Category: Uncategorized

Passport Needed ASAP
By Rep. Kristi Noem

As though weddings aren’t stressful enough, international weddings can put an entirely new twist in the planning process.  Earlier this year, our office in Sioux Falls received a call from a panicked mother-of-the-bride.  She and her husband were leaving the very next day for their daughter’s destination wedding, but her husband’s passport was expired.  We picked up the phone and immediately got in touch with a U.S. State Department hub in Minneapolis.  About 24 hours later, the father-of-the-bride was on a plane and able to walk his daughter down the aisle.

Believe it or not, this kind of thing happens often.  Last year alone, our office helped more than 600 South Dakotans navigate federal agencies like this.  Sometimes it was because a person just forgot their passport had expired.  In other cases, however, there were problems with Social Security, Medicare, Tricare, or Veterans Administration (VA) benefits.  At other times, a family was looking to grow through an international adoption or a small business wanted to expand with a loan from the Small Business Administration.  While we always hope these interactions with the federal government go smoothly and that you are treated with the respect you deserve, that isn’t always the case.  In the instances where things don’t go as planned, our office is here to help. 

While we can’t guarantee a favorable outcome in every situation, we will do our best to ensure you receive a fair and timely response.  It’s our way of making sure the federal government remembers who it is accountable to.  And if you ask me, that is one of the most important functions of a congressional office. 

Please know our door is always open.  We have office locations in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Watertown, if you ever want to stop by and visit with someone in person.  We also have a regular staff presence in Aberdeen and Pierre.  Additionally, our staff travels to smaller towns throughout the year where they will meet with local businesses and city officials, but also make themselves available if you need help.  Of course, we can always be accessed online at noem.house.gov or by calling toll-free 855-225-2801.

The bottom line is this:  whether you’re looking to walk your daughter down the aisle or into an appointment at the VA, know that our office is here to try to make that happen.

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Meth Changes Everything
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

Over the past several years, South Dakota has seen a rise in the use of methamphetamine, or meth. In our state, 3.8 percent of high school students have tried meth. That is slightly higher than the national average of 3 percent. Approximately 15,000 South Dakotans, age 12 and up, were dependent on or abused illicit drugs in 2015, including meth.

Meth is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant which affects the central nervous system and results in devastating side-effects. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder and can be ingested in a variety of ways. No matter what you call it, or how it’s used, the effects are all the same.

Meth users experience significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions and violent behavior. Addicts experience several physical effects as well including weight loss, tooth decay, tooth loss and skin sores. Meth causes mental and physical changes. In most cases, those changes are permanent.

In South Dakota, we are committed to being “smart on crime.” We use data-driven, evidence-based practices to protect the public and hold offenders accountable.

We also recognize that we need to be tough on the causes of crime. Using meth is a crime itself, but it can also lead users to commit other crimes. In 2015, there were 2,125 meth related arrests in 46 South Dakota counties. This is a 40 percent increase from meth related arrests in 2014.

South Dakota needs to focus on preventing meth use. This month, the Department of Social Services has created an awareness campaign, “Meth Changes Everything,” to promote prevention and provide education to students and South Dakota communities.

In the coming months, communities across the state will have the opportunity to meet with prevention providers to learn more about what can be done to prevent meth use. There is also an opportunity for schools to provide valuable information to students on the effects and dangers of meth, and how this addictive drug can permanently change their lives and the lives of those around them.

Please join me in our effort to end meth use in South Dakota by taking the pledge atwww.methchangeseverything.com. The website also provides information about meth use, resources for individuals seeking help and treatment and candid stories from recovering meth addicts. By working together, we can help shape the future of our great state and end meth use in South Dakota.

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The Defeat Initiated Measure 22 campaign kicked off yesterday, and it’s time for South Dakotans to tell the out of State politicians that we don’t need government subsidies to fund our political campaigns.

While Democrats and out-of-staters might need it, most South Dakotans think it’s just crazy talk – and it’s time to let our flag fly.  As Candidate for State House Tom Pischke posted to his facebook account yesterday…

Take a picture of yourself with a “Defeat 22” sign, banner, or t-shirt on, and e-mail it to me here – and I’ll post it to show your support for keeping taxpayer dollars out of the pockets of politicians, and keep them finding teachers, roads, and law enforcement.

Like a raging case of bedbugs you can’t eradicate, no matter how many chemicals the exterminator ladles on, the Annette Bosworth family is back in the news (God help us).  This time, it’s because one of their kids made an anti-Hillary Clinton app, and they went to Rush Limbaugh to get attention.

RUSH:  Why did your teacher say socialism and communism were the best?

