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I guess I can’t help myself and follow the above advice of Stoic Philosopher and Roman Emperor. Too many things banging around in my head.

• Part of Leadership is keeping your head when all around you are losing theirs. Democrat’s scattered, hyperbolic response to all things Trump is evidence of their wholesale lack of competent leadership. The ancient Romans understood their greatest military strength was the Phalynx. They also knew their weakness was its flanks so they developed a defense for that weakness. But, even with that defense (called Joints), the flanks remained their weakness and their smart adversaries avoided the Phalynx and concentrated on the flanks.

o The national Democrats are attacking the Phalynx and unless they deviate they will suffer, at best, the same result as Pyrrhus of Epirus. Their eruption on the weekend announcement of a 90 day moratorium of non-Americans coming here from seven unstable, terror-haven countries is an attack on a portion of Trump’s Phalynx (Keep America Safe as a part of Making America Great).

o Their total lack of competent leadership is belied by the ease with what Trump drew them into a battle against the Phalynx. In 500 years, nobody beat the Romans by attacking the Phalynx.

o I even think Trump may have “bungled” it on purpose (or got lucky as it couldn’t have played out better long-term) to highlight the slow-playing the approval of the Cabinet and the need for him to have his team on board. The Democrats don’t even know they are playing into his hand. If Democrats are ever going to be effective opposition they have to quit under-estimating Trump. How big does the graveyard have to get for them to learn this lesson? Or do they have to be six-feet under to finally learn?

o In addition to dealing with the Phalynx and Joints, one has to understand the terrain. Spartucus was successful because he used the terrain (not just physical terrain but also societal terrain) to his advantage. This “carnival show” of not showing up for committee hearings not only ignores the terrain but actually makes the terrain an obstruction to their success. Most people want Congress to work and not showing up to work is doing exactly the opposite of what the people expect. Those applauding this “carnival show” are going to get a chance to praise their martyrs as they lower them into their political graves. Right now, I put the over-under after the election of being 57 Senate Republicans after the next election (not counting the defection of Manchin and King from the Democrat Caucus).

o Continuing with the Roman analogy, the biggest threat to the GOP nationally is what brought down the Romans. The Roman military strength allowed them to take territory they didn’t need and couldn’t manage effectively. The GOP doesn’t need to win every fight just because they can. Just win those that are critical and important. And be gracious and generous winners. Advice I think appropriate for both state and national Republicans. Hubris is a most unattractive trait.

• College students need safe spaces to deal with Trump winning the election and they not only deny safe spaces for people to say things with which they disagree but also become violent rioters. The irony is rich.

• Comments for who expect there would be more progress on tax reform and repeal/replace of Obamacare:

o Trump has not even been in office two weeks, he has none of his cabinet approved who will deal with these issues, and most importantly our multi-branch process works slow. Let’s not forget Reagan’s signature tax cuts passed Congress on August 4th.

o Speaker Ryan said today under the current Budget Law, Congress can only legally deal with one of these matters at a time. Congress will deal with Obamacare first because the current implosion of Obamacare is more immediate which he expects to be completed this Spring. After that he expects Tax Reform to move to the top and be completed by the end of the Summer (mid-September). Based on my experience working for Senator Abdnor, this is very aggressive.

• While a case can be made the Legislature is doing the right thing with regard to HB1069 and the other related bills (in the end “good government is good politics”), a case can be made they are mishandling it politically. Lucky for them, the SDDP and Weiland et. al. have proven themselves incapable of launching effective strategies. That said, don’t assume they will always be incompetent. Go to the people and explain what you did and why. The facts are on your side. All that must be done is to make your case. Do the hard work.

