Governor Kristi Noem’s letter to Smithfield Foods

As noted in the prior post, Smithfield foods is temporarily shutting down operations in Sioux Falls as a result of coronavirus, coming after Governor Kristi Noem, along with Sioux Falls Mayor Paul Ten Haken sent the following letter to the head of Smithfield; noting that the pork producer is the source for a significant number of cases of coronavirus in Minnehaha County:

The shutdown of the Sioux Falls Smithfield plant – said to be the 3rd largest pork processing plant in the country – should gain people’s attention and be cause for concern for the country’s food prices and food security in the coming weeks.

Release: Smithfield Foods To Close Sioux Falls, SD Plant Indefinitely Amid COVID-19

From Smithfield Foods:

Smithfield Foods To Close Sioux Falls, SD Plant Indefinitely Amid COVID-19

Argus Reporter engages in name calling with Governor’s communications staffer. Is that weed thing a Gannett job requirement, or is it specific to the Argus?

Johnathan Ellis form the Argus Leader was on a tear yesterday on twitter, but saved the “money tweet” for the end where he declared his political allegiance, at the same time he verbally attacked one of the Governor’s senior staff members:

What triggered all of this?   On Friday, Ellis filed a story where he went on the attack on Governor Kristi Noem’s administration because he claimed he wasn’t receiving some information he was seeking:

What’s in a model?

Turns out South Dakota health officials are reluctant to share that information.

The people behind the state’s coronavirus response model, which Gov. Kristi Noem unveiled one week ago, have failed to release data used to make their assumptions. Meanwhile, health officials from the state’s three large health Systems – Avera, Sanford and Monument Health – won’t elaborate on how they contributed to the process.

Read that all here.

That story kicked off an exchange that got a little testy when the Governor’s communications person Maggie Siedel sent a note back to Ellis, pushing back a bit because it’s not as if the Governor and Department of Health are ignoring questions in their near daily pressers.

In the E-mail communication provided to me, Seidel pointedly asked Ellis “if you weren’t satisfied with the answers you were getting, why didn’t you take advantage of the dozen media availabilities at your disposal (both the Governor and Secretary of Health as well as the Department of Health held daily briefings last week…)? 

From: Seidel, Maggie <Maggie.Seidel@state.sd.us>
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2020 10:39 AM
To: Ellis, Jonathan <jonellis@argusleader.com>
Cc: Myers, Cory <ctmyers@argusleader.com>
Subject: Follow up

Jonathan – This is the headline (What’s behind South Dakota’s coronavirus model? Health officials won’t say.) and story that epitomize what the Governor is referring to when she talks about not telling both sides of the story…

The issue isn’t that we haven’t shared what is behind the projections; it’s that you aren’t satisfied with the answers we’ve provided. Those are two very different things, and the overly simplified headline and story are misleading at best.

In last Friday’s 68-minute press conference, the Governor, Secretary of Health, Dr. Clayton, and the chief medical officers of Avera, Monument, and Sanford, walked everyone through the agreed upon hospitalization projections as well as all the different models we used to inform those projections and what data served as the inputs.

If that wasn’t sufficient, why didn’t we dive into the details then? Every person on that panel was available to answer questions.

You looped me in on Monday about your request for more detailed information.  We traded emails, and then on Tuesday, we spoke and talked through your questions.

On that call, I reiterated what Dr. Clayton had already said about many of the data inputs:

  • 2018 mid-year Census estimate for SD:  882,235
  • 5% hospitalization rate
  • 26% of hospitalized patients require ventilatory support
  • Length of stay:  7 days for hospitalized and 10 days for ventilatory care

I then shared the mathematical formula we used with you, and you asked for even more information following that – none of which is enumerated in this story.

I know you were trying to write before your furlough, but if you weren’t satisfied with the answers you were getting, why didn’t you take advantage of the dozen media availabilities at your disposal (both the Governor and Secretary of Health as well as the Department of Health held daily briefings last week…)?