CALLER:  He was my social studies teacher, and I honestly don’t know.  I have him next year, and what I want to say to him next year… Because over the summer, because of this, I built an app.  It’s a Hillary Clinton app where you tap her face and every time you tap, it’s like a whack-a-mole game where she pops out of the White House.  Every time you tap her face, she says one of her silly quotes.  It’s called “Never Hillary Clinton.”

RUSH: (laughing)

CALLER: So, what I want to do is show my teacher that anybody of any age can use the free market, by bringing back a successful app at the end of summer.

RUSH:  How old are you, Walker?  Thirteen?

CALLER:  Yeah.

and…

RUSH:  Hey, folks, we found Walker’s app.  We found it on the App Store.  It’s called “Never Hillary Clinton” by Chad Haber.  His last name is Haber, Walker Haber.  I’ve sent the link.  Thanks to Seton Motley for finding the app here.  We’ve sent the link up to Koko at RushLimbaugh.com.  This will save you for having to search for it.  There’s a lot of these kinds of apps.  In fact, we found a Never Hillary app that has an accompanying app, Never Trump.  We knew that wasn’t it.  We’ve found Walker’s app.

It’s 99 cents, which is nothing.  It’s not a big deal.  He’s 13 years old.  He was very proud of it.  He started to hype it before he ran out of time, and so we’ve got the link.  It will be up at RushLimbaugh.com.  You’ll be able to search for it that way.  If you want to search for it at the app store without waiting for the link it’s “Never Hillary Clinton” by Chad Haber.  That’s how it’s listed, and then the description of the app says, “My name is Walker Haber.” It’s a family project.  But it’s his app.  It’s Walker’s.

Read that here.

The link to the app is available on the Rush Limbaugh radio page, which leads you to the app screen:

“Ever since my mom ran for Senate, I realized that everyone loves to pick on the candidate.”  

Er, yeah.  I think that’s a little bit revisionist. If anyone actually learned something in that ordeal, it should probably say After my mom ran for Senate, I learned that you have to pay your bills, not purchase fake facebook likes, and actually witness the signatures that you swear an oath that you witnessed, otherwise, you might find that you’ve committed a felony.  

But that would mean that people actually learned something from the Bosworth campaign.

The thing that caught my attention is that Chad Haber’s name is the one on the app uploaded by his child, which I would assume is required because they can’t take an app from a minor.  By virtue of that fact, I can’t help but notice that Chad would be the one who would reap the profits from such a venture.

Since his wife’s political bid failed, and her clinic has been shut down, maybe this means he finally has gainful employment once again.

Jack Kolbeck Announces His run for the Senate Seat in District 13

Jack Kolbeck is announcing his candidacy for the District 13 Senate Seat.  Jack has been a businessman and involved with Sioux Falls for over 41 years. South Dakota has much to be proud of and we look forward to Jack for continual support for Sioux Falls and the State of South Dakota.

Jack Kolbeck is an active member in the Sioux Falls community. He is a 40 year member of the Sioux Falls Downtown Lions Club, A Board Member for The Legends for Kids, a member of the South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame, is active with Senior softball in Sioux Falls and South Dakota.  He has worked for family-owned, independent, and small businesses his entire life.

Jack Kolbeck has a unique vision for South Dakota. He believes in a balanced budget for South Dakota. He is concerned that taxes in both Sioux Falls and South Dakota are growing too fast. He believes in the right to work. Besides wanting a balanced budget, Jack thinks government is too big and will vote for less government from Pierre. He is an avid hunter and is Pro-2nd Amendment.  In Pierre, Jack will fight for quality education for the children of Sioux Falls and South Dakota. Jack is Pro-life. He believes in quality Medical attention and long-term care for the elderly and our veterans.

Jack Kolbeck was born in McCook County South Dakota and raised on a family farm. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University where he earned his degree in economics.  Jack and his wife Muriel have been married for 38 years. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

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Sitting in a doctors office for a kids’ check up, I’m perusing the magazine offerings, and as I paged through 605 Magazine, I was visually assaulted with this:

The same person who does his commercials must dress Scott Hoy as well.

