With 3 weeks to go until the filing deadline, Ann Tornberg’s Democrats are up from 7 to having 11 candidate petitions filed for the 105 legislative seats she bragged she was going to have filled for the 2016 election cycle.
After fielding the worst slate of statewide candidates (Paula Hawks and Jay Williams) in a generation, Tornberg is not instilling a lot of confidence in her ability to produce what she promises.
(Here’s the official announcement on Brookings Mayor Tim Reed running for the District 7 House seat being vacated by Scott Munsterman. – p)
TIM REED TO SEEK DISTRICT 7 HOUSE SEAT
Tim Reed announced today his intention to run for the South Dakota House of Representatives in Legislative District 7.
Reed currently serves as Mayor of Brookings. With 13 years of experience in city government, Tim is ready to advocate for the citizens of District 7 and affect policy at a state wide level for all the citizens of South Dakota.
Reed said, “I’m looking forward to the campaign and discussing the opportunities and issues facing South Dakota, its cities, and citizens”
During Tim’s tenure as Mayor of Brookings, the City and County came together to build a new Joint Government Building providing better service and saving the tax payer money. That cooperative attitude continued when the City, County, State, and South Dakota State University collaborated to attract Bel Brands to Brookings and the City and State then worked closely together to get 3M to expand in Brookings.
Reed added; “I plan to bring that cooperative approach to the legislature.”
Reed has been active with legislative issues as Mayor of Brookings, a member of the Brookings Chamber of Commence Government Affairs Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Municipal League.
Reed, a Republican, has 13 years experience in City Government. Tim served two terms as a Member of the City Council and is in his third term as Mayor. He is a graduate of SDSU with a degree in Commercial Economics. He worked at 3M in the Materials Control and Information Technology Departments. He then worked for i2 Technologies as a Consultant and was self-employed as a Supply Chain Consultant. Tim also served as the Development Director for the College of Engineering for the SDSU Foundation. He oversaw the college’s development operation during an extraordinarily prolific time that included the construction of three new buildings and the establishment of a new endowed professorship. Tim also serves as a district chair on the South Dakota Municipal League Board of Directors.
I’d heard a rumor yesterday, which was quickly confirmed.Yet another legislator has decided not to run again.
District 19 State Senator Bill Van Gerpen confirmed to me yesterday that he has decided to take a pass on running for Senate this year, leaving a vacancy in the seat which has yet to be filled.
No word on whether Kent Petersen or Kyle Schoenfish would move up to run for the office, or if someone not currently in office would enter the race. (Possibly someone who recently lost in a primary in a previous US Senate contest?)
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.”
# # #
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.