Author: @SoDakCampaigns

This week Politico had a story where South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds had some words about former President Trump’s removal of classified documents from the White House:

Some Republicans, though they’ve been few and far between so far, have openly criticized Trump’s handling of the documents and assert that he never should have had them in the first place.

“You shouldn’t be taking those classified things that are supposed to be … in a classified location,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), who has previously drawn Trump’s ire for criticizing the former president’s false claims about the 2020 election. “There are specific areas where classified materials are looked at. And it’s pretty clear-cut.”

Read the entire story here.

Thune: Democrats’ Big-Government, Big-Spending Agenda Does Nothing to Ease Economic Pain

“What [the Inflation Reduction Act] will do is spend hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on Democrats’ socialist, big-government fantasies – and raise taxes to help pay for it.”

Click here or on the picture above to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” will do nothing to reduce inflation and how it will instead double down on wasteful government spending and increase the tax burden on American businesses and middle-income families. Thune noted that Democrats should start focusing on pro-growth economic policies that would actually help working families who have experienced a de facto pay cut due to record-high inflation and President Biden’s failed policies.

The Associated Press has posted an expose on some elected officials having been members of the Oath Keeper’s group, which is accused of playing a role in the January 6 riots and insurrection activities at the US Capitol.  The downside is that we’ve read about a lot of this already, as they point out what we already knew, that State Representative Phil Jensen was at least once counted among their members.

The data raises fresh concerns about the presence of extremists in law enforcement and the military who are tasked with enforcing laws and protecting the U.S. It’s especially problematic for public servants to be associated with extremists at a time when lies about the 2020 election are fueling threats of violence against lawmakers and institutions.

and..

Jensen said he felt compelled to join because he “believed in the oath that we took to support the US Constitution and to defend it against enemies foreign and domestic.” He wouldn’t say whether he now disavows the Oath Keepers, saying he doesn’t have enough information about the group today.

“Back in 2014, they appeared to be a pretty solid conservative group, I can’t speak to them now,” he said.

Read the entire story here.

Not sure what the purpose of this new story is, since we read most of it last year.  Obviously, it didn’t matter to Phil Jensen’s voters in the primary.

Just had this goofball advertisement pop up on my facebook. Democrat gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith is now going so far as to pump out facebook ads to make the bizarre claim that “Republican Governor Kristi Noem” is “dangerous.”

Umm.. really? Does he have some mystery footage of her walking around with a pointed stick or something? That might be the goofiest thing said by a campaign this year to date.

I mean, Kristi being in the race is more than dangerous, and is a fatal blow to Smith’s chances of even being considered for the job for Governor.  But other than that, Governor Noem is pretty benign, if not outright gregarious, unless one is trying to shut down the state. Then you’re probably going to be on the receiving end of her ire.

Speaking of campaigns being a bit dodgy, I did notice that in last week’s roll out for the Dakota Scout publication in Sioux Falls, the Jamie Smith Campaign skipped something that all the other political advertisers did not.  The legally required advertising disclaimer:

Maybe you can find it, but I sure don’t see the disclaimer required by SDCL 12-27-15.

12-27-15. Political communications to contain certain language–Exceptions–Violation as misdemeanor.

Any printed material or communication made, purchased, paid for, or authorized by a candidate or political committee that disseminates information concerning a candidate, public office holder, ballot question, or political party shall prominently display or clearly speak the statement: “Paid for by (name of candidate or political committee).” This section does not apply to buttons, balloons, pins, pens, matchbooks, clothing, or similar small items upon which the inclusion of the statement would be impracticable. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A subsequent offense within a calendar year is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Read that here.

Maybe Smith can claim to be focused on South Dakota by riding in the back of a truck, but his campaign doesn’t seem to be focused on following South Dakota Campaign finance laws.