In case you missed it, the South Dakota Republican Party sent out a message last night to all Republicans on a matter of critical importance – to Stop Amendment V. (As in V, for Vile, Vindictive, etc):

Greetings Grand Ol’ Partiers, Yesterday, a group of South Dakotans announced opposition to Constitutional Amendment V across the state. The effort’s website is www.VoteNoOnV.com and their Facebook page can be found at www.Facebook.com/VoteNoOnV. “Vote No on V” is led by Chairman Will Mortenson. As you may recall, the South Dakota Republican Party passed a Resolution at the June State Convention opposing Amendment V, along with Amendment T, and Initiated Measure 22.  Amendment V is Rick Weiland’s effort to overhaul South Dakota’s constitution to merge the Republican and Democratic primaries into one primary in which all candidates compete. The top two finishers in that combined primary would then compete in the November general election.  In addition, Amendment V would hide the party affiliation from voters. When stepping into the ballot box, South Dakotans would no longer see whether someone was a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent. In the release, Mortenson said the following: “The chief supporter of this ill-conceived amendment is failed U.S. Senate candidate and liberal Democrat activist Rick Weiland,” Mortenson said, “and his motivation is clear: change the rules so Democrats can hide their party affiliation from voters.” In addition to their announced opposition, “No on V” also rolled out a united force of opposition from Governor Daugaard, Senator Thune, and Congresswoman Noem. I expect the group will continue to announce additional groups of opposition in the weeks and months to come. You can read about the Vote No on V effort in some of the stories published across the state below: Capital Journal – Foes Launch Capaign Against Nonpartisan Election Measure Argus Leader – Republican Powerhouses Join to Oppose Nonpartisan Elections KELO-AM – Push Against Making South Dakota More Like Nebraska I would ask you to please take the time to encourage friends, family members, and individuals in your communities to oppose Amendment V.  If you would like to volunteer your time, send a letter to the editor, or make a donation to help oppose Amendment V, please reach out to Will Mortenson at VoteNoOnV@gmail.com or, of course, you can contact me directly. Thank you for your time! Ryan Budmayr Executive Director South Dakota Republican Party ryan@southdakotagop.com www.southdakotagop.com

Predictably, those pushing Amendment V are crying uncle over the letter:

“I hope we can get past the childish playground attacks on the person and look at what the issue is about,” South Dakotans for Non-Partisan Elections Chair Rick Knobe said Thursday.

and..

“Pointing out Amendment V’s hidden, big money from out-of-state is not an attack,” Mortenson said in a statement. “It is encouraging transparency in this election. Voters deserve transparency on the ballot and in this campaign.”

Chuck Parkinson, a Rapid City Republican and backer of the amendment, said the comments made about supporters of the measure, including Rick Weiland, former Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, indicate a weakness in their opponent’s arguments.

Read that here in an article by Dana Ferguson, who (amazingly) is once again is writing an article highlighting Rick Weiland’s position on a ballot issue.

The truth is that Amendment V is exactly as described. It’s an anti-transparency measure, designed to hide what party the people running for office are.

In fact, it puts those running on an un-level playing field with voters, because while candidates will have voter data for people, identifying their party affiliation, voters won’t have that same information for the candidates. 

It is funded by big-money, out of state donors who, yet again, are using South Dakota as their mad-political scientist lab to try to launch a national ballot measure effort.

And more importantly, you might consider this as Weiland’s revenge against Larry Pressler for running in the last US Senate Election, splitting the vote, and making sure it was impossible for Weiland to come up with enough of a margin to win.  Why? It nearly guarantees that Democrats won’t have a similar situation on any November ballot, because Amendment V would make it nigh-impossible for an independent to be on the November general election ballot.  It would sweep them out of the way before they could cause trouble for Democrats, as they did for Rick Weiland.

Any way you slice this turkey, Amendment V needs to be eradicated, and it’s out of state backers need to be sent packing.

 Defeat 22 Coalition Announces New Partners Joining Effort
Growing list of supporters shows strong opposition to taxpayer funding of political campaigns

Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Defeat 22 Coalition, which opposes taxpayer funding of political campaigns, has announced six new partners joining the effort. The new coalition members are listed below. 

“The Defeat 22 coalition is growing as more South Dakotans recognize that Measure 22 means taxpayer funding of elections,” explained Larry Rhoden, spokesman for the Defeat 22 coalition. “The proponents of this measure just don’t get it: we don’t want to be forced to fund robocalls and TV ads during dinner. South Dakota needs commonsense solutions, not some scheme to give away our tax dollars to politicians and their political campaigns.”

New Defeat 22 Coalition Members:

• Associated General Contractors of SD, Highway-Heavy-Utilities Chapter
• Associated General Contractors of SD, Building Chapter
• SD Land Improvement Contractors
• SD Agri-Business Association
• SD Grain and Feed Association
• Minnehaha County GOP

Defeat 22 is a coalition of South Dakota businesses, charities, and political organizations who agree that taxpayers shouldn’t fund political campaigns. Earlier this month they released multiple radio ads and mailers to supplement a grassroots door knocking effort. The coalition plans to continue heavy grassroots advocacy and paid media over the next three months. All details about the coalition-led effort can be seen at www.defeat22.com. 

