Even Obama had the sense to not let a murderer walk free

The New York Daily News, as well as a number of other news outlets, are reporting that  – despite letting a lot of other people who endangered lives in this country walk free – there’s one killer who should be kept locked up:

More commutations are expected from President Obama on his last day in office, but one high-profile name will not be on the list — jailed Native American activist Leonard Peltier.

The 72-year-old who was sentenced to life in prison for the shooting deaths of two FBI agents in 1975 will not get a commutation from President Obama despite a well-coordinated campaign from supporters that included Pope Francis himself.

and…

The Department of Justice dashed the hopes of Peltier, his family and supporters in a terse email sent to his lawyer Wednesday afternoon.

“The application for commutation of sentence of your client, Mr. Leonard Peltier, was carefully considered in this Department and the White House, and the decision was reached that favorable action is not warranted. Your client’s application was therefore denied by the President on January 18, 2017,” it said.

Read it here.

And here’s a rare opportunity to say “Good job, President Obama. You did the right thing.”

View from a new legislator. Representative Tim Reed’s impressions of the process.

I was texting with newly installed Representative (and former Brookings Mayor) Tim Reed last night, as I’m always curious what those who are experiencing the process from the inside for the first time think about the sausage making process we call the South Dakota State Legislature.

I asked Tim – So, how is the session going? I’d love your impressions as a new legislator. His response:

I’m glad we have started to deal with issues that directly affect citizens. I tire of all the more political issues that is dominating discussions.

Those issues will need to be addressed but I enjoy voting on bills today (even if I was in the minority) and in the future that matter.

The procedure seems to take an inordinate amount of time at the onset of a new session, and shouldn’t be so bad this year. Although, as I noted, the legislature is arguably not going to be as productive this year, since we’re mired down in silliness.

Former lobbyist and Legislator’s daughter, Andrea (Wagner) Radtke, passes away

I just caught this on Facebook, and thought I’d share it for those who knew Andrea way back when. I was acquainted with her from her time up in the legislature while I was working for the Party, as her Mom Mary Wagner was a State Senator, as well as around the SDSU campus on occasion when I returned to school (Her Dad was University President Robert Wagner), and I’d even run into her once in a blue moon at session:

Andrea Radke, 55, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2017 at Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Irene, SD surrounded by her loving family.

Andrea Wagner was born July 2, 1961 in Sioux Falls, SD.  Her early years were spent in Watertown, South Dakota.  Her family later moved to Brookings where she graduated from Brookings High School in 1979.  After graduation, Andrea attended Mankato State University where she studied Journalism and Mass Communications.  After receiving her undergraduate degree from Mankato State, she eventually went on to earn a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland.  This was one of Andrea’s proudest accomplishments.   After graduating from Maryland, Andrea worked for the South Dakota Municipal League in Pierre, South Dakota.  One of her duties was being a legislative lobbyist where she met many life-long friends and acquaintances.  In 1991, Andrea moved to Sioux Falls and worked for Voyageur Asset Management.

and..

Andrea was active in politics.  She helped manage her mother’s State Senate Campaign.  She also worked on Senator Jim Abdnor’s United States Senate race.  Andrea also loved to travel.  She was up for almost any adventure.  Andrea was a member of Westward Ho Country Club.  She was an avid golfer.  She made sure that her children were introduced to the game as well.  One of Andrea’s most cherished pastimes was driving Erin and Lee to junior golf tournaments.  Andrea was extremely proud of her children’s golf accomplishments.

On November 12, 2004, the day Andrea’s beloved mother passed from this earth after a short and unexpected illness, Andrea was befallen by a tragic and unexpected heart ailment which permanently left her with a severe brain injury. For the past 1 2 years, God has been holding Andrea in his loving arms until she could finally go to heaven to join her mother, father, friends and loved ones.

Read it all here.

Andrea was a truly nice person. May her family be at peace.

Well, there went a productive session. Legislator to be investigated for conduct.

Well, there went a potentially productive session. The House is convening a committee for purposes of investigating a Republican legislator for misconduct.

Members of the South Dakota House or Representatives on Wednesday called for the investigation of Rep. Mathew Wollmann, R-Madison, for allegedly engaging in sexual contact with a legislative intern in 2015 and 2016.

