Author: @SoDakCampaigns

You know, You’d think you had seen it all when it comes to how whacked out some ultra-liberal Democrats are. But former Aberdeen State Senate Democrat candidate Cory Heidelberger just launched a repulsive and racially charged attack against Congressman Dusty Johnson.

Why? Because Johnson received a compliment from an African-American Congressional colleague, Congressman Will Hurd citing Dusty as “trying to make the (Republican) party more diverse and inclusive.”  And apparently, making efforts at broadening the GOP’s appeal isn’t palatable for the extreme left, triggering them because of the color of Dusty’s skin:

Read it here.

When Congressman Dusty Johnson works to broaden the base of the Republican Party and is complimented for it, Democrats such as Cory Heidelberger are left frothing at the mouth, pointing fingers and quivering but you’re ‘very white’ and have ‘white privilege’ and orange man bad! 

This is why Democrats will continue to lose elections, especially in the midwest.  They want to divide people up into classes and categories. When to just about everyone else, the yardstick of progress is far more mundane, when we simply consider people neighbors and co-workers and ignore categories.

Dusty, keep on showing the world that the Republican Party is a big tent welcoming to all who seek freedom, believe in free enterprise, and value American exceptionalism.

And we’ll continue to leave the haters and racists in the dustbin of history.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

– Martin Luther King Jr., 28 August 1963

Celebrating Native American Day
By Sen. John Thune

While much of the United States celebrates Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, South Dakotans instead proudly recognize Native American Day, honoring the rich heritage and tribal people of our state. A tradition that began in 1989 when Gov. George Mickelson proclaimed 1990 as the “Year of Reconciliation,” we’ve continued to celebrate Native American Day in lieu of Columbus Day. The South Dakota legislature formally recognized this day by unanimously passing legislation, and we have been honoring the day for nearly thirty years.

Native American culture can be found in every corner of our state. One way to experience this culture is by attending a powwow. Powwows are still very prevalent in South Dakota today, and they provide an opportunity to participate in traditions that are passed on by the Native American people through things like traditional music and dancing. These events take place nearly every month from May to October, and I encourage all South Dakotans to attend these unique celebrations.

Oral storytelling is another important tradition, allowing tribes to pass down their religions, history, and origin stories from one generation to the next. Oral storytelling is an art that is still practiced by tribes across the state, and it remains an important part of tribal people’s connection to their past.

One of my favorite stories shared in the Lakota language is of the importance of the “tatanka,” or buffalo. Although the term “buffalo” is now scientifically classified as a “bison,” the word buffalo is more frequently used in Native American cultures throughout the Midwest. Aside from being the basis of the Lakota diet and an integral part of their way of life – from providing hide for shelter to the bones for tools – the bison is also a large part of their spirituality. Because the tatanka provided the Lakota people with clothing, shelter, and food, among many other things, it was a sacred animal to the people. For example, the tatanka skull was used in many spiritual rituals.

The tatanka skull is featured in the center of the Lakota Sioux Medicine Wheel, representing the circle of life and the four cardinal directions, a beautiful symbol that has endured throughout time, much like the culture of the Sioux people. Though they have faced many challenges, they have continued to maintain their spirit through the guidance of community leaders today and warriors of the past.  Warriors like Crazy Horse – a Lakota man who led a band of warriors and defeated General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Crazy Horse will forever be memorialized in the granite of the Black Hills, on display for folks not just in South Dakota, but throughout the world to see and learn about.

I am grateful for the rich heritage of the South Dakota tribes. Their history is woven deep within the fabric of our state. This Native American Day, take time to reflect on and honor the courageous warriors that continue to make our state the best in the country.

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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
By U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month takes place every October. It is a good opportunity to review our online security habits on both our personal devices and at work. We are more connected than ever, and while it is nice to have quick and easy access to the Internet, it also means we are putting more information into cyberspace that can be used against us by bad actors.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme is “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.” More Americans are online than ever before. It’s important we take a look at our own cyber practices to make sure we are protecting ourselves from cyberattacks.

