Committee has been dismissed.

Roger Meyer

Choosing sides, and donating money to one of the candidates in the primary is pretty high on the list of no-no’s that a Republican Party County organization should never do.. but, they went ahead and did it anyway.

Again, I have to ask what if anything is going to be done about it?

This isn’t a matter of individuals choosing to support the candidate of their preference, but using party resources to do so.  As one observer noted to me, “This county (GOP group) is a dumpster fire.”    It should send up a flare to those who have had previously supported the local party, and encourage them to donate directly to candidates. Because that’s the only way one can know it’s going to support those intended.

– Oh, and a postscript to the lawsuit the new party members filed against the old. According to Roger, the new guys lost.

Another waste of County GOP resources.

Gov. Noem Launches Round Three of Freedom Works Here
“Building in America” Ad Invites Homebuilders to Move to South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development launched round three of Freedom Works Here, the most successful workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota history. Round three launched with the “Building in America” ad, which features Governor Noem as a homebuilder inviting workers to move to South Dakota.

“South Dakota has the blueprint for success. Recently, we led the nation in new homebuilding,” said Governor Noem. “But we’re still growing so fast, we need to hire more builders to keep up.”

Spring represents the time of year when new home construction ramps up – as well as when families who are wrapping up the school year are considering making a move. That makes this the perfect time to launch round three of Freedom Works Here.

In the “Building in America” ad, Governor Noem explains that South Dakota has no state income tax and offers on-the-job apprenticeship training.

Freedom Works Here is the most successful workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota history. Thousands and thousands of families have already moved to South Dakota, and thousands more are in the process of coming here.

These numbers represent those working directly through the “Freedom Works Here” program. Even more people are finding jobs and moving to South Dakota of their own accord after seeing the ads.

More information about the Freedom Works Here campaign can be found at FreedomWorksHere.com.

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Pump the Brakes on Biden’s EV Mandate
By Sen. John Thune

The Biden administration’s pursuit of its Green New Deal agenda jeopardizes Americans’ access to secure, reliable, and affordable energy. Energy costs have increased 35 percent under President Biden. The electric grid is struggling to keep up with demand. And new taxes and regulations are making life difficult for conventional energy producers. Nevertheless, the Biden administration continues to push its radical environmental agenda on the American people.

In recent weeks, the Biden administration finalized restrictive new regulations on cars and trucks, creating a de facto mandate for the majority of new car sales to be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2032. There are a number of issues with this overreaching regulation, particularly that it will be incredibly costly for most Americans. The average cost of an EV is $52,000, which would be a significant expense for most families at any time, but especially now when compounded by the effects of inflation and higher interest rates.

Most Americans are also not convinced that an EV is right for them. South Dakotans expect a lot from their vehicles. We drive our cars and trucks long distances, put them to work on farms and ranches, and they face extremely cold temperatures. We also keep them for more than 14 years on average. Unsurprisingly, South Dakotans have not been eager to trade in their car or truck for an electric model. And with gas stations still vastly outnumbering charging stations in our state, as they do in the rest of the country, the eight-year timeline the president envisions is unrealistic at best.

EVs would also place a heavy burden on our electric grid, which is nowhere near capable of supporting such a significant increase in demand. In fact, our nation’s energy grid is already being stretched by increased demand and the move away from conventional energy sources. We are rapidly approaching a situation in which we simply won’t have the ability to keep up with current electricity demand, and adding millions of electric vehicles on top of that could lead to widespread blackouts and brownouts, to say nothing of higher electricity prices.

In addition to Americans’ daily drivers, the Biden administration is also imposing new regulations on heavy-duty trucks, like those used in commercial trucking, to push truckers to switch to electric versions of their vehicles. By one estimate, the infrastructure and electricity costs of complying with the regulation could cost almost $1 trillion, which doesn’t include the cost of the new trucks themselves.

The future the Biden administration envisions is unrealistic, and forcing it on the American economy and households through heavy-handed regulations is just wrong. I have joined my Senate Republican colleagues in pushing legislation that would roll back these onerous and costly mandates, and we will see to it that the Senate takes an up-or-down vote on stopping these misguided regulations.