Rep. Lee Qualm and Rep. Kent Peterson moved to convene the Select Committee on Discipline and Expulsion during the chamber’s floor session. Qualm said Wollmann admitted to him that he had had consensual sexual intercourse with an intern.

Read it here.

That’s all the detail that’s been provided at this point.  It’s too bad, as Wollmann has always been a pretty straight shooter, and honorable person, who was recently on Facebook celebrating his engagement to a nice gal.

We all probably need to wait and hear what the facts are before we pass judgement. But it is what it is, and there it is.

Update – One very important point in this, and one that has legal ramifications was brought up to me this afternoon. If the House is going to take issue with what happened between consenting adults, they should also be wary of how the standards of conduct are applied across terms of office, especially since the time frame is for 2015 & 2016, as noted in the news.

What little has been noted in the press all occurred during the prior term of office, not the current term of office Wollmann was just seated for.

If we’re going to look retroactively at Mat, why would he be the only legislator? There could be special committees convened for anyone who may have acted contrary to the rules in years past. A lobbyist today pointed out a couple to me just off the top of his head.

If you recall in the instance of Dan Sutton, it had been noted that even if they had expelled him, he could have ran again, and been seated, because the conduct he was eventually censured for was in that current term of office, and a new term is a new term.

At the very least, everyone should keep calm, and not be so ready to pick up a pitchfork.

Rounds to Chair Newly-Formed Subcommittee on Cybersecurity

Rounds to Chair Newly-Formed Subcommittee on Cybersecurity


WASHINGTON—
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), announced today that he will serve as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity in the 115th Congress.

“It is an honor to be chosen to chair this important subcommittee, which will be tasked with oversight and legislation for policies and programs relating to the Defense Department’s cyber forces and capabilities,” said Rounds. “Of particular concern to me is the Defense Department’s role in responding to an attack on our nation’s civilian critical infrastructure and in deterring bad actors from conducting such an attack in the first place.

“As recent events have shown, the U.S. is not immune to a cyber-attack from hostile foreign actors. Even more alarming, our adversaries have determined that the reward outweighs the risk of launching a cyber-attack against our nation. It is the newest, most sophisticated form of attack threatening our national security today. A cyber-attack on our critical infrastructure, including electric grids, transportation systems and water supplies, could cause significant destruction, or worse, lead to loss of life. I look forward to working closely with SASC Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the coming weeks to outline an agenda for the committee that will tackle the most pressing national security matters with regard to cybersecurity.”

 

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Thune: Next Secretary of Commerce Will Serve During Important Time in Our Nation’s Economic Recovery

Thune: Next Secretary of Commerce Will Serve During Important Time in Our Nation’s Economic Recovery

“I believe [Wilbur Ross’] extensive management experience in the private sector, and his understanding of the challenges faced by workers and businesses alike, will equip him well for the job of leading the Department of Commerce.”  

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today chaired a confirmation hearing for President-elect Trump’s nominee to be the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Wilbur Ross. Thune highlighted Ross’ business, entrepreneurial, and civic experience, while stressing that his nomination comes at an important time in our nation’s economic recovery. Trade, American innovation, and cybersecurity best practices and standards are some of Thune’s top priorities for the next secretary of commerce. 

Thune’s prepared remarks:

“Good morning, we are meeting today to consider the nomination of Mr. Wilbur Ross to be the next Secretary of Commerce.  

“If confirmed, Mr. Ross would bring decades of business, entrepreneurial, and civic experience to this important position.  

“Mr. Ross is perhaps best known for his expertise in revitalizing distressed businesses, such as those in the U.S. steel industry. 

“At a time when most investors had abandoned the industry, he organized International Steel Group in 2002 and, through acquisitions, made it the largest integrated steel company in North America.

“Later, it merged with Mittal Steel to form the largest steel company in the world.

Mr. Ross’s strong record of achievement in business led Bloomberg Business Week to name him one of the 50 Most Influential People in Global Finance in 2011. 

“It is also why he is the only person elected to both the Turnaround Management Hall of Fame and the Private Equity Hall of Fame.

“Mr. Ross’s business experience is complemented by his service to the community. 

“Mr. Ross served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and he is currently a Member of the Dean’s Advisory Board of Harvard Business School.  