• Let’s not lose perspective. Nationally and in South Dakota, the Republican Party is as strong as ever. In my 40+ years of observing politics, this is arguably the strongest our party has ever been as measured in positions in elective office. We have an abundance of riches upon which to build.

o It’s really hard to objectively argue Pam Roberts has been a poor GOP Chair. Whether or not she is the person to build and maintain our position or it is Dan Lederman, I trust the Central Committee to debate and decide this matter. They will properly consider what Pam has done, the endorsement of Pam by our top elected leaders who observed her in the trenches with their campaign organizations, and the vision of Dan. I hope the rest of us won’t be distractions by denigrating the persons of Pam and Dan who have carried an awful lot of water for the Elephant for decades. Win or lose to be our Chair, both are winners and neither are losers.

o Our party has the prospects of deciding in a gubernatorial primary between our Member of Congress, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. The Democrats have nobody. Before they have even begun to make their case (they all have jobs) or even decide if they are running, I lament we are trying to demonize them and drive them from the race (or office). Sure, if we don’t like something they do, point it out while remembering is only a single matter and keep it in perspective. In a year, the primary voters will begin the decision-making process. The election is 16 months away.

• Sioux Falls City Commissioner Pat Starr is proposing a gift of land to the Glory House as a means to expand our capabilities to transition former prison inmates back into society. Glory House is a rare example of a program which reduces recidivism and its expansion bears support. We (Federal, State, County etc.) can’t afford the astronomical cost of recidivism. An expansion of the Glory House for this small amount ($500,000 of land) promises a tremendous long-term reduction in government operating expenses needed to deal with people who otherwise would return to the criminal justice system. Few government expenditures promise a bigger potential return.

• Speaking of the City of Sioux Falls, the unexpected death of retired head of Planning and Development Steve Metli is a loss of a statesman and source of wisdom. I didn’t always agree with the specifics of Steve’s vision but I never ceased to have great respect for his smarts, grace, integrity, hard work and persistence. My prayers go out to his family who I’m sure had expected to enjoy many years with a man who gave so much to our City. May the soul of Steve, by the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.

Amidst a lot of grousing from opponents, House Bill 1069 Passed the State Senate on a 27-8 vote, meaning it’s all but done, save for a procedural approval of amendments in the House, and assuming that happens, signature by the Governor.

It was also notable, as it also marked the sole occasion that measure sponsor and promoter, Slick Rick Weiland decided to come to Pierre in reference to the bill:

One of the measure’s sponsors, Rick Weiland, looks on from the gallery as Curd speaks pic.twitter.com/X7OMmceyia

— Dana Ferguson (@bydanaferguson) February 1, 2017

What does this mean? I’m assuming his paymasters told him to get off his butt if he wanted another check. But, I’m just assuming. Weiland had refused to travel to Pierre when the matter – addressing the unconstitutional IM22 – was heard in committee.

From my mailbox, former State Senator/Asst Majority Leader Dan Lederman and Meade County Commissioner Linda Rausch have announced their candidacy for Chair and Vice Chair of the South Dakota Republican Party:

 

Dear fellow Central Committee Member,

If you haven’t heard, for the last three weeks, we’ve been talking to Republicans across South Dakota about the need for the party’s next leadership team to represent the breadth and diversity that is the SDGOP. With that, we are excited to be candidates for the offices of Chair and Vice Chair for the South Dakota Republican Party.

Most of the Central Committee knows us but here is a short introduction for friends we haven’t made yet:

Dan Lederman – Candidate for Chair

• 12 years as the Union County GOP Chairman
• Served as Union County Commissioner
• Part owner of bail bond company operating across the Midwest
• Served in the State House and State Senate as Assistant Majority Leader

Linda Rausch – Candidate for Vice Chair

• 26-year career as Global Construction Manager for a Fortune 500 company
• Past President of the Black Hills Association of Realtors
• State Director for South Dakota Association of Realtors and State Government Director
• Life-long agriculture affiliation, with family farms in Potter and Sully counties
• Served as Meade County Republican Chair and Committeewoman
• Meade County Commissioner since January 2011

We are not writing to ask you to be FOR us. We are writing to ask you to be WITH us.