I don’t think it’s fair to accuse the state of not being transparent when we’ve made all of the officials associated with these projections, including Dr. Clayton and the chief medical officials at Avera, Monument, and Sanford, available for direct questions in an open forum on a dozen occasions since publicizing them.

Btw – I know you’re out/furloughed, so I’ve included Cory on here as well.

-Maggie

Literally, she asked him if he wanted to know, why didn’t he ask? The reply as attributed to Ellis?

From: Ellis, Jonathan <jonellis@argusleader.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2020 2:57 PM
To: Seidel, Maggie <Maggie.Seidel@state.sd.us>
Cc: Myers, Cory <ctmyers@argusleader.com>
Subject: RE: [EXT] Follow up

I had to go for a nice long run before I could deal with your bullshit. Also, this was really good for my pace. Send me more crap like this and I’ll be ready to run some races.

Questioning Jonathan as to why didn’t he ask was “bullshit?”  To which Seidel offered a fairly reasonable request if he didn’t care for the response. Publish it, and let the people decide.

From: “Seidel, Maggie” <Maggie.Seidel@state.sd.us>
Date: April 11, 2020 at 3:06:00 PM CDT
To: “Ellis, Jonathan” <jonellis@argusleader.com>
Cc: “Myers, Cory” <ctmyers@argusleader.com>
Subject: RE:  [EXT] Follow up

Publish my response. Put them side by side.  Let the people read them.

About then Ellis went on his 19 tweet rant, culminating in his name calling against Seidel for posing the question to him why he didn’t just ask.

Ellis’ unnecessary name calling didn’t escape notice from others as well, including former Rapid City Journal and current SDPB contributor Kevin Woster:

In the past I’ve found Johnathan to be pretty decent, albeit his rant about weed explains a lot about his story biases.  Ultimately, the Argus is here to sell papers. As I’ve heard, on-line stories earn the right to go to their ever-dwindling print edition based on how many clicks they receive. So, controversy is the name of the game.

But, I find it hard to find fault with “health officials from the state’s three large health Systems – Avera, Sanford and Monument Health” and it may not exactly be fair when Ellis goes on the attack saying they  “won’t elaborate on how they contributed to the process,” if Jonathan might not have been asking the question.

At the least, I don’t know that it should rise to the level of name calling and verbally beating up the Governor’s senior communications staffer.

If you take a step back, the times we are in are historically unprecedented. Literally, there is no roadmap in this country for dealing with this type of situation. And you hate to say it, but as we’re all sadly aware, not all of us are going to make it through to the other side.

The Administration’s job is exceedingly difficult.  They’re trying to manage the public’s health, as balanced against our constitutional rights, and at the same time keep a functioning society.  Because people are not going to be served well by emerging from a pandemic if we’re in the middle of “America’s second great depression,” because a majority of the country’s businesses collapsed, we’re left with widespread unemployment and we’re left bartering for crops in the Midwest while we hear stories of people eating dogs in our urban environments.

We should be concerned about everything we see every day. And we should be wary. But, we can also afford a little patience, and try to set aside our cynicism for a moment, and attempt to believe our leaders are touched by the better angels of our nature, as they try to bring us through to the other side of all of this as intact as possible.

In other words, try to be a little more patient with one another. And maybe a little less name calling.

Johnson Urges President Trump to Oversee Comprehensive Investigation into Cattle Markets

Johnson Urges President Trump to Oversee Comprehensive Investigation into Cattle Markets

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today urged President Trump to oversee a comprehensive, multi-agency investigation following continuous cattle market volatility. In 2019, Johnson urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide a thorough investigation to producers following cattle market volatility after the August 2019 Holcomb, Kansas, Tyson beef processing plant fire.

“We need to get to the bottom of exactly what is going on, and why,” said Johnson. “A comprehensive approach is the only one that makes sense, one that includes the Department of Justice, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, USDA Packers and Stockyards, and congressional hearings. As I said in the wake of the Holcomb fire, whatever investigation is done needs to be “for real,” rather than “for show.”

