Category: Uncategorized

This has no bearing on those of us with 7 kids. (I think he’s referring to someone else..)

Todd Kolden, Aberdeen School Board member, noted on the SDWC candidate list this morning under the comments that he will be a Republican candidate for a District 3 house seat.

Currently, one seat is occupied by State Representative Dan Kaiser, and the other is being vacated by Al Novstrup, who is running for the State Senate in that same district.

No further details at the moment, but I’m sure we’ll be hearing more quickly.

Rounds Statement on the Passing of Nancy Reagan

PIERRE— U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the passing of former first lady Nancy Reagan, who died yesterday in her home at the age of 94.

“Jean and I send our deepest condolences to the Reagan family during this difficult time,” said Rounds. “Nancy Reagan epitomized grace and civility in a political arena that too often lacks both. She will be remembered for many things, including the deep love and loyalty she had for her husband and for her lifelong commitment to public service. We will keep her family in our thoughts and prayers as we all mourn the loss of this very special first lady.”

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Gov. Daugaard Orders Flags At Half-Staff For Nancy Reagan

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard requests that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast, effective immediately, to honor the life of First Lady Nancy Reagan who passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016.

The Governor asks that all flags remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.

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I’m hearing this morning that with Scott Munsterman’s unexpected exit from the State Legislature, a few people are looking at jumping in.

And first out of the gate is Brookings Mayor Tim Reed, who is circulating petitions in the community, and as I’m told from sources, expects to make an official announcement regarding his interest in the seat sometime over the course of the next few days.

Having an open seat may also trigger something that the Brookings Co GOP hasn’t actively had, which is interest in the second House position on the ballot, as Democrat House Minority Leader Spence Hawley managed to get away without a challenger last election, as did Munsterman.

Hawley could be unexpected forced into having to actively campaign with at least two Republicans actively fighting to be one of the top two vote getters on the ballot.

Stay tuned.

As legislators streamed back to town this weekend, this morning marks 22 days until petitions are due back at the Secretary of State’s Office on March 29th.

With legislators coming back for the last week of session, we’ll possibly see several filings this week brought back with them from their home locations, since they won’t be back for a while.

This past week was a wild ride, as several unexpected filings popped up, several of them indicating that we’ll have a health primary season. And as one legislator remarked to me last night, there are “more surprises to come.”

So, keep an eye on Dakotawarcollege.com for the latest and most up to date in South Dakota campaign coverage as we watch the class of 2016 hopefuls file for election, organize their campaigns, and prepare to do battle.

I’m hearing tonight that Byron Callies may not be running as a Republican in the Dist 5 House race as has been mentioned for some time.

The latest rumor is that Nancy York is circulating a petition for House – she’s a former city council member and a Republican.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Noem Statement on Passing of Nancy Reagan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today released the following statement after the passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan:

“Nancy Reagan was a remarkable and inspiring woman who will be remembered for her grace and strength, as well as for her unyielding love for her partner and husband. Nancy and Ronald Reagan’s relationship was a true love story and their commitment to each other served as a great example for us all. Bryon and I join countless other Americans today in sending our prayers to the Reagan family.”

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I’m hearing tonight from a reader that Gubernatorial appointee Bill Shorma might not be holding tight with both hands on to the State Senate seat he was named to by Governor Daugaard.

Allegedly, Shorma, who was going to be challenged by Rep. Jim Bolin for the Senate Seat, thought better of it, and made a decidion not to run for re-election but to declare he is running for House…and my correspondent tells me he said so at a recent crackerbarrel.

At the same time, there are reports that Kevin Jensen, who has run previously in the primary, is running again, setting up a three-way primary for the house seats as Rep David Anderson has already turned his petitions in.

There are lots of primaries being set up for this year, and this is the latest twist!

In case you’re watching the latest on who is running for what, I’ve revamped the candidate list, putting everything in order, as well as adding the latest in rumors & information.

You can read it here, and if there’s any updates I’m missing, be sure to drop me a note.