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The South Dakota Republican Convention is set to come out strong against Amendment V, by both word and deed as several actions took place yesterday against the anti-transparency measure which many view as Slick Rick Weiland’s final act of surrender after failing three times in his campaigns for office.

Last night in his speech at convention, Governor Daugaard has several disparaging words for this out of state sponsored ballot measure fronted by Weiland:

Gov. Dennis Daugaard, the emcee for Friday’s banquet, said this amendment seeks to create nonpartisan elections, and it’s an effort Republicans should oppose. If passed, Daugaard said, it will result in the following:

• The primary election will narrow down the number of candidates, regardless of party, and the top candidates will advance to the November election.

• The political parties will no longer nominate candidates for statewide constitutional offices like public utilities commissioner, auditor, treasurer and secretary of state.

• Candidates on the ballot will also not be identified by political party.

Daugaard said not identifying candidates by their political party is most bothersome, because it makes ballots less transparent and less informative for the voter.

Read it here in the Aberdeen American News.

The measure also received attention in the resolutions committee, where a resolution was melded together from a couple of the participants, including Bob Ellis and Tim Rave, opposing the measure. I even stood up and pointed out something that Lee Schoenbeck had mentioned to me – “how do we make elections better by being less transparent?” Because by barring party from the ballot, that’s what you are doing.

That resolution opposing Amendment V and other measures hits the floor today.

In another sign of growing opposition, Will Mortenson was at convention collecting names of people willing to author letters to the editor in opposition to Amendment V, specifically on behalf of a group that is officially organizing to oppose the measure.

So, as the resolution is presented today, and as indicated by the Governor last night, expect the GOP’s unified, and full throated opposition to the anti-transparency ballot measure.

(*bonus point for independents, libertarians, etc.- if this passes, do you realistically think there will be an independent or Libertarian on a November ballot ever again?  Ever? With it going to the two top ballot winners for a June primary, I’m guessing the answer is No.)

A wise political sage once told me that he doesn’t usually go to Republican conventions, because convention is where you go to see old enemies, and make new ones.  Funny, but somewhat accurate, since you’re usually running against someone or some issue.

I had to do a double take tonight, and wonder if I was actually at a Republican convention, as this is – hands down – the friendliest and most convivial convention I’ve been to in 20 years. No committee fights. No Platform fights. No Resolution fights.

Were there disagreements? Absolutely. But people were happy to reach compromise, and find middle ground. They generally agreed on Republican principles, and made things work. People would bring things to committee with hard hard to support language, and the committees worked with people to find something that worked for everyone.

And what was anticipated to be an anemic crowd of 120 or 130? Tonight I’m hearing the banquet swelled to over 300. People are interested and engaged, and ready to go to work. It was a nice change of pace, and gave hope that the GOP is capable of coming together to do great things without leaving each side bloodied and battered.

The Dems may be in serious trouble this year. Because we’d rather spend our time this fall on them, rather than against ourselves.

A new GOP Platform plank asks candidates to act in a professional, honest and respectful manner.

(Good luck with reminding candidates of that part of the platform!)

Attorney General Jackley Passes Gavel in Final Meeting as NAAG President

PIERRE, S.D. – The 2016 National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Summer Meeting has come to a close and Attorney General Marty Jackley has finished his term as President.

Jackley delivered his final remarks last night during the final session of the NAAG Summer Meeting in Burlington, Vermont. “It has been an honor to lead our nation’s Attorneys General as we work to protect our communities and to provide our citizens a strong voice. I am very proud of the leadership and hard work of our South Dakota Attorney General’s Office team,” said Jackley.

Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen was elected president of the National Association of Attorneys General. “I am privileged to be able to pass the gavel to Attorney General Jepsen and am confident that he will carry this leadership role with a continued commitment to public safety. He possesses the strong qualities that embody the NAAG mission,” said Jackley.