Full text of the letter below and attached:

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Mr. President,

Things are bad in cattle country…really bad.

As we’ve discussed before, market conditions for the cattle producer have been lousy for quite a while. With COVID-19, they’ve gotten even worse.

We need to get to the bottom of exactly what is going on, and why. A comprehensive approach is the only one that makes sense, one that includes the Department of Justice, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, USDA Packers and Stockyards, and congressional hearings. As I said in the wake of the Holcomb fire, whatever investigation is done needs to be “for real,” rather than “for show.”

You have wide-ranging powers, sir, and Rural America will be grateful for your efforts to ensure a rigorous investigation by the right people on a rapid timeline.

Sincerely,

###

Rounds Joins Bipartisan Group of Former Governors Calling for Flexibility in State Stabilization Funding 

Rounds Joins Bipartisan Group of Former Governors Calling for Flexibility in State Stabilization Funding

CARES Act Includes $150 Billion in Stabilization Funding for State and Local Governmen

PIERRE –U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) – who all formerly worked as governors – today called on Vice President Mike Pence to work with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to issue guidance to states on how they can use funding from the CARES Actto address budget shortfalls. The CARES Act that Congress passed into law includes $150 billion in stabilization funding for state and local governments, and the Trump administration is now working to distribute these funds.

“Like you, we are also former governors, who recognize the uniquely devastating impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on state and local government revenues, just as demand for services increases exponentially…We write today to urge you to work with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to give states the flexibility they need to put those funds to use mitigating the short- and long-term economic impacts of this crisis – including making up for lost revenues due to COVID-19,” wrote the senators. “Governors and state legislators are best positioned to know how to put these funds to good use. The loss of state and local revenues is just as much a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as the additional costs that state and local governments are facing – and states should be able to use these funds to address both challenges.”

The senators detailed why it is critical that the administration make clear that state stabilization funding can make up for lost revenues: “As you know, most states are prohibited from running budget deficits, and most are also rapidly approaching the end of their fiscal years. Without help, state governments will be forced to raise taxes or dramatically cut services and investments, just as those services are needed to protect public health and jumpstart the economy. Either tax increases or service cuts will have devastating ripple effects that will increase unemployment rates and slow the economic recovery.”

Read the senators’ full letter below:

Dear Vice President Pence:

As United States Senators, we are working together and with the administration on efforts to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, communities, businesses, and our entire economy. Like you, we are also former governors, who recognize the uniquely devastating impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on state and local government revenues, just as demand for services increases exponentially.

As you know, most states are prohibited from running budget deficits, and most are also rapidly approaching the end of their fiscal years. Without help, state governments will be forced to raise taxes or dramatically cut services and investments, just as those services are needed to protect public health and jumpstart the economy. Either tax increases or service cuts will have devastating ripple effects that will increase unemployment rates and slow the economic recovery.

Fortunately, Congress and the President worked together to attempt to address these issues by including $150 billion for state and local government stabilization in the most recent bipartisan legislation signed by President Trump. States are now awaiting guidance from the administration on how they can use these funds.

We write today to urge you to work with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to give states the flexibility they need to put those funds to use mitigating the short- and long-term economic impacts of this crisis – including making up for lost revenues due to COVID-19. Governors and state legislators are best positioned to know how to put these funds to good use. The loss of state and local revenues is just as much a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as the additional costs that state and local governments are facing – and states should be able to use these funds to address both challenges.

In addition, we ask you to act as quickly as possible so that state and local governments can make informed decisions as they face this unprecedented crisis.

We thank you for your attention to this matter, and look forward to continuing to work with you to best serve the American people in this difficult time.

