Category: Uncategorized

If you’re up for some more political reading this morning, Professor and Senator John Thune mainstay Jon Lauck has written a great piece on how President-elect Donald Trump captured the fancy of midwestern voters, how the Clinton Campaign was an exercise in electoral malpractice, and how the mainstream media seems fixated on the liberal elite, and not “real people.”

As demonstrated by the starkly different voting patterns between university counties and rural Midwestern counties, the election returns in 2016 exposed cultural divisions in the Midwest and the nation that are worthy of serious examination. Demographer William Frey of the Brookings Institution called this a “cultural-generation gap” between rural Republican Trump voters and modern urban Democratic voters.

Long-time reporter, Midwestern analyst, and author Richard Longworth argued that it was “impossible to overstate the alienation between the two Americas, between global citizens and the global left-behinds, between the great cities that run the nation’s economy and media, and the hinterland that feels not only cheated but, worse, disrespected.”

and…

Madison Avenue advertisers, ever responsive to cultural trends, adjusted to these cultural criticisms after the election – they announced that they would be reorienting their work away from “metro elite imagery” and more toward “Des Moines and Scranton.” When hiring workers, they decided a diversity hire “can be a farm girl from Indiana as much as a Cuban immigrant who lives in Pensacola.”

The narrow visions that limited the media and advertising worlds, some argued, also prevailed in the entertainment arena. One commentator noted how an “industry arose to cater to the smug style” of the “educated, the coastal, and the professional” in the form of the “Daily Show” and other programs which “advanced the idea that liberal orthodoxy was a kind of educated savvy and that its opponents were, before anything else, stupid.”

Great stuff. Read his entire analysis here.

Well I learned something today. In South Dakota, Democrats hold an advantage. If they add independent voters to their rolls. And they can win if we follow Ann Tornburg math, named so after the South Dakota Democrat Chairwoman, who just ran the Democrat party into record low numbers of elected officials:

 ….voter registration with Independent voters and Democratic voters is still a significant majority, but it’s turning out everyone in both of those classifications of voter registrations, Democrats and Independents and convincing them to engage in down-ballot issues and that’s a problem that we definitely have.

Read that here.

Well, technically yes. If you add the 170,000 Democrats to the 120,000 Independents, you could try to claim more than the Republican party’s 253,000 voters. You could try if you’re a fool, or a simpleton.  

The fact is that just because Dem leader Ann Tornburg tries to claim Independents in public statements doesn’t mean that they claim her. In fact, imagine 120,000 people quietly sidling away from her at the cocktail party because she sounds ridiculous.

In reality, as opposed to where Ann lives, when they vote, Independents generally break along the same proportions of those who identify a party registration in their voting behavior. For example:

What’s interesting is when you break out those independents. As we noted in August, most independents lean toward one party or the other — and in 2012, the majority of those leaning independents voted for their preferred party’s presidential candidate. (According to the book “The Gamble,” 90 percent of Democratic-leaning independents backed Obama in 2012, and 78 percent of Republican-leaning ones backed Romney.)

Read that here.

This is not a secret thing taught to exclusively to political scientists. It’s Voter Behavior 101. Another example:

The result is a distorted picture of the nation’s political makeup, according to political scientist John Petrocik of the University of Missouri. In an analysis just published in the journal Electoral Studies, he argues that the definition of independent voters used by many pollsters is far too broad.

Americans, he noted, “prefer to think of themselves as independent-minded and inclined to judge candidates on their individual merit.” But, he finds, “Very few Americans lack a party preference.”

Although an increasing number of Americans are calling themselves independents, Petrocik argues this is “more a matter of self-presentation than an accurate statement about our approach to elections, candidates, the parties and politics in general.”

And…

“While a disproportionate numbers of swing voters are independents, two-thirds of independent voters are not swing voters,” added Tom Jensen, communications director of Public Policy Polling.

“This idea of the sage citizen who eschews party affiliation, is unbiased and persuadable by reason and facts, is very much a myth,” said Scott Keeter, director of survey research for the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. “Most people are committed to a party.

“They may not like the label, so some call themselves independents. But there are very few people who fit the archetypes of the wise, centrist independent. People who don’t have a lot of opinions tend to be disengaged from politics and less likely to vote.”

Read that here.

In South Dakota, guess what? If we accept the premise that 2/3 are not truly independent (I think that’s a little low) Of those roughly 120k independents, maybe 40,000 are true swing voters.  Of the rest, 60% – or roughly 48,000 look at what the Dems have to offer and go “bleaugh,” and vote GOP. Around 32,000 of those independents should generally align with Democrats. 

Adding all that up should give us a generally consistent 60/40 voting split between the 2 major parties. But that’s not what has been happening. South Dakota Democrats are so awful they have been having difficulty getting 30%. And that’s symptomatic of a political party which has utterly abdicated pretending to be one. 

In other words, attempting to pretend that Democrats can carry even half of independents is an utter fantasy. Or Ann Tornburg math. You achieve equally silly results. People might declare themselves to be independent, but how they vote typically reflects society as a whole.  