During Jackley’s tenure as president of NAAG, Jackley focused on the everyday challenges that face law enforcement nationwide. The Presidential Initiative Summit was held in Deadwood May 2-3, 2016. Summit highlights included officer-involved shootings, body-worn cameras policy, school shootings, campus sexual assaults and mental health issues and fighting our national meth and opioid epidemic.

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While others departed the Ramkota Lounge last evening in search of chicken wings and excitement in the northern town of Aberdeen South Dakota, I inexplicably stayed in, and got a good night’s sleep. That possibly marks the official end of my youth, when I value a good night’s sleep over a night on the town.

However, it helped me get a fresh start to the day, as I bounded out of my hotel room with vigor and enthusiasm and….. Hey! Where is everybody? I stayed in for a good nights’ sleep only to find that few are up and about.

The rooms and halls are deserted at least for another hour or two as people wander around waiting for the platform and resolution committees. I did run into current State Rep & Senate Candidate Jim Bolin as he waited for his committee to begin. Marty Jackley’s major domo Jeromy Pankratz is also busy getting things ready, as he prepares the way for the Attorney General and Gubernatorial hopeful to arrive and host a room tonight. (Mark Mickelson is hosting a hospitality room as well; I hear that Kara Beck – most recently of the Augie CR’s – is helping with that room.)

My Daughter Sydney, State Vice Chair of the Teenage Republicans found out that her chair isn’t coming, so she received late notice that she’s addressing the convention tomorrow, so she’s busy writing her speech. I told her to keep it short and light. Thankfully, she’s before floor discussion on platform & resolutions, so It’s the best chance she has for getting out in one piece. I assured her that people are not allowed fruit at the tables.

As I’m troubleshooting my equipment so I can write all this up and upload photos, it looks like things are starting to perk up. Back to the convention!

I just saw this sad news on Facebook of the passing of Pat Adam, who was literally interwoven into the fabric of the State GOP all the years I’ve been involved. 

Her father and brother were Governor. She was Party Vice Chair, and her son Karl was Chair. Truly a loss for the Party, and the Pierre community:

Patricia Ann Mickelson was born on May 22, 1936, in Mobridge, South Dakota, to George T. and Madge Turner Mickelson. She joined sisters Janice and Lavon, with brother George S. completing the family. Pat grew up in Selby, South Dakota, also spending four years in Pierre when her father served two terms as Governor of South Dakota. In 1958, Pat was graduated from the University of South Dakota, received her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology in 1961, and taught at USD for a year. In 1959, Pat married Thomas C. Adam. Tom received his Juris Doctor degree from the University Of South Dakota School of Law in 1961 and the couple moved to Pierre where Tom began practicing with the firm of Martens and Goldsmith, presently known as May, Adam, Gerdes and Thompson.

Tom and Pat raised four children in Pierre: Kathleen, Paula, Karlton, and Sarah. They are proud grandparents of 14 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Through the years, Pat was a passionate advocate for her community, local education, the state of South Dakota, and was involved in many state and community organizations. She served as a board member for the Children’s Care Hospital and School of Sioux Falls, the USD Foundation, Community First Bank South Dakota, and the South Dakota Community Foundation. She served as president of the Pierre School Board, and member and president of the South Dakota School Board Association. Pat was instrumental in starting the AAUW Preschool that still welcomes families at the First United Methodist Church in Pierre. She was a member and president of the South Dakota Historical Society, serving on its foundation. Pat was a member of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women committee that updated and restored the First Lady Inaugural Gown collection, and of the Trail of Governors Foundation. Pat was very proud of the statues of South Dakota governors that grace the community of Pierre.

Pat loved politics and was active in the Republican Party throughout her life, especially during the time her brother served as Governor. Pat served as Secretary of the South Dakota Senate for 12 years and enjoyed the activity and friendships she made. Pat and Tom have been active disciples and part of the congregation of the First United Methodist Church in Pierre for decades. She was a 50 year member of the PEO sisterhood, Chapter AB, and a proud member of the Alpha Phi Sorority.

