Category: Uncategorized

I came across this as I was looking for something to write about today. And to me, it makes a good case for getting out there and getting involved. Because it all can be taken away at a moment’s notice.

I was looking at the SDGOP’s May 2015 FEC Report for their federal account, which indicated $11,997 Raised. $17,609 spent. And $21,134 cash on hand.

SDGOP May 2015 FEC Report

In comparison, South Dakota Democrats filed a report with different figures:

SDDP 2015 May FEC Report

$47,149 raised. $18,737 spent, and $59,113 cash on hand.

Wait, what?

Before you start getting excited, that doesn’t tell the whole story. $15,000 of what Dems reported was transferred in from party and committee sources. And these are just the reports from the federal accounts. State Year end reports from the SDGOP had them at $32,923 cash on hand as compared to the Democrat’s $14,047. And state accounts tend to be where a lot of the day to day stuff happens, especially for the SDGOP who holds all state offices, as well as a strong majority in each house of the state legislature.

However, it’s worth noting that it should serve as an item for Republicans to keep in the back of their heads as we move through the doldrums of the off year.

All we’ve done together – all we’ve accomplished – can be taken away in the blink of an eye if we become too complacent. We hold all state offices, and all but 20 state legislative seats. And I don’t suspect Democrats like that fact.

If we think back, it wasn’t that long ago when Democrats held all federal offices. In the last 20 years or so, Democrats held a majority in the State Senate for one term.  Unless there are those who want that to happen, the figures posted by Democrats in their last FEC report should be a call to the rest of us to shake off the dust that’s gathered since November of 2014, and to get to work.  Go to the SDGOP web site or contact your local Republican Party County Chairman or legislator and volunteer, make a donation, or otherwise get involved to make it happen.

It’s our party. And win or lose, it’s what we make of it. So, get involved.

I had this pointed out to me tonight.  Which came first? dakotafreepress.com, or dakotazfreepress.com.

One represents nonsensical ramblings about politics and Annette Bosworth, and attacks Marty Jackley. The other one looks like it’s written by Bosworth allies themselves. And also attacks Attorney General Jackley.

Dakotazfreepress.com, subtitled “Free the Dakotaz with News That’s NOT Paid to Shut Up,” has posts dating back through part of last year, and nonsensically is against a number of things, including fluoridation, Avera McKennan, Ciribank and Marty Jackley among others. It boasts a number of posts dating back to September 2014.

You look at it, and at first blush, you wonder if its parody. But then it gets into the same old attacks we’ve been seeing for months from the Bosworth camp. It’s chock full of ridiculous voter fraud claims citing Robot Bee doomsayer Lori Stacey, and I have my suspicions where it comes from, especially given its  support of Bosworth and attacks on Marty Jackley.

When you look to see who owns it through a Whois search, as expected, it’s a private registration.  But it does reveal another tidbit:

Despite showing posts going back to September 2014, dakotazfreepress.com has only been around since the end of March. So, they actually falsified posts to make them look 6 months older than they really are.
So, another fake website? Just another episode of nuttiness swirling around the Bosworth trial.

While I wait for 2-years’ worth of WordPress updates to complete, and get ready to go to my daughter “Red’s” High School graduation (yes, she’s one of my gingers), I’m happy to announce that I’m re-launching the SDWC’s long ago intended sister web site “Dakotafoodie.com.”

I think Summer is a great time to be doing this, and sheer providence had me talking with an interested co-writer today. And I already lined up a feature article to do. So, why not?

As we kick things off, if you have an interesting thought for an article, an idea, or a recipe to submit for the web site, e-mail me here.

The BIA Is sending a delegation amidst factions squabbling and vying for position in the vacuum left by the death of Michael Jandreau. 

And one side is claiming part of the dispute is being fueled because former U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson was brought in:

In a tribal court filing, Jandreau’s allies on the council – Orville Landeau and John McCauley Sr. – claim that the firing of Matz, lawyer Tara Adamski and tribal administrative officer Scott Jones was unlawful. Jones is Jandreau’s half-brother.

Wright, however, said he believes the politically-connected Matz is helping to fuel the dispute. As evidence, he points to an April 23 meeting with Brendan Johnson, the former U.S. attorney and son of Sen. Tim Johnson.

Wright says that Johnson offered a deal that centered on rehiring Matz and Adamski. If that didn’t happen, Johnson predicted that Wright’s position would be challenged in court, which happened a week after the meeting.

“He kind of bulldogged his way in there,” Wright said. “He had the upper hand. He is who he is. I give him credit for that. To me, he kind of strong-armed a little old Indian boy from nowhere.”

Johnson disputes Wright’s account of the meeting. While the prospect of rehiring Matz, a family friend, did come up, Johnson said he only suggested it as one of several scenarios under which the two factions could find a way to reach an agreement and govern the tribe.

Read it all here.

Not sure that was a great political move for Brendan. Trying to mediate a leadership dispute on the reservation is like trying to represent Annette Bosworth, or mediate disputes between the families in Game of Thrones.  It’s just going to be an impossible mess that isn’t going to end well.

Just an FYI, it will likely be light posting this weekend – I’ve got a Graduation party today, and the actual graduation tomorrow, so I’m going to be busy with other things.

But, I’m making sure I don’t forget the weekly columns by our state’s leaders, and will have those up today instead of serving up as my usual Sunday Morning fare.

Otherwise, enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend. And don’t spend so much time on the computer.

From the Associated Press:

CONCORD, N.H. – A campaign worker for a New Hampshire House hopeful has been charged with a felony for sending out a fake news release saying the opponent had dropped out of the race.

Attorney General Joseph Foster says Carl Gibson, 28, of Concord was charged May 22 with felony voter suppression and a misdemeanor count of distributing a false document.

Read it here.

Thune Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Trade Bill

“With trade promotion authority, we can negotiate deals that put our nation first …”

 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after the Senate passed bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1314, to renew trade promotion authority for six years:

 

“Trade deals are powerful tools that help strengthen our economy, create more jobs, and even promote our nation’s stability and security abroad. With trade promotion authority, we can negotiate deals that put our nation first for the benefit of American workers, businesses, consumers, and families. This bipartisan legislation renews trade promotion authority for six years, which extends well beyond the current administration. The House should move swiftly to pass this legislation so our nation can get to work securing trade deals, which would open new markets for goods and services stamped ‘Made in the USA.’”

 

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#BozTrial bombshell. I'm hearing that atty Jeff Beck is not at trial. But I'm told he's hired atty Brad Schreiber and he's in attendance.

— Pat Powers (@SoDakCampaigns) May 22, 2015

Update – Beck took stand at about 3:15. Offering a vastly different point of view on testimony.