And in South Dakota, our society has repudiated the Democrat party, and all that it represents.

Merry Christmas, From My Family to Yours
By Sen. John Thune

The holiday season seems to arrive sooner and sooner each year. With it comes the joy and happiness of being able to spend time with our loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the year, and rejoice in God’s gift to mankind – that’s what this time of year is all about, after all. I’m grateful to be able to spend the holidays in South Dakota, healthy and happy, which is the greatest gift I could receive. And I always look forward to this time of year when I’m able to create new memories with friends and family as we celebrate the traditions of Christmases past.

It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without a trip down memory lane. Whether it’s sledding down Jackson Ave. in Murdo as a kid, spending all of those Christmas Eve nights at my grandmother’s house, or watching Brittany and Larissa perform in church and school Christmas programs, the memories still make me smile. When you think about it, memories like these, which are unique to every family, really help define the holiday season. Looking back, I’m so thankful for everything with which our family has been blessed. 

This time of year, I can’t help but think of all the moms and dads and sisters and brothers who will be spending the holiday season away from the comfort of their own homes. It would be an understatement to say the brave men and women in the military make innumerable sacrifices in their career, and spending the holidays halfway around the world is no exception. Their service is the most selfless gift anyone could give, and their sacrifice is not lost on the American people.

I was fortunate to have been able to participate in the recent welcome home ceremony for the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 196^th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. It’s always good when our troops return home safe and sound, but for them and their families, I don’t think there’s any better time of year than now.

I say it every chance I can get, but it’s the hard-working people of South Dakota who make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. On behalf of my family – including the newest addition, my granddaughter Henley Joy – I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. I hope it’s as memorable as it is merry and bright. 

###

Investing in Infrastructure is an Investment in the Future
By Sen. Mike Rounds

In 2017, with a new president in office and a reinvigorated Congress eager to get to work, finding ways to help grow our economy will be a top priority in Washington. For the first time in nearly a decade, we will have an executive branch willing to work with us to reform the tax code and undo many of the burdensome regulations that are preventing job creators from expanding their businesses. Additionally, we will have a president in office who has committed to investing in infrastructure across America, another important tool that is critical to our economy.

Infrastructure is defined as basic organizational structures that are needed for the operation of society. This includes roads, railways, electric grids, pipelines, water systems, bridges, ports and airports, among other things. There is an expectation among Americans that no matter where they are across the country, they can expect clean water when they turn on a faucet and safe roads and bridges when they travel from place to place. 

A strong infrastructure system is important for public safety, and it has many economic benefits as well: it helps us maintain international competitiveness, creates jobs in construction and manufacturing industries and helps us make sure we are at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. A vibrant infrastructure system also strengthens national security: because we depend so heavily on travel and electricity to go about our daily lives, a breach in one of these systems could have far-reaching effects. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security has identified 16 different critical structures whose assets, systems and networks are considered so vital to the U.S. that their destruction or disruption would have a “debilitating” effect on our nation.

Putting people to work may be a short-term positive effect when we break ground on new infrastructure projects, but any project in which we choose to invest taxpayer dollars must also grow the economy. It’s important that we don’t start new projects simply for the sake of starting projects—we need to be guaranteed a return on our investments.

Since the beginning of the Roman Empire, infrastructure has been a key component of prosperous, thriving nations. After the development of the aqueduct, for example, the ancient Romans were able to move water long distances, thus expanding their empire. The growth of the United States is directly tied to innovation and infrastructure development. In the 19th century, our country expanded to the west as travel became more accessible. People and products could be moved on new rail lines, roads and waterways. It increased our ability to trade with others, move people to new parts of our burgeoning country and, as 19th century journalist John O’Sullivan put it, spread the “great experiment of liberty” west to the Pacific Ocean.

Since the early days of our republic, our infrastructure system has played a vital role in the growth of our country and the strength of our economy. As we begin work in the 115th Congress, investing in infrastructure will be a top priority.

###

A Look Back at the 114^th Congress
By Rep. Kristi Noem

Being South Dakota’s lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives has been the honor of a lifetime. With the current administration in place, progress on big issues – like tax reform and the repeal and replacement of Obamacare – has been slow, but I’m confident change will come soon.  Still, many things have been accomplished. In fact, during the 114^th Congress, we were able to come together on the more than 240 bills that were signed into law. 

For example, we passed legislation, including provisions I authored, that allocated more resources for survivors of human trafficking, offered more tools to go after traffickers, and created a framework for law enforcement to better intervene and prevent human trafficking.

Changes were made to correct No Child Left Behind, most notably empowering states and localities to make more decisions about our children’s education and making sure the federal government can’t force states into adopting Common Core.  

Legislation to help address the country’s mental healthcare crisis was also signed into law.  It included important provisions for tribal communities, an addition that occurred after I brought the bill’s author to South Dakota to see the challenges we faced.  The legislation also included new resources to help expand mental health access for rural communities.

The first long-term infrastructure bill in a decade was also signed into law, offering much-needed certainty for states and localities.  Additionally, the legislation cut red tape and gave states more flexibility to organize infrastructure programs in a way that best suits their local needs.