“He is also an Advisory Board Member of the Yale University School of Management, which has presented him with its Legend of Leadership Award.  

“Mr. Ross’s nomination comes at an important time in our nation’s economic recovery.  

“And I believe his extensive management experience in the private sector, and his understanding of the challenges faced by workers and businesses alike, will equip him well for the job of leading the Department of Commerce. 

“This large department, which has 12 different bureaus and nearly 47,000 employees located in all 50 states and around the world, oversees a diverse array of issues from trade to fishery management, and from weather forecasting to the Census Bureau.  

“I will be asking Mr. Ross about many of the challenges facing the department and our economy. 

“First and foremost, I will be asking how he plans to deal with trade matters as the Secretary of Commerce. 

“I also want to explore how, if confirmed, he would continue to play a lead role in advocating for policies that promote American innovation, like freeing up government spectrum for private use and facilitating the growing Internet of Things.  

“Mr. Ross’s experience turning around businesses should help him anticipate and mitigate the risks of major programs like FirstNet, the independent authority charged with creating a nationwide broadband network for first responders, and the acquisition of critical weather satellites by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

“Finally, I would note that collaboration between the public and private sectors is one of the hallmarks of the department’s work, as exemplified by the ongoing development of cybersecurity best practices and standards, which this Committee has strongly endorsed.  

“Mr. Ross, should you be confirmed, we will be depending on you to continue this collaboration and strengthen it where necessary.  

“Mr. Ross, I believe your business know-how and intelligence make you an excellent candidate to serve as the next Secretary of Commerce, and I look forward to supporting your nomination.” 

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So you want to be mayor of a Capital City?

If you haven’t caught the news yet, Laurie Gill, who serves in the Governor’s cabinet as Commissioner of the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources, is declining to run for another term as Mayor of Pierre.

Gill had been serving since 2008, so this is the first opportunity in a long while for an open mayoral seat in South Dakota’s Capital.

So you want to be mayor of a Capital City?  Petitions can be taken out starting March 1, with an election on June 6.

SD Taxpayers PAC, South Dakota Gun Owners, and a little cabin in the hills.

You ever get a problem or question in your head you just have to solve?  Courtesy of my insomnia, I had one of those. A 4am mystery that was picking at my brain, which I started to talk about in the previous post, more specifically the SD Taxpayers PAC.

The group obviously has ties to the South Dakota Gun Owners, but they also have a history of hitting below the belt, and saying things about legislators that simply and demonstrably are not true. But they do them anyway.

They’ve been around for a few years, and for a long time have been associated with Ken McGregor, as noted in this 2011 statement of organization.

There’s not much out there about McGregor’s political involvement, aside from serving as the financial face of the group that raised about a half-million dollars to run Glenn Beck rallies in Rapid City and Colorado.

Campaign for Lib by Pat Powers on Scribd

Aside from being the public face for these groups, McGregor has generally maintained a low profile.

The same leadership of the SD Taxpayers PAC group was still in place as late as 2014, according to this article in the Capitol Journal which chronicled their questionable postcards.

The SD Taxpayers PAC has always tended to operate primarily in the GOP primaries to attempt to influence elections. But as noted in the 2014 Campaign Finance report, any discernible funds have come from one sole source – the South Dakota Gun Owners group, and it’s affiliated PAC, as you can see in their 2014 pre-primary campaign finance report:

2016 saw a changing of the guard with the organization, with Ken McGregor ceasing to be noted as their front man… and a new person was named as their public face in 2016.

According to this January filing, Drew Dennert, who is now serving in the State Legislature as a newly elected State Representative, was affiliated with and served as the PAC’s treasurer.  However, this was amended within a matter of days, changing the treasurer back to Ken McGregor:

From February 2016, the group moved forward, and the legislative primaries had them attacking Senator Terri Haverly and others. And they filed a pre-primary report with a new player in the game:

The 2016 pre-primary report showed that they had incurred about $7,000 in expenditures, with no receipts. A few days later, they had filed a supplemental report showing that money was coming into the organization, predictably from the only donor they’ve ever disclosed – South Dakota Gun Owners.