Together, as a unified party, we hope to:

• Grow the number of active county parties and build on the current county GOP groups
• Diversify our fundraising efforts to find new sources of revenue and fundraising activities
• Provide more training and resources for county parties to recruit and develop candidates
• Expand the use of social media to engage the public and organize grassroots
• Meet head-on the ballot measures and challenges pushed by Democrats and out-of-state groups

Our bylaws are clear that the county central committee elects the Executive Board and we hope you join us as we exercise that right to vote on February 11th at 1 pm at the Pierre Chamber of Commerce, located at 800 W. Dakota Avenue.

Thank you for your consideration of our candidacy. Looking forward to seeing you in Pierre!

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Dan Lederman                                           Linda Rausch
Union County Chairman                             Meade County Committeewoman

P.S. We would like to hear your ideas on how to make the South Dakota GOP better. Please call us anytime!

Dan’s cell (605) 610-1479  Linda’s cell (605) 391-2136

Bollen Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Disposal of Personal Property Subject to Security Interest

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Joop Bollen, 53, Aberdeen has pled guilty to one count of unauthorized disposal of personal property subject to security interest, class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment in the state penitentiary and/or $4,000 fine.

“I am pleased that Bollen has accepted responsibility and admitted wrongdoing for the misuse of funds relating to EB5 and SDRC Inc.,” said Jackley. “This matter has been resolved favorably for the State, and Bollen has agreed to cooperate in the future if needed.”

Bollen was sentenced to 2 years probation and a $2,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Division of Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Noem Statement on Supreme Court Nominee

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court:

“I am very encouraged by the nomination of Judge Gorsuch, who not only has exceptional qualifications but has shown a commitment to the Constitution and the liberties contained within it. While the House does not vote on Supreme Court nominations, I look forward to watching the upcoming Senate hearings, which will further clarify the perspective he’ll bring to the bench.”  

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Rounds Statement on Supreme Court Nominee

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement on President Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Replacing Justice Scalia, one of the Supreme Court’s strongest defenders of our Constitution, is no easy task,” said Rounds. “Justice Scalia set the gold standard for judges through his strict interpretation of the Constitution and deference to states’ rights. We believe Judge Gorsuch espouses the same approach as Justice Scalia and has a strong understanding of federalism upon which our country is built.

“The American people made their voices heard in the recent elections, and President Trump has made an excellent choice in nominating Judge Gorsuch. I look forward to getting to know him better in the coming weeks. Having previously been confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit unanimously – with not a single Republican or Democrat member of the Senate dissenting – we expect the Senate will continue its tradition of approving highly competent, qualified individuals to the Supreme Court in an up or down vote following a thorough vetting process.

Background:

• Judge Neil Gorsuch, 49, currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Colorado.
• He was nominated in 2006 by President George W. Bush and confirmed in the Senate by voice vote.
• Gorsuch received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University, his law degree from Harvard, and has a doctorate degree from Oxford University.
• He clerked for Supreme Court Justices Byron White and Anthony Kennedy.

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Thune: President’s Supreme Court Nominee Is Exceptional Jurist

“Considering that Senate Democrats have repeatedly emphasized the need for nine justices, they should abandon their campaign to filibuster Judge Gorsuch and work with Senate Republicans to fill this vacancy.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) released the following statement on President Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia:

“President Trump has made an outstanding choice,” said Thune. “Neil Gorsuch is an exceptionally well-qualified, mainstream jurist, and I believe his long record of thoughtful jurisprudence will make him an asset to the court. I look forward to confirming Judge Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court. 

“Unfortunately, Senate Democrats decided to judge this nominee before they even knew who it was. Considering that Senate Democrats have repeatedly emphasized the need for nine justices, they should abandon their campaign to filibuster Judge Gorsuch and work with Senate Republicans to fill this vacancy.” 

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From the Argus Leader, Rick Weiland apparently has little interest in defending or explaining the unconstitutional measure he thought was so important to South Dakotans to pass:

“Everybody’s expected to drop everything and travel to Pierre,” Weiland said. “I was booked. I couldn’t make it.”

