Author: Pat Powers

Lt. Gov. Rhoden Responds to Jamie Smith’s Liberal Running Mate

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA – Today, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden responded to Jamie Smith picking liberal State Representative Jennifer Keintz as his running mate.

“Jennifer Keintz and Jamie Smith want to bring Joe Biden’s America to South Dakota,” said Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden. “Their liberal policies would crush South Dakota families, farmers, and businesses.”

Jennifer Keintz is the most liberal legislator in the South Dakota state legislature, according to the American Conservative Union. By the same metric, Jamie Smith is one of the 10 most liberal legislators in South Dakota.

“Jamie Smith is following the Joe Biden playbook – including picking his ‘Kamala’ as a running mate,” said Ian Fury, Communications Director for Kristi for Governor.

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Watertown City Councilman Colin Paulsen got his tail good and kicked in the District 5 State Senate election by Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck in a 59-41% blowout.

So what is a losing candidate to do?

You bring a lawsuit against the city of Watertown, of course, because it’s all their fault.

14civ22-000182_affidavit of Plaintiff by Pat Powers on Scribd

I’ve honestly got to say, that’s a first. Haven’t seen that one before.

Paulsen is relying on the supposition that he lost his election because Lee Schoenbeck might have had bigger signs than he did. And he thinks because he lost on this basis, the taxpayers of the city should have to pay up the money he’s out from what he would’ve earned as his legislative salary.

There are no words to describe how loony this lawsuit appears. Especially as he gives a description of the cause of action.

If you’re on the City Council, and you can’t spell it correctly in your lawsuit, people might question if your head is screwed on right.

Collin Paulsen lost one election because voters judged Lee Schoenbeck to be the better man. I suspect when Colin is up for his next election, voters will remember this, and think the same about his next opponent as well.

So apparently a new billboard went up in Watertown today.

Spotted this evening in Watertown. State legislative battles heating up. pic.twitter.com/ZLKlUfbmTY

— Austin Goss (@AustinGossSD) May 3, 2022

The political action committee sponsoring it is being fronted by Dusty Johnson’s 2020 primary conquest, Liz May. But I can’t help but have a inkling of where it came from.

Misspelled words.. an out of context quote.. that seems to smell like the usual suspects. I mean, It’s just not “anbody” who would cock up a couple thousand dollar billboard like that.

John Thune might be running against the island of misfit toys in the primary. But it has not slowed his fundraising.

Because he put away $1.25 million this quarter, raising his cash on hand to over $16 million.

Seriously, his opponents are little more than jokes at this point…and that’s about all you can say.

Secretary of State Steve Barnett was in Aberdeen today where he formally announced his Candidacy for reelection at today’s Brown County Republican, March Reagan lunch!

Barnett has been serving as South Dakota’s Secretary of State for the past 4 years, and had also served two terms as South Dakota State Auditor (2010 and 2014).

Steve is a graduate of Roncalli High School and received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota. He later earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Sioux Falls. Steve has held positions within the South Dakota Republican Party, Wells Fargo, and United States Senator John Thune’s office.

Always great to speak with Governor Noem!

While I was haunting the halls of the Capitol today with my daughter, we ran into a number of elected officials, including Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, Interim Commissioner of School & Public Lands Jarrod Johnson, Secretary of State Steve Barnett, and of course Governor Kristi Noem, whom it is always great to speak with.   Before heading back to Brookings, I did catch up afterwards with former Attorney General, and once again Attorney General Candidate Marty Jackley.

 

From Facebook:

State Senator Erin Tobin commented this evening on one of the posts here at Dakotawarcollege.com below, offering her opinion on State Representative Steve Haugaard‘s comments during session today which are drawing the ire of the governor and his colleagues:

 

*UPDATE*  

Senator Tobin added to her comments from last night on Facebook today:

You can read that and more here. (And good for her for saying so.)

Governor Noem Condemns Rep. Haugaard’s Anti-Women Comments, Calls On Speaker Gosch To Reprimand And Censure

Pierre, SD – Today, Governor Kristi Noem released the following statement condemning Representative Steve Haugaard for his inappropriate comments on the South Dakota House floor. Haugaard’s comments today were just the latest in a long pattern of demanding comments and behavior towards women.

Statement from Governor Noem:

“I am disappointed and appalled by the inappropriate and offensive language used today on the house floor by Representative Haugaard.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time he has used his position of power to demean others, especially women.

I am calling on the Speaker and the House to take a stand against this irresponsible and abusive behavior by formally reprimanding and censuring Mr. Haugaard.

I am hopeful the Speaker will set aside his personal friendship with Mr. Haugaard and use his office to send a clear signal to Mr. Haugaard and others that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

BACKGROUND

Today’s comments from Rep. Haugaard are just the latest in a long pattern of demeaning and inappropriate comments and actions towards women:

During his brief and tumultuous tenure as Speaker, Haugaard enacted an anti-women dress code that may have been deemed outdated in 1889 when South Dakota first became a state, that mandated women in the state house to wear “hose,” skirts “below the knees,” and that no portion of their legs or their collarbones could show.

He was widely rebuked and then sued for singling out and banning a female lobbyist from the House floor, decided to settle, then asked Governor Noem to foot the bill and when she declined to have the taxpayers of South Dakota foot the bill for his mistakes, he ran to anyone else he could find to cover the legal fees that he would have been personally liable to pay.

Helene Duhamel announces re-election for South Dakota Senate

Helene Duhamel announces her intent to seek re-election to the South Dakota Senate in District 32 in Rapid City.

“It is my great honor to serve and represent my fellow citizens on the big issues that impact every one of us—water, wages, workforce housing. I ask for your continued trust and support in my role in the state senate.” Duhamel continues, “I promise to work hard, listen to all sides of an issue, and do my best for the great state of South Dakota.”

The fifth generation South Dakotan and long-time broadcaster was appointed to the seat in 2019 by Governor Kristi Noem. Duhamel was elected to a full term in 2020 and was selected by her peers to serve as a Republican Majority Whip. Duhamel balances her legislative responsibilities with a full time job at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

Duhamel serves on senate state affairs and as vice chairman of senate judiciary. She also served on the redistricting committee and the summer study on marijuana. The pro-business republican champions smart growth in Western South Dakota, consistently receiving the highest scores from Elevate Rapid City.

The 59 year old is married with three children.

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