From KSFY, Senator Thune let Donald Trump know that he needs to get a thicker skin if he’s going to be in politics:

South Dakota Senator John Thune tells KSFY he wants Donald Trump to stick to policy and stop the personal attacks.

Thune says Trump’s latest flap with the parents of a fallen Muslim American soldier makes it tough to support him as the Republican Party’s presidential nominee.

Senator Thune…speaking a technology summit in Sioux Falls..didn’t mince words when we asked him about Donald Trump. “Donald Trump has to develop a thicker skin, realize that these campaigns and elections are not about him. It’s about the future of this country.”

Read it all here at KSFY.

Now that the placeholders have taken a step back from running the political atmosphere has changed slightly, so while we wait for new candidates to drop in their spot (or not), I thought it might be a good exercise to see what the lay of the land is.

So, unless we pick up a couple of replacements from Democrats which are not expected……

D	Rep	Dem	Other	Power Rating	Notes
1		Frerichs		Dem Over
2	Greenfield			GOP Over
3	Novstrup	Heidelberger		Strong GOP	Longtime elected official v. Carpetbagger. See Corinna Robinson.
4	Wiik	Tyler		Lean GOP/Toss Up	Toss Up District w/2 who have faced election before. Tyler Comes with a lot of electoral baggage.
5	Tapio	Johnson		GOP Over	Tapio has it won, barring a replacement
6	Otten	Boese		Strong GOP	Incumbent v. unknwn
7	Tidemann	Perpich		Strong GOP	Long-time Incumbent v. unknwn
8	Youngberg	Parsley		Lean Dem	Youngberg running aggressively. Getting more interesting.
9	Peters	Boltjes		GOP Over	Peters is over
10	Haggar	Powers		Strong GOP	Incumbent v. unknwn
11	Stalzer	Cool		Strong GOP	Has Cool ever won a race, despite multiple attempts? Stalzer has.
12	Curd	Sanden		Strong/Lean GOP	Curd is incumbent, but Sanden will likely take some shots at him. As long as Curd runs, he should be safe.
13	Kolbeck	Pierson		Lean GOP	Denny Pierson has prior experience, but grasping at straws anymore. Kolbeck has a good team behind him.
14	Soholt		Swanger	Strong GOP	Swanger running as conservative indy in district w/out any GOP backing against Republican.
15		Nesiba		Dem Over
16	Bolin	Skiles		Strong GOP	Bolin is a campaign machine. It’s over.
17	Rusch	Merrill		Lean GOP	Rusch is well respected, and the incumbent. Merrill has yet to make his case why to replace him.
18		Kennedy	Stone	Dem Over	Stone ran good campaign 2 years ago,but withdrew for employment
19	Nelson	Graef		Strong GOP	Graef was recently arrested for DUI. Nelson will win.
20	Klumb	Berg		Lean GOP	Klumb is from right area in District, but Berg is not inexperienced. Today, we call it for Klumb.
21		Sutton		Dem Over
22	White	Groth		GOP Over	Absent a replacement, it’s done.
23	Cronin			GOP Over
24	Monroe			GOP Over
25	Langer	Barth		Toss Up	Both candidates have visibility in district that has elected Democrats in the last decade. Langer is excellent candidate, but Barth isn’t inexperienced.
26		Heinert		Dem Over
27		Killer		Dem Over
28	Maher			GOP Over
29	Cammack		Kindler	Strong GOP	I can’t even tell you Kindler’s name. We can call this one over.
30	Russell	LaRive		Strong GOP	LaRive must have escaped the last Democrat Bounty Hunt in Fall River County. It’s over.
31	Ewing			GOP Over
32	Solano	Hubbard		Strong GOP	It is over
33	Jensen	Stuck		Strong GOP	Unless Jensen says something ill-advised (again), this race is his after winning the primary.
34	Partridge	Schultz		Strong GOP	Over
35	Haverly			GOP Over

The tale of the tape has Democrats giving up 10 seats as uncontested at this point, while Republicans are giving up an unusual 6. Primarily because of a lack of competition for Heinert & Sutton, and what happened in District 18.

Otherwise, I think the races have remained fairly steady since the post primary review. Watch for things to start to shift slightly in the next 30 days when everything starts to gear up.

Still, I’d rather be in the GOP’s shoes than the Democrats, as they’re giving up an incredible 30% or so of the seats in the State Senate, while Republicans are only taking a pass on 17%.