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Sacrificing to Serve
by Congressman Dusty Johnson

BIG Update

Applications for my U.S. Service Academy nomination consideration opened this week for the Class of 2029. It’s one of the privileges of my job to meet and nominate brilliant young individuals to attend one of the prestigious academies.

Attending a Service Academy equips and trains the next generation of officers in our Armed Forces, focusing on leadership, both the physical and mental aspects of military training, and preparing students for a career as an officer.

You can find more information on my website at https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations and by watching the video below from current academy students I previously nominated.

BIG Idea

This week, I stopped by Big Frig in North Sioux City to learn about their business. They make a variety of coolers, drinkware, and cattle coolers to help their customers get the job done. I saw how they make and design their products that withstand the ranching conditions of the Midwest. A big part of my job is meeting with business owners to see how I can help—by navigating federal bureaucracies or introducing policies to address supply chain disruptions, high prices, immigration, and more—to ensure our businesses, economy, and communities can thrive.

Johnson and the team at Big Frig

BIG News

In March, the National Guard temporarily suspended its reenlistment bonuses for servicemembers. This isn’t the first time this has happened. In October 2023, more than 9,000 soldiers saw delays in receiving their enlistment bonus—some from up to five years ago. This same type of payment suspension happened again in 2021.

This week, I asked the National Guard Bureau why the availability of their incentive programs has been unreliable. Failing to fulfill these programs could discourage our military men and women from reenlisting or civilians from joining. We need to ensure a robust military, but unfortunately, the Armed Services significantly missed recruiting goals in 2023 by more than 40,000 people. Now, we have the smallest active-duty force since 1940.

Waiting years to receive an enlistment bonus is unacceptable. These men and women are sacrificing to serve our country and keep us safe—we must uphold our commitment to them.

Yesterday, I was writing about the Vice Chair at the Minnehaha County Republican Party going off her rocker and recruiting petition carriers for an Indy candidate, in violation of the SDGOP’s Code of Conduct for GOP County Party officials.

Unfortunately, last night, it came to light that she’s not the only one who needs to be removed from her position in the County Party and on the State Republican Central Committee.

Last night, Deuel County Republicans held their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Except, they weren’t just featuring Republicans.. they were featuring the people that Republicans are running against. And helping them.

I about fell off of my desk chair last night when I got this message about what was going on at the Deuel County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner:

In over 35 years of being involved with the South Dakota Republican Party, I can honestly say that I have never seen a County Republican Party give stage time to a candidate from a competing party when there is a Republican candidate running for that office.

Not sure what’s next for the Deuel County Republican group event. Perhaps they’re going to feature the Democrat running for Congress next? Since they don’t seem to grasp the mission of being a county organization whose sole purpose of existing is to elect Republican candidates.

Pardon the inferred language, but honestly, WTF?

The State Republican Party Executive Board needs to act, and act promptly in stripping these cancers out of the county Republican organizations which these people are directly acting to destroy while they can.

Because at this rate, there isn’t going to be a Republican party left for the next election.

Safe to say that most normal Republicans don’t have much in common with the election truthers over at South Dakota Canvassing. But, I think they found something they can all agree on, that Minnehaha County Chairman R. Shawn Tornow is not some to place one’s trust in to lead a cause or a group.

As you’ll note from one of their most recent postings on their website, SD Canvassing is putting the blame squarely on R. Shawn for their most recent loss in court:

Up front, the contract required a retainer with a clause in the contract that no funds were refundable regardless of how much or how little time or expense accrued. That was concerning, as we had donated funds and it was not our money we were spending. The two requirements to sign the contract were: do you believe in Jesus, and do you believe in the Constitution? The answer was yes. The next statement was “don’t you screw us over, because you will be screwing over people from all over the State of South Dakota, not just us.”

and..

After that, R. Shawn Tornow failed to file ANYTHING in our case for NINE MONTHS. NINE MONTHS. A brief was due within 30 days. From the contract:

Does a competent lawyer forget legal procedure after approx. 30 years of practice? Does a competent lawyer stall and lie by saying “I can’t control the judge’s schedule” when questioned on a weekly basis as to when we were going to file a brief?