The former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate said he’d been fighting for the measure from “the get-go” and shouldn’t be expected to make last-minute arrangements to accommodate the break-neck pace set by legislators in setting the committee schedule.

and..

Soli and other Democrats in the Statehouse have been stuck playing defense on the law that they’ve said they don’t support in its entirety.

When asked whether having one of the writers on the line to answer questions would’ve helped the process, Soli said, “I think that would have been wonderful.”

and..

“They apparently think it is so important that they are willing to take out full-page ads in the state’s largest newspaper, they’re willing to produce videos and post them on social media, they’re willing to raise money off of it for their next initiative and they’re willing to attack sitting members of the Legislature with innuendo and ad hominem attacks, none of which have shown to be true, yet it’s not important for them to show up and testify about anything,” said Senate Majority Leader Blake Curd, R-Sioux Falls.

Read it here.

So, Slick Rick Weiland doesn’t have the time to explain why they proposed the measure, and refused the help of the Legislative Research Council to make the ballot measure comply with the State Constitution.

However, I’m sure he had time to cash his check.  I’m sure he might have even made time for it.

KELO AM Radio hosted South Dakota Speaker of the House Mark Mickelson and Slick Rick Weiland, who the Republican Speaker called out for his group’s poorly written measure which was enjoined because Circuit Court Judge Mark Barnett found that it was unconstitutional, and would likely not survive a court challenge on that basis:

“You guys screwed up,” argued House Speaker Mark Mickleson in a debate Tuesday with Democratic Activist Rick Wieland over Initated Measure 22.

On KELO Radio’s It’s Your Business Show, Mickleson claimed the ethic overhaul package was poorly written, full of unintended consequences and needs to be replaced. Weiland countered that the courts have yet to rule on IM 22. and that the Republican controlled State Legislature is moving too fast.

and..

Mickleson took Weiland’s point personally.

“For me to take incoming from a guy like you who has been paid by Represent Us, to be their paid spokesman, I’m offended by it,” Represent Us is an out-of-state activist group pushing hard for IM 22 and against the effort to repeal and replace it.

Read it all here.

Thune, Heitkamp Introduce Legislation to Preserve Rural Access to Therapy Services

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) recently introduced the Rural Hospital Regulatory Relief Act of 2017 (S. 243), legislation that would permanently prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from enforcing direct supervision policy for certain outpatient therapeutic services, a harmful regulation that would jeopardize access to therapy services, particularly in rural areas where there are fewer practicing physicians. U.S. Reps. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) and Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) recently introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“CMS’ flawed direct supervision rule is a perfect example of a Washington-based, one-size-fits-all policy that might look good on paper, but does not deliver its desired result,” said Thune. “In this case, like many others, it is rural America that is overlooked. If CMS had its way and this policy was fully implemented, outpatient therapy services in rural South Dakota could be put at risk. It is the wrong approach that could ultimately end up hurting, not helping seniors.”

“Delivering the dependable, accessible health care services rural families need is critical to maintaining strong, thriving communities – but too often, a one-size-fits-all regulations can hinder that access,” said Heitkamp. “By removing barriers that could hurt rural seniors’ abilities to obtain reliable, therapeutic care, we can prioritize the quality services rural towns need to strengthen the health of our statewide community. I’ll keep fighting for smart, commonsense fixes like this bipartisan bill so the nation’s health and regulatory systems fully support the vitality and growth of our rural communities.”

CMS’ policy would require practicing physicians to directly supervise other certified medical professionals who deliver outpatient therapy services. Without direct supervision, this type of service could not be administered. Thune and Heitkamp believe there is a more efficient and cost-effective approach, which would allow other certified medical professionals, like general practitioners, to provide outpatient therapy services with a more indirect role from a physician.   

In response to concerns raised by hospitals and lawmakers, including Thune and Heitkamp, CMS delayed enforcement of its direct supervision policy through 2013 for Critical Access Hospitals and small rural hospitals. Congress suspended enforcement of the regulation from 2014-2016.

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