If you use any smart devices, take special precautions to secure your information. This can include making separate passwords for each device, checking the apps tied to each device on your smartphone to manually manage how much information you share with each device, secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password to prevent outsiders from accessing your devices and make sure to keep up with security and software updates. Keep in mind, whenever you purchase any kind of smart device for your home or vehicle, the company you buy it from will have access to sensitive information about you.

Best practices for online cybersecurity include creating separate strong passwords for every account you open. Turning on multi-factor authentication for all accounts is another good habit. It can stop hackers from accessing your information by creating another obstacle to get through if they’ve already found out your password. Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi to check your online bank account or shop online, as it is easier for hackers to access your bank account or credit card information more easily on a public network. Lastly, be cautious about opening emails or social media messages from people you do not know and don’t click on hyperlinks unless you can confirm the message came from a safe source. The overwhelming majority of security compromises are a result of human error – opening an attachment or link sent from an attacker.

Finally, we should remember that poor cyber hygiene cannot only have very negative consequences for individuals. As chairman of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am deeply concerned about how poor cyber hygiene in our defense industrial base can enable bad actors to access critical military information.

For example, this year, the Department of the Navy released a report showing it had weak cyber defenses (to include in some cases poor cyber hygiene), which could allow hackers to access intellectual property and other sensitive military information. While the report is concerning, I’m glad the Navy recognized the need to increase security. The other branches of the military should follow suit with the same type of self-assessment, as it is unlikely these challenges are limited to just the Navy. When the report came out, I spoke with Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, to commend him for being forthright about their findings. It’s never easy to admit shortcomings, but identifying them and finding solutions to them is what will make our country stronger. Among the issues that Secretary Spencer is working hard to address is poor cyber hygiene, which even if limited to a small number of people, can have devastating consequences for the Navy’s defense industrial base.

We are relying on technology to make our lives more convenient and support our national security, but with that reliance come risks to our privacy and security. This month, I encourage you to review your cybersecurity habits and make necessary changes to protect yourself and your family from harmful cyberattacks. Additionally, I encourage the Department of Defense to make a top priority of improving the cyber hygiene of the defense industrial base. For more information about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Leading the Charge
By Rep. Dusty Johnson

When you read “Nationally Recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS),” do you think of South Dakota? Well, you should. In Madison, South Dakota, you’ll find one of the nation’s top-ranked cybersecurity programs within the walls of Dakota State University (DSU).

South Dakota is blessed with several top-tier universities, but DSU is unique. Dakota State currently has three Centers of Academic Excellence designations from the NSA and DHS and is one of eight resource centers for the NSA. We live in an ever-growing digital world, with that comes cybersecurity risks and a need for individuals with the skills to protect our technology. DSU and the NSA have partnered together to streamline military personnel’s ability to obtain a degree in the cyber arena. Senator Rounds and I also introduced legislation to make it easier for the Department of Defense to partner with universities on complex cybersecurity issues. Demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to grow and by 2021 there may be as many as 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings – we need to be preparing people for these jobs as soon as possible.

DSU continues to invest and lead the charge in ensuring that our nation’s and our government’s technology is secure. This week I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the Madison Cyber Labs or “MadLabs.” MadLabs is a state-of-the-art, 38,500 square foot facility with the capacity to host nearly 300 researchers. It will also have a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility or SCIF to conduct classified research, and DSU is already working to secure contracts with the NSA to conduct research at the new facility.

Many universities throughout the country are seeing a decline in enrollment, but Dakota State isn’t tracking with the norm. DSU reported increased enrollment in 2019 and welcomed their largest freshman class this year. The investment in MadLabs and DSU’s continued innovation will continue to encourage this trend.

South Dakota’s state leaders and generous donors worked hard to ensure the dream of MadLabs became a reality—and because of this effort, South Dakota will educate some of the world’s best and brightest who will go on to be leaders in government, military, and the private security sector. Because of the excellent leadership of DSU President Griffiths and the support of several of our state’s past and present leadership, DSU has excelled as an institution. I look forward to continuing to watch Dakota State University and its students lead our nation in cybersecurity.