###

Senate to conduct inquiry over accusations from final day of session

The Argus Leader and KELOland news are reporting tonight that Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer and Senate President Pro Temp Brock Greenfield are being investigated by fellow members of the State Senate after accusations made by Senator Phil Jensen… and apparently House Majority Leader Lee Qualm.   As noted in the Argus Leader tonight:

In a text to several members sent by House Majority Leader Lee Qualm and provided by Jensen, Qualm said “I want everyone to know that dealing with the Senate tonight has not been fun. When we were done we tried to find the Senator’s and they were nowhere to be found. Tried to call Sen. Greenfield but he wouldn’t answer. I finally got ahold of the Lt. Governor and he said they were coming back in. When Sen. Greenfield and Sen. Langer got off the elevator they couldn’t hardly walk they were so drunk. This easily added 2 hrs to our session. Thanks so much for your patience.”

Read that here.    KELOland is noting:

The Senate’s majority and minority caucuses will name five Republicans and four Democrats to look into an allegation that Senate Republican leader Kris Langer and Senator Brock Greenfield were intoxicated at the Capitol.

The report is due no later than June 30.

The Legislature’s Executive Board voted 12-1 for the motion from Senator Jim Bolin, the Senate Republican assistant leader. House Republican leader Lee Qualm seconded the motion.

Read that here.

I have no idea what happened, and haven’t watched or listened to any part of the proceedings, so I don’t really have an opinion.

I guess I’m not sure what to say, other than this seems like a mess not made any better by what might be termed bad blood between the House and the Senate at times, especially given the texted accusation from the House Majority Leader.

16 Republican House Primaries, 2 Democrat contests

House of Representatives is still at half of the Legislative Districts with primary elections (Top two vote getters move on to the General Election.). Most are Republican, but two of the single representative districts (Represented in Blue) have Democrat contests:

District 5 – Hugh Bartels, Nancy York, Jacob Sigurdson
District 6 – Ernie Otten, Nathan Block, Aaron Aylward, Thomas Werner
District 7 – Doug Post, Tim Reed, and former State Senator Larry Tidemann
District 9 – Bethany Soye, Rhonda Milstead, and Michael Clark
District 12 – Greg Jamison, George Hendrickson, Amy Miller, and Arch Beal
District 14 – Tom Holmes, Taylor Rehfeldt, Brad Lindwurm
District 16 – David Anderson, Kevin Jensen, Bill Shorma
District 17 – Richard Vasgaard, Sydney Davis, Charlie Kludt, Dan Werner
District 2 – Lance Koth, Barry Volk, Paul Miskimins
District 23 – Spencer Gosch, JD Wangsness, Kevin Watts, Charlie Hoffman
District 24 – Jeff Monroe, Will Mortenson, Mike Weisgram, Bob Lowery, Noel Chicoine
District 26A – Alexa Frederick v. Shaun Bordeaux (only 1 elected)
District 28A – Dean Schrempp v. Oren Lesmeister (only 1 elected)
District 29 – Thomas Brunner, Dean Wink, Kirk Chaffee, Lincoln Schuck
District 30 – Tim Goodwin, Kwin Neff, Trish Ladner
District 31 – Dayle Hammock, Brandon Flanagan, Mary Fitzgerald, Julie Ann Olson, and Scott Odenbach
District 33 – Melanie Torno, Phil Jensen, Taffy Howard
District 34 – Jess Olson, Mike Derby, and Jodie Frye-Byington

11 Senate GOP Primaries – Here’s the list to date.

The GOP added another Senate Primary this afternoon. Absent any additional stragglers coming in, here’s the Senate lineup we’re going to be choosing from this June:

District 6 – Herman Otten versus Isaac Latterell
District 14 – Larry Zikmund v. Dave Zellmer
District 15 – Thor Bardon v. Brenda Lawrence
District 17 – Art Rusch v. Nancy Rasmussen
District 21 – Lee Qualm v. Erin Tobin
District 23 – Bryan Breitling v. Larry Nielson
District 29 – Gary Cammack v. Terri Jorgenson
District 30 – Julie Frye-Mueller v. George Kotti
District 31 – Tim Johns v. John Teupel
District 33 – Dave Johnson v. Janet Jensen
District 35 – Jessica Castleberry v. Kevin Quick.