Read Pat’s Obituary here. 

The truck is full of campaign supplies, I’ve got the GoGo’s cranked up (to my daughter’s chagrin), and I’m heading to Aberdeen for the 2016 GOP State Convention! 

Keep an eye on this spot for coverage of the event, pictures and more!

President Obama’s Immigration Executive Orders Remain Unenforceable Under U.S. Supreme Court Decision

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that U.S. Supreme Court is leaving the Fifth Circuit ruling in place.

“Today’s decision affirms that even the President cannot unilaterally change the law,” said Jackley. “This decision paves the way for a collaborative discussion on immigration policy that includes a voice from our States and Congress.”

On November 20, 2014, the President of the United States announced that he would unilaterally suspend immigration laws as applied to 4 million of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. In addition, the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive that legalizes the presence of approximately 40% of the known undocumented immigrant population, and afford them legal rights and benefits. The Federal Court has enjoined the President from “implementing any and all aspects or phases of the expansions.”

South Dakota joined 26 State Attorneys General and Governors in December 2014 in a lawsuit challenging the executive action set forth by President Obama, which exceeds his authority on immigration reform.

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From the Aberdeen American News, outgoing GOP National Committeman Dana Randall offers a preview of this weekend’s GOP National Convention…. and teases us a little with regards to his future political plans:

Dana Randall, South Dakota’s national committee chairman, said the convention kicks off the start of the 2018 election season. He said he knows of two 2018 candidates for South Dakota governor who will be hosting hospitality rooms. They are state Rep. Mark Mickelson and Attorney General Marty Jackley. But Randall is confident others will be campaigning.

About 200 voting delegates are expected at convention, said Char Cornelius, chairwoman of the Brown County Republicans. Close to 300 could be in attendance at Friday’s banquet, she said.

This will be Randall’s last convention as national committeeman.

“After eight years, it’s time for someone else,” he said in a phone interview earlier this week.

In a CNN Poll released this week, Just under 50% of Republicans tell Pollster ORC International that they would like to see Trump replaced on the Republican ticket, and some notable conservatives are commenting that the Trump campaign isn’t doing so great right now:

Trump’s campaign is a disaster. He has no ground operation. He has little staff. He is trailing in polling. He is $41 million behind Hillary Clinton in cash on hand. His super PAC has only $500,000 cash on hand with more than that in debts. He just tossed his campaign manager.

Trump could raise $1 million a day every day from now to the convention and still have less than Hillary Clinton, but he doesn’t even want to do that. RNC officials are grumbling that Trump won’t raise money.

 

and..

By the way, Ted Cruz has six times more cash on hand right now than Donald Trump and Cruz dropped out at the beginning of May.

Read that here. And in a story by Politico yesterday, Trump opponents weren’t exactly shy and retiring after the series of campaign missteps by the Trump campaign, finding themselves suddenly emboldened by all the anti-Trump talk:

Throughout Tuesday, as Trump’s campaign sought to quash concerns about his anemic fundraising and decision to fire campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, anti-Trump delegates seized on glimmers of hope.

First, they snagged the endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Gordon Humphrey, who told POLITICO he’ll work full-time to help encourage New England delegates to rebel against Trump and to connect his allies with mid-level GOP fundraisers who can sustain their push through the convention. Later, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker endorsed one of their preferred methods for stopping Trump: freeing all 2,472 Republican National Convention delegates to vote their conscience, rather than abiding by rules and state laws that bind them to support Trump.

“Delegates are and should be able to vote the way they see fit,” Walker said, according to an Associated Press account.

Read that story here.

My question to you, the faithful readers, is “What do you think?”  Should Trump be given the opportunity to turn this around? Can he turn it around?

Given that the possibility of Hillary Clinton becoming president is tremendously unpalatable, should we be backing a Republican nominee apparent who needs to be doing better? Or do we need to free up delegates to vote their conscience?

The floor is yours.