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Serving South Dakota
By Governor Kristi Noem

Since becoming governor, I have been continually reminded that strengthening South Dakota for the next generation is a task I cannot accomplish on my own. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in the last nine months, but what most people don’t have the privilege of seeing are the state employees – the incredible public servants – who work day in and day out to make South Dakota great.

One of those public servants is Herb Jones. Herb has served as my Chief of Staff since January, and at the end of September, he announced that he is retiring to his home in Yankton in order to spend more time in his favorite role – being a grandpa. I’m happy for him, but he’ll be missed.

I’ve known Herb for a long time and am a better person because of it. Other elected leaders would undoubtedly agree. Herb served in the Janklow, Mickelson, and Miller administrations, and he worked as chief of staff in Washington D.C. to then-Congressman John Thune. He helped me set up my office when I was first elected to Congress and has held leadership roles within the Department of Energy and in the railroad industry. He’s experienced, kind, faithful, and level-headed.

Herb is a special gift to this state – and a gift to me. Time after time, he’s stepped up and answered the call to advance South Dakota. It takes a special set of skills to get a governor’s office up and running, and I will be forever grateful to Herb for putting in the hours that has set my team up for success. He’s a key reason we’ve been able to see victories like increased internet access across the state and aggressive action to address the meth crisis.

Herb will be missed, but I’m grateful for the thousands of dedicated public servants who serve our state with excellence. These are the folks who make South Dakota strong, and I’m committed to making my administration one that prioritizes our people.

During the first few days of October, we hosted the State leadership conference in Pierre that more than 300 state leaders attended. It’s important we continue equipping our people with the tools and skills they need to advance in their careers and grow in leadership. When we pour into our people, we pave the way for progress.

I know this kind of dedication isn’t only found in State government. South Dakota is known for our work ethic and care for community. All throughout the state, teachers selflessly shape our kids, giving of themselves for the sake of the next generation; manufacturers do what they do with unwavering excellence; pastors care for people and help us remember the greater good; law enforcement officers wear the badge and say yes – no matter the call.

Albert Einstein once said that “only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” That’s so true. That’s how Herb has lived his life. That’s the spirit of South Dakota.

To all of you who work for a greater cause and who serve others, thank you. You inspire me. Let’s continue pushing forward together.

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Looks like several new legislative candidates are staking out their territory and have filed papers to show that they’re IN and running for the State Legislature.

*Republican and Ft. Pierre City Councilman Mike Weisgram has filed paperwork to run in District 24 House for one of the seats being vacated due to term limits by Tim Rounds and Mary Duvall. I anticipate there will be a primary for this seat, with Will Mortenson having already filed, and Dr. Noel Chicoine talking to people in Pierre about his interest.

*Republican Matt Rosburg of Sioux Falls has a committee filed for District 15 House, but I don’t have much more information than he’s a 41 year old businessman, and running in literally one of the toughest Districts in the state for Republicans. Good luck!

*Republican Bethany Soye of Sioux Falls, who is in compliance at Metabank, has created a committee to support her run for District 9 House for one of the seats currently held by Republican Rhonda Milstead and Democrat Michael Saba. Michael Clark has already announced for the seat, so Soye’s entrance into the race would trigger a Republican Primary.

*Aaron Aylward of District 6 who ran 2 years ago as a Libertarian has changed his party in the last few weeks, and now intends to run as a Republican in District 6 House.  How new of a Republican is he? Well, according to the screen shot of this afternoon:

The South Dakota Libertarian Party website still has Alyward listed as the State Libertarian Party chairman, noting:

Over the years, Aaron has been in a number of political parties, starting as a Democrat while in High School, a Republican during the years that Ron Paul, and his son, Rand, were running for President, and now in the Libertarian party.

Read that here (Yes, we know Gideon Oakes is the current Libertarian Party chair as of June. And should probably update the libertarian party website.)  Alyward would join the District 6 House Republican Primary along with Nathan Block, Ernie Otten, and Joshua Sopko.

Speaking of Joshua Sopko, in checking today, it looks like he got his child support thing handled, as the Minnehaha County website for active warrants no longer has his name listed.

Stay tuned. Lots more candidates to come.

