Today has been a sad day for America.
The violent behavior at the Capitol is inexcusable and disgusting, but we won’t be deterred from our Constitutional duty.
We need to work together to protect our democracy.
Please pray for our country.— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) January 6, 2021
From the Argus Leader, Joe Sneve asks, and Governor Kristi Noem is still saying No to being a presidential candidate in 2024:
“No,” the governor said Wednesday afternoon after being asked if she will run for president in 2024, during a trip to Sioux Falls. “I am focused on staying here in South Dakota.”
Up for re-election as governor in 2022, Noem’s remarks Wednesday echo similar responses she’s given in recent months. And last week, she said she’s not interested in challenging Thune for his seat in 2022, calling the Murdo native first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004 a personal friend, and saying she will seek re-election of her own.
(And I’m sure we’re going to keep hearing this in every other news story from now until then.)
Rounds: Violence and Destruction are Never the Answer
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) made the following statement on today’s attack on the U.S. Capitol:
“As a nation, we should stand together in opposition to the violent acts and lawlessness that occurred at the U.S. Capitol today. Violence and destruction are never the answer. We are better than this, and it’s past time for cooler heads to prevail. I continue to pray for our great country.”
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From Twitter, Vice President Mike Pence has released a letter on what actions he will and will not take as he presides over the Senate today:
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021
From SDGOP.com, SDGOP Chair Dan Lederman has issued a statement condemning the violence in Washington this afternoon. In part:
Like most South Dakotans, I am shocked and saddened by the violence committed by those smashing windows and breaking into the US Capitol and Congressional buildings. This is a day which will live in all of our minds as a shameful and unacceptable moment which all of us need to condemn.”
“Our American heritage is one of protest and civil action. But when it devolves into violence, looting and property damage it is not an example of citizens taking the high road. It is shameful thuggery. It doesn’t matter whether the protests are at the US Capitol, in our city streets, at the Empire Mall, on the road to Mount Rushmore, or the route of a pipeline. This needs to stop.
NYT: A pipe bomb was discovered at the RNC HQ in DC and detonated by the bomb squad https://t.co/MEfHNIefpn
— Brandon Wall (@Walldo) January 6, 2021
From Twitter:
.@govkristinoem and PREMIER announce $150 million for needs-based scholarships in South Dakota.
First question from the media: “Do you think the President won the election?” @keloland is playing politics. Governor Noem is helping students. pic.twitter.com/uPD8HKyH82
— Ian Fury (@IanTFury) January 6, 2021
From Twitter:
We are all entitled to peacefully protest. Violence is not a part of that. What’s happening in the Capitol right now must stop.
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) January 6, 2021
Too many have sown the seeds of anger and division. This is its tragic harvest. This needs to stop.
— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) January 6, 2021
This is unacceptable. And there are some people who need to go to jail for a very long time.
Shocking scenes in D.C. show Trump supporters smashing windows and breaking inside the Capitol building, which is on lockdown. The Mayor has announced an emergency curfew. pic.twitter.com/LIc2qMIlqp
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) January 6, 2021
Rioters have broken into the Capitol building and are fighting law enforcement. Video by @ElijahSchaffer: pic.twitter.com/vfafgJU6YX
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) January 6, 2021
Johnson Statement on Counting of Electoral College Votes
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement amid the U.S. House and Senate counting of the Electoral College votes. Johnson will vote to uphold the election results that were certified, recounted, and audited from various states across the nation.
“Like many South Dakotans, I am frustrated with how certain states handle their elections, and in the weeks following the 2020 election, I supported the president’s right to his day in court. Those legal challenges were filed in dozens of state and federal courts, but failed to overturn any votes.
“The Constitution is more important than my personal political views or my political popularity. There is no constitutional basis for Congress to substitute its judgement for that of the states and courts. There is only one sentence in the Constitution that addresses Congress’s role on Jan 6. It states:
“The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted.”
“The only person performing an official act is the President of the Senate, who counts the votes. Other than being present, there is no constitutional role for Congress. Congress is instructed to act as witness, not judge. I cannot seize powers not legally provided to me. That is tyranny.
“Our state would raise hell if the Nancy Pelosi-controlled House overturned South Dakota’s election results for President Trump. Our founders knew well the grave risks associated with concentrating power in Washington, D.C., especially the power to select our president. They placed that power with the states, and just as I would resolutely defend the results of South Dakota’s elections from federal interference, I cannot overturn the legally-certified election results of another state and its voters.”
Johnson invites South Dakotans to hear from him directly during a Thursday night Telephone Town Hall at 7pm CT/6pm MT. Dial 833-946-1543 to join the call.
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