A coalition of moneyed donors has come together and is serving as the financial backing trying to stop a new ag processing plant from opening on the outskirts of Sioux Falls, according to a report filed by the Argus Leader:

Nearly all of the funding comes from five contributions from entities: POET LLC, and JDS Industries, each of which donated $25,000, Elgethun Capital and Cellular Only 41st, each of which donated $10,000 and GL Management, LLC, which donated $5,000.

Another $10,000 was donated by Todd Broin, the younger brother of POET CEO Jeff Broin. Other donors include $2,000 from philanthropist Joe Kirby and $2,500 from David Bockorny, the CEO of a Washington, D.C.-based government affairs consulting firm.

and..

Gov. Kristi Noem said last week the ballot measure “puts every single project we do in South Dakota in jeopardy in the future,” adding she’s aware of projects that have already pulled out of the state after watching the fight.

Read the entire story here.

According to the report, the vast lion’s share of the money raised to date appears to have been spent on salaries, which brings into question whether the opposition was organic, versus a few people with cash hiring petitioners.

From Facebook:

Johnson Introduces Legislation to “Block the Tok”
 According to TikTok’s own employees, ‘everything is seen in China’

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Block the Tok Act, a bill that would prohibit TikTok from accessing U.S. citizens’ user data from within China and block the installation of TikTok on government devices. Earlier this year, reports indicated the Chinese parent company of TikTok was freely accessing sensitive user data such as passwords, keystrokes, browser history, and voice and facial recognition.

“According to TikTok’s own employees, ‘everything is seen in China,’” said Johnson. “It might seem trivial to go after an app known for viral dance videos, but TikTok is a national security concern. TikTok has more than one billion users, and China is using Americans’ information to advance its communist agenda. It’s no secret China’s goal is to replace the U.S. as the world’s superpower – Americans shouldn’t help China advance its agenda. Block the Tok keeps China’s hands off your personal information.”

TikTok has circumvented privacy safeguards since 2020 and has paid nearly $100 million in fines for improper data collection, including that of children under the age of 13. Currently, several government agencies recommend employees do not download TikTok on government devices.

The Block the Tok Act would put safeguards in place to ensure better user privacy, pursue transparency, and protect our national security. The bill would:

• Prohibit TikTok from accessing user data of United States citizens from within China.
• Direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to initiate an investigation to determine if TikTok has engaged in unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
• Prohibit the installation and use of TikTok at military installations and national security agencies (CIA, NSA, FBI, etc.).
• Prohibit the installation and use of TikTok on federal government devices.

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From Twitter, Russia has officially banned Senator Mike Rounds from entering the country.

Apparently, we struck a nerve. I will continue to speak out on the threat the current Russian regime poses to the free world. Further, I’ll redouble efforts to pass my legislation which would ban Russia, China, North Korea and Iran from buying American farmland and ag businesses. https://t.co/XTa1QxvQi9

— Senator Mike Rounds (@SenatorRounds) September 5, 2022

With summer drawing to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on what makes me thankful to be a South Dakotan: its people. It doesn’t matter what town you’re traveling through, it becomes clear that the people of this state are what give it its backbone. They are hardworking, passionate, God-fearing Americans who are willing to go the extra mile for a friend, neighbor, or family member.

August was a busy month. I spent most of it crisscrossing South Dakota, meeting with South Dakotans and taking in the sights and sounds of everything that our great state has to offer in the summertime. For me, there’s nothing more valuable than hearing directly from families and small business owners – to hear what challenges they’re facing and what I can do in Washington to help out.

One way I intend to help is by crafting a pro-South Dakota farm bill. I hosted multiple roundtable events across the state where I was able to receive invaluable feedback from farmers and ranchers ahead of the 2023 farm bill. I visited small towns in every corner of the state and hosted events where I was able to hear what’s on folks’ minds. South Dakotans’ concerns are my concerns, so you can be sure I’ll take everything I heard with me back to Washington.