Things seemed to be going well until the Judge said the magic words above, and the malpractice ensued. Nine months went by and then we received an emergent phone call from Tornow saying that he was immediately “retiring” and that he could no longer practice law because he “turned in his bar card.” Well, we know many a retired lawyer who still has their bar card, but may be on inactive status. That is not the first thing you do when you “retire.”

We were left with a hearing scheduled for May 11, 2023, in which Steve Haugaard returned from vacation early and stepped in to help us because we were left without a lawyer. Our naivety of legal process and trust for Tornow left us with a case dismissed with prejudice for failure to file a brief, upon which we relied on Tornow for COMPETENT legal counsel, and none of the evidence, that we had patiently waited to present, on the record. A true an utter disappointment. But don’t take our word for it, read the court transcript HERE.

and..

Now the really great part in all of this is we never said anything about Tornow for unity’s sake. Before we knew he had screwed us over, he was elected the Chair of the Minnehaha GOP with grassroots support. Do you think Tornow would have been elected Chair if the grassroots had known he cheated four women patriots (and all from the immediate area) out of their money and sound legal counsel?

The Minnehaha GOP has since disintegrated into a toxic mess of factions that hate each other, and an attempt by some to remove Tornow as the Chair. Our group had NOTHING to do with that. Nothing. We certainly could have, but we kept our mouths shut.

Read the entire story here.

Of course, the story quickly disintegrates into crazy ramblings about people not being Republicans, but you get the point.

Banish the Cartels
By: Governor Kristi Noem
April 5, 2024

There is an invasion happening at our Southern Border. It is a warzone. People are dying every day because of the crime, drugs, and human trafficking flowing into our country. President Trump is right – we need to secure our borders and keep Americans safe.

When you have a warzone, you send soldiers – and that’s exactly what South Dakota has done time and time again. I was the first governor in the nation to send National Guard soldiers to defend our border in 2021. This week, the South Dakota National Guard was deployed to our Southern Border for the fifth time. Their mission is critical.

South Dakota’s National Guard soldiers are doing all they can to keep our nation secure. They will be working with Texas to build the wall. They will stop dangerous criminals and terrorists from being able to enter into America where the wall is built. But illegal border crossings will still take place where the wall is not being constructed because President Biden refuses to secure the border.

While the front lines of this battle started along the Southern Border, all 50 states now have a common enemy – the Mexican drug cartels. They are waging a war against our nation. And it is the fault of President Joe Biden.  Unfortunately, we see the effects of the open border every day. The citizens of South Dakota are less safe because of it. We especially see the impact on our tribal reservations. Mexican drug cartel presence in Indian country is a problem across the nation.

I have called on all our tribal leaders to banish the cartels from tribal lands.

The cartels instigate drug addiction, murder, rape, human trafficking, and so much more in tribal communities across the nation, including right here in South Dakota. This suffering is only made worse by the failures of the Biden Administration and the severe lack of funding for law enforcement on tribal lands.

As recent media reports say, “In many ways, Indian reservations make for ideal places for a drug operation to set up shop. The communities suffer from high rates of drug addiction and low numbers of law enforcement.”

The federal government has repeatedly failed to serve our Native American tribes. These communities are suffering because the Biden Administration continues to turn a blind eye. This administration is underfunding tribal law enforcement, preventing the tribes from adequately responding to public safety issues.

This is why I am also pushing for an audit of federal funds going to South Dakota’s Native American tribes. This is necessary to understand the funding level that is needed to keep these communities safe. For years, the level of actual funding drastically underestimates the true breadth of the challenges of Indian Country. And it has only been made worse by the failed border policies of the Biden Administration and the presence of drug cartel operations on South Dakota tribal reservations.

I continue to request Law Enforcement Agreements between the State of South Dakota and the state’s Native American tribes. Although we might not always agree on every issue, we can surely agree on the need for law and order is imperative. We must work together to combat illegal activities in our most vulnerable and rural areas.

I will continue to speak the truth and fight to protect the lives of Native Americans in South Dakota – because that’s what they deserve.

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