From here, this is where the SD Taxpayers Group starts to go down the rabbit hole, courtesy of the 10/28/16 post-primary campaign finance report:

We see their street address is 24737 Dehaven Drive in Custer, and it’s still being run by “Robert Roland.”   Now, check out the contributions. There are none. BUT… instead of making a direct donation as they had previously, South Dakota Gun Owners didn’t write a check to the SD Taxpayers PAC..

According to the report SD Gun Owners and Gun Owners PAC directly paid for it and wrote it off to SD Taxpayers PAC as an “In Kind Contribution.”  Let’s go look at the South Dakota Gun Owner’s PAC report for the same period:

The in-kind contribution from the PAC is listed (sort of).  But things do not seem to jibe with the supplemental report filed.

If you start looking closely at the reports, the numbers, and where the money comes from, you’re left scratching your head over a bit of the mess. And that brings us to where we are today. At least on the surface, it appears that the organization(s) may have some issues to address.

Issue #1: So in what form did the June 2 donation take, and how was it applied? $4004.40 was counted as a donation from a sole entity on June 2, but in the report, $4410 was counted as coming from 2 entities (SDGO PAC and SDGO). And obviously, none of the numbers seem to add up.

Issue #2: South Dakota Gun Owners (Organization and PAC) are noted on the report as having paid for both the printing and the postage on mailings, which went out under SD Taxpayers. Here’s an example of at least one:

So, how exactly did they accomplish this? South Dakota Gun Owners Organization (they claim to be a non-profit) allegedly spent $3030 on a communication coming from SD Taxpayers, which were all candidate advocacy.  It was counted as an in-kind contribution, but where’s the independent expenditure disclosure form for SD Gun Owners?

Independent Expenditures Statement – SDCL 12-27-16 states that any PERSON or ORGANIZATION that makes a payment or promise of payment totaling $100.00 or more, including an in-kind contribution, for a communication which expressly advocates for or against a candidate, public office holder, ballot question, or political party.

I don’t see SDGO on this list:

So, I have to do a form when I support Larry Tidemann on a postcard I send out for myself, but SDGO didn’t do one for a postcard that they bought and entirely financed for another PAC which seems to solely advocate against a candidate?

It all depends on your definition of advocacy.  And there might be a problem with that.

Issue #2.5Can one PAC legally pay to print and mail materials for another PAC with no disclaimer of the first PAC, simply by calling it an in-kind donation? If so, that’s a new loophole I hadn’t heard about.

Issue #3Is SD Taxpayer PAC being honest about the organization’s street address? As noted, they claim it at 24737 DeHaven Drive in Custer.

But if we decide to go vacationing, as found at Heart of the Hills Vacation Homes:

Somehow, I don’t think I’m going to get Robert Roland or anyone who knows anything about that PAC if I go knock on the door.

I’m sure I’m only scratching the surface, but it looks to me as if there’s a messy campaign finance report, two organizations entangled with each other, with both attacking Republicans, and some things on report form that aren’t all as they seem to be.

 

More on the SD Gun Owners Flyer. Same old, same old from the organization that only attacks.

In case you were wondering about the flyer from the fly-by-night group “South Dakota Gun Owners,” that they’re chasing the Governor around the state with, I’ve got a copy in hand.

The flyer is based on legislation that is yet to be introduced, and a position the Governor has yet to take. Which makes it all the more confusing.

As I’ve been told, this is coming at the same time that (allegedly) the SDGO group has recently been conducting a dial-and-dump campaign, where they robodial people with a spiel about their gun rights, and then directly dump (forward) the person to their legislator’s personal phone.

This might be slightly less bizarre if there was actually legislation being debated at this time. But, the SDGO and the people who run it have never been about passing legislation, as much as attacking people.

If you recall my post from several months ago, the attacks the SDGO orchestrated in the primary largely came from out of state.   And interestingly, they also appear to be the sole source of funds and are the  money behind the South Dakota Taxpayer’s PAC, another out of State PAC*…



which in the past couple of primaries actually attacked legislators for votes they never took.  

Predictably, the SD Gun Owners are back at the attacks. Despite there not being a bill, nor an expressed opinion on it.  

Which will make it all that much harder for legitimate organizations, such as the NRA, to promote expanding gun rights in South Dakota.

(*While that’s a Colorado address, it’s a North Carolina phone number)