In addition to the new laws, we made headway in critical policy areas.  The Indian Health Service, for example, has been poorly managed for years.  In consultation with tribal communities and healthcare providers throughout South Dakota, I wrote and introduced legislation that would make comprehensive structural changes to how IHS operates, addressing both the medical and administrative challenges.  This legislation pushed a critical conversation, one that will continue in earnest in 2017, into the national spotlight. 

I also helped introduce changes to the wetland determination process, which has frustrated many South Dakota farmers and ranchers in recent years. With the policy now written, we’re already working to make sure it is included in the next Farm Bill. 

Moreover, we put forward ideas to hold the IRS accountable to taxpayers.  We’ve advanced legislation to expand the Black Hills National Cemetery and put pressure on the EPA to strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard and reverse their controversial Waters of the U.S. rule. 

We’ve gotten legislation signed into law to put restrictions on the Forest Service in an effort to prevent something like the devastating Pautre Fire in the future.  We’ve helped draft a blueprint for tax reform that will serve as an outline for upcoming negotiations.  We’ve protected DC Booth, helped prioritize the Lewis & Clark Water System, demanded answers from the VA about plans for the Hot Springs Hospital, and introduced reforms to incentivize work and fight poverty. 

And on an individual level, we’ve personally helped more than 400 South Dakotans as they’ve fought through federal bureaucracies to receive care from the VA, a passport from the State Department, or their Social Security benefits, among many other things. 

There’s so much more to do, but I’m optimistic that the work we’ve done in recent years has set us up for success when the new administration takes office in January.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. 

###

A Christmas Reminder From Laura Ingalls Wilder
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

Christmas is a special time in South Dakota, and it was no less special in the 1880s.  Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of The Little House on the Prairie series, lived on a homestead near De Smet, and wrote about Christmas in Dakota Territory in “The Long Winter.”

Even if the train was unable to reach De Smet at Christmas time, Santa Claus always managed to find his way to the Ingalls household. In “The Long Winter,” which takes place in 1880, Laura and her family were faced with a tough, snowy winter, but they still took time to enjoy Christmas. Each of the girls had packages of Christmas candy. Pa got a pair of blue suspenders. Ma got a cardboard hair receiver. Mary got a roll of knitted lace. Carrie got a nice Christmas card in a frame. In addition to the presents, Pa bought two cans of oysters from the store and let the girls have the last of the cow’s milk – a cow they recently had to sell. Laura wrote that whatever happened, they always had a lovely Christmas.

Today, in a time of greater abundance and spending, it might seem odd that something as simple as knitted lace could mean so much. But it reminds us that a gift is not measured by size or monetary value, but by the love with which it is given. Gifts made with a true and sincere heart, to those we love, are tokens of our deeper feelings.

The story told by Laura Ingalls Wilder is also a reminder that the meaning of Christmas extends beyond the trappings of the holiday. Decorating the Christmas tree is fun. Receiving presents is enjoyable. So are hot cocoa, Christmas cookies and ham. But sharing our abilities and resources with those in need gives true meaning to Christmas. The man who shovels his neighbor’s driveway, the little girl who gives her allowance to the bell ringer and the church that opens its doors to someone without shelter – they are expressing the true spirit of Christmas.

We’re all busy, especially during this time of year. But find time this Christmas, if only in a small way, to be a blessing to someone in need. I’m sure you won’t regret it. Don’t underestimate the immense value of your life and the difference you can make in the lives of those you touch.

Merry Christmas!

-30-

As you prepare for a snowstorm, I’m wondering if I can get back into it, from a cafe on a southern Main Street.

Imagine the tourist kitsch of Keystone, SD times 5 or 6, and you could easily tell where I am today. My #4 daughter and I are in Branson, Missouri for a college visit to College of the Ozarks, a.k.a., Hard Work U.

The biggest advantage, if you can get accepted, is that it is free. With a 9% acceptance rate, it’s a slim chance. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I know I’d prefer to have all proud SDSU jackrabbits of my kids, but I try to let them make their own choices. And there’s something to be said to going out in the world on their own.

Even if she doesn’t get in, my daughter has a high GPA while taking honors coursework, and more activities than I can keep track of, so I suspect she’ll do just fine in the college hunt.

It’s always a good thing to see your kids spreading their wings as they prepare to leave the nest. And in this case, I think #4 is ready to take flight to the next chapter of her life.

From last evening’s Brookings Register:

Hot out of today’s mailbox comes Governor Daugaard’s 2016 Christmas card:

I’m hearing this week that there’s a couple of people that we need to keep in our thoughts this holiday season.

Reporter Bob Mercer, whom we heard had collapsed at the IM22 hearing, is apparently anticipated to be out of pocket for some time due to illness.  Please keep him and his family in your thoughts.

GOP Activist Lance Hildebrand, who worked on the Munsterman campaign and served on the Noem Congressional staff is quite ill, and should also be in your thoughts this holiday season.

Please keep them both in your prayers.