As I traveled the state, I shared some of the bipartisan wins I have helped deliver for South Dakotans this year. From getting my Ocean Shipping Reform Act signed into law to restoring the summertime sale of E15 fuel to securing critical funding for Ellsworth Air Force Base, these successes were no easy feat in a Democrat-controlled Washington. While much was accomplished, there is much more work yet to do this Congress.

Whether I was in a bigger city or a smaller town, I heard about everything from record-high inflation to border security to gas prices. I heard about economic issues, particularly the workforce shortages that are plaguing businesses throughout the state. Farmers and ranchers told me about the agriculture industry’s seemingly annual struggle with tough weather and market conditions. Part of my job is to try to prevent bad policies from going into place that will make these crises worse, and you can be sure I’ll fight hard to do just that.

The other thing I love about August in South Dakota is that it’s fair season. The Sioux Empire Fair, the Turner County Fair, Dakotafest, the Brown County Fair, and Yankton Riverboat Days – to name a few – are quintessential stops that ensure you’re having a true South Dakota summer. I often joke that in August I’m basically eating my way across the state. From milkshakes at Dakotafest to Tubby burgers at the Brown County Fair, I look forward to these fair-food staples every year.

South Dakota is the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family. It’s my home. It’s my kids’ and grandkids’ home. And it’s a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility that continues to draw people from across the United States to come explore during all seasons of the year.

Summer is ending, but fall is right around the corner. That means South Dakota high school and college sports, pheasant hunting, and so much more. As always, spending quality time with South Dakotans has been very informative, especially as I prepare to head back to Washington where a little commonsense and South Dakota straight-talk go a long way.

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Many have heard about the Biden Administration’s plan to cancel $10,000 of student debt per borrower for individuals who make up to $125,000 annually or households making $250,000 or less annually. I understand the public concern about higher education affordability and the desire to help struggling Americans. Unfortunately, President Biden‘s loan forgiveness plan doesn’t meaningfully address either of those issues. In fact, it will likely make them worse.

Higher education inflation over the past two decades shows us that loan forgiveness will likely make college even less affordable in the future. Colleges understand they can raise tuition even higher and still find plenty of individuals and families willing to borrow more money to finance the education. Student loan forgiveness will only make that problem worse.

Additionally, this plan does not only target the most needy Americans—just look at the Administration’s plan—a family making $250,000 a year still qualifies for this giveaway. More than 70% of the benefit goes to the richest 60% of Americans.

Jerry, a South Dakotan, told me recently that his daughter Emily worked hard throughout college to pay off her student loans. She worked nights and weekends during school and picked up extra hours after graduation and even picked up a second part-time job. She and her family shortened or skipped family vacations, limited or postponed purchasing decisions for their home and family, and passed on fun entertainment or sporting events. The Biden Administration’s plan to cancel $10,000 of debt for people who have not acted similarly to pay off their debts is a slap in the face to folks like Emily. She took full responsibility for her loans and paid them off quickly – through hard work.

Most Americans do not have a college degree. Forcing those who passed on college to foot the bill for a payout to individuals who statistically have a higher earning potential with their degree is irresponsible and an unfair use of taxpayer dollars.

I am co-leading two bills that would prohibit massive student loan forgiveness by the federal government:

1. The Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act would end the suspension of repayments on qualifying federal student loans, following two years of non-payment and seven executive actions extending the payment pause. My bill would prohibit the president from canceling outstanding federal student loan obligations due to a national emergency.
2. The Can’t Cancel Your Own Debt Act would prevent Congress from implementing bills thatlet U.S. Senators and Representatives off the hook for personal debts.

If our government sets a precedent to forgive the debts of private citizens that they chose to incur, individuals will be incentivized to take on more debt. College may become more expensive, or the government may continue bailing individuals out—creating a bigger burden on American taxpayers, including the 60 percent who do not have a bachelor’s degree. The government needs to stop printing money. Increased spending in the current high-inflationary economy has real, negative impacts on American taxpayers that are struggling to make ends meet.

When you borrow money, the expectation is—and should be—that you pay it back. Even if it requires hard work.

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