Primary-palooza.. update on the State Senate Primary Races, and here’s what to watch in the House

I had earlier mentioned what to watch for on the Senate Primary elections, and before I got to the House races, they shifted again slightly.  Here’s a quick recap…

District 6 – Herman Otten versus Isaac Latterell
District 12 – Curd v. Steele – Steele withdrew
District 14 – Larry Zikmund v. Dave Zellmer
District 17 – Art Rusch v. Nancy Rasmussen
District 21 – Lee Qualm v. Erin Tobin
District 23 – Bryan Breitling v. Larry Nielson
District 29 – Gary Cammack v. Terri Jorgenson
District 31 – Tim Johns v. John Teupel
District 33 – Dave Johnson v. Janet Jensen

Add to that District 35 – Jessica Castleberry v. Kevin Quick. Castleberry, who was appointed by Governor Noem prior to the legislative session is being challenged by Kevin Quick, a Rapid City area vape shop owner and pot activist.

I’m also aware that there’s at least one more that appears to be coming. More on that tomorrow.

Moving on to the House of Representatives, slightly under half of the Legislative Districts currently have active Republican primary elections (Top two vote getters move on to the General Election.)

District 5 – Hugh Bartels, Nancy York, Jacob Sigurdson
District 6 – Ernie Otten, Nathan Block, Aaron Aylward, Thomas Werner
District 7 – Doug Post, Tim Reed, and former State Senator Larry Tidemann
District 9 – Bethany Soye, Rhonda Milstead, and Michael Clark
District 12 – Greg Jamison, George Hendrickson, Amy Miller, and Arch Beal
District 14 – Tom Holmes, Taylor Rehfeldt, Brad Lindwurm
District 16 – David Anderson, Kevin Jensen, Bill Shorma
District 17 – Richard Vasgaard, Sydney Davis, Charlie Kludt, Dan Werner
District 23 – Spencer Gosch, JD Wangsness, Kevin Watts, Charlie Hoffman
District 24 – Jeff Monroe, Will Mortenson, Mike Weisgram, Bob Lowery, Noel Chicoine
District 29 – Thomas Brunner, Dean Wink, Kirk Chaffee, Lincoln Schuck
District 31 – Dayle Hammock, Brandon Flanagan, Mary Fitzgerald, and Scott Odenbach
District 33 – Melanie Torno, Phil Jensen, Taffy Howard
District 34 – Jess Olson, Mike Derby, and Jodie Frye-Byington

And tomorrow we’ll probably add District 30 to that, as right now we have Tim Goodwin, and supposedly they will add Florence Thompson, plus whoever was recruited to run against her. Aaand… I’ve heard of a couple of other Districts out there that may yet be coming.

On the Democrat side in District 26A, it appears that Shawn Bordeaux is being challenged by Alexa Frederick. And that’s about it.

So what happened to the Liz May for Congress $250 for 25 signatures bounty?

If you recall last week, Congressional wannabe Liz Marty May took a few minutes from chanting Cull the Herd – which is a really unfortunate slogan in the time of coronavirus – to place a $10 a signature bounty on collecting names to place her on the ballot in the form of a $250 travel card.

Interestingly, after I wrote about it, the terms seemed to change a bit, according to this post a day or so later from the Liz May for Congress facebook page:

That $250 travel card for 25 valid signatures was now being referred to as  “we are rewarding you with travel redemption points.”

Tonight, one of the Liz May followers – Florence Thompson  (who is rumored to be running for D30 House) – was commenting on the facebook page for the original post:

Well…  You can put me in the camp of those who think it’s kind of hard to call it a scam against Liz when the e-mail certainly seemed to have gone out from her campaign.  Although, they might be hoping to disavow the promised reward of “$250 travel cards” (or now “travel points”), depending on what they find themselves on the hook for if May fails to make the ballot.

2 more days and petitioning is over. And then the silly season will really get going!