Just got off the phone, and while it had been rumored for some time, it sounds like State Representative Larry Zikmund is IN as a candidate for the State Senate seat in his District (D14) being vacated by State Senator Deb Soholt.

Soholt is precluded from running for the State Senate as a result of term limits, leaving the GOP in need of a candidate.

The only down side of Zikmund jumping chambers is that it represents that the GOP will need to recruit 2 candidates for the House, with Democrat State Representative Erin Healy occupying the other seat. Word is that it won’t be for a lack of interest, with people starting to bring up that they have an interest.

Only 3 months (and one day) until political candidate petitions can start circulating. Get ready for a wild ride!

As we found out when they reported their overspending ways and indebtedness under cover of darkness late last night, South Dakota Democrats are in serious trouble financially with spending money they don’t have.

Unfortunately, you also have to go back to the businesses they’ve stiffed. Qualified Presort of Sioux Falls is hanging on for hundreds of dollars Dems owe them. Which may mean no more mailing for them. But there’s a bigger bill that’s been out there:

Listed under their debts and obligations staring in the period of January 1 – to January 31, 2019 is a bill for $5845.68 to the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

In fact, if you look at the report I posted last night, they still have this nearly $6,000 bill hanging out there 9 months later.   Granted, the convention center is run by a management company. but ultimately, those dollars go to Sioux Falls taxpayers.

South Dakota Republicans encouraged Democrats back in May to pay the bills they owe locally before they pay their DC vendors. That was before Paula Hawks hired a new executive director at what was rumored to be half again as much as they were paying the old one.

Considering they owe money to the very people they’re asking to vote for them, very possibly they might want to consider once again getting on the stick to get their bills paid. Especially to local taxpayers.

Hot off of the press – South Dakota Democrats are in big trouble financially, according to their latest FEC Report:

Sddp Sept 2019 Fec by Pat Powers on Scribd

Just a month or so into Chairman Paula Hawks stint as chairwoman, State Democrats are posting what may literally be their worst FEC Report EVER.

Starting with a dismal $3180 in cash, State Democrats raised $17,539 in receipts in their federal account, including the cash that the national party sends them monthly…. Democrat welfare if you will.

But at the same time, Dems unbelievably went on a spending spree and had $30,580.49 in expenditures. Leaving them $9860.26 of deficit spending.  Added to that is the $46,863.73 in debts and obligations already owed by the committee to a number of vendors. Bills that they’ve been carrying for some time.

Meaning, that it appears that Dems are in the hole by roughly $56,723.99.

I might remind you that this isn’t it, either. Coming in the near future is the serious question of how much the Federal Election Commission is going to fine them for their recent audit problems which will add further to their indebtedness.

Forget about supporting their candidates. The question now is how long can Paula Hawks keep South Dakota Democrats’ creditors at bay?

P.S. Bill Nibbelink, who has been the Democrat’s treasurer in charge of their finances all throughout the entire time of all these financial problems?  Well of course he’s still in charge of their finances.

And he’s the one who signed this latest report as well.

Dusty Johnson staffer Hannah Kagey finds herself being featured in a magazine after getting a tattoo recently.

No, not one of those sketchy magazines in the convenience stores.

Hannah’s adventure in being inked is featured in the Washington DC on-line magazine and Congressional Quarterly subsidiary Roll Call for her recent visit to the tattoo parlor with Congressman Dusty Johnson:

After a slew of events and fielded questions, Johnson and Kagey were gearing up for their next stop: Vishnu Bunny Tattoo & Piercing — a Sioux Falls establishment owned by a Democrat whose engagement on the congressman’s Facebook page led to “meaningful dialogue” outside of his public feed and a pit-stop that would leave an indelible mark.

They were barely in the car when Kagey threw another question at the congressman — one he had likely not heard before.

“Hey, don’t you think it’d be funny if I got a tattoo?” she said.

A “giddy” Johnson was on board. As a member of Congress, he knew the feeling of being “under the gun,” but that day it took on a different meaning. This wasn’t Hannah’s first rodeo, though. As the saying goes, “third time’s the charm.”

Read the entire story here.