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Had someone ask me if anyone was posting about the Hansen/Lemming announcement soiree’ tonight… and there really isn’t much out there. A few pics of a room that’s filled with dinner tables, and a few people.. kind of a so-so “Lincoln Day Dinner size crowd.” Maybe 100-150?  Could be less, as the number of tables in there give an artificial impression of the room being full, since they take up a lot of space.

Stu Whitney has the best social media on it at the moment, and you can find his photos here on twitter.  The things that caught my attention in his photos are that they didn’t have one, but TWO teleprompters for the candidates to read their canned speeches from.

They have a gubernatorial announcement, with more than a week to prepare for the big day, and the candidates have to read off big TV’s strategically placed around the room?

I’m sure they were quite impressed with themselves at the venue, but in terms of making a media splash, it has been coming out in dribs and drabs for a week now, so kind of an underwhelming impact now that they’ve reached the day.

No live-streaming seemed to be available, and even more egregiously, there is no release on their website, OR on the twitter page for “Hansen Lems for Governor of South Dakota.”

THAT’s confusing in and of itself, using a portmanteau mash-up of their names, much like “Bennifer” for Ben Affleck & JLo.

If they were using teleprompters, as they were, those speeches were canned – so WHY WOULDN”T THEY HAVE A PRESS RELEASE PRE-POSITIONED ON THEIR WEBSITE AND ALL SOCIAL MEDIA?!?   They could have put out both a release, AND speeches as prepared. Instead… crickets.

Literally, in terms of media, Steve Haugaard’s rollout was better. And that says a lot.

We’ll continue to monitor the Hansen/Lemmings effort as it rolls down the road like a Walmart bag in the wind. Such as it is.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is announcing a significant fundraiser in Rapid City coming up on May 5 – and this host list is HUGE:

That’s looking like a $75K fundraiser to start just from the sponsoring hosts!  Make sure you check it out and give Marty your support!

I had someone ask me to post the Minnehaha GOP Code of Conduct, so I chased it down and discovered something very, very funny.

The subject of the recent censure – State Senator “sticky” Tom Pischke? He’s the one who brought the motion to approve the code of conduct he’s been told he’s violated:

Minnehaha County Republicans Executive Board Code of Conduct 1-30-25 by Pat Powers on Scribd

They only passed that on 1/30/25? Tom was censured on April 9, giving him about 69 days between his motion and his violation of the code.

I guess he should have been more careful of what he wished for. Because he got it.

From my mailbox, looks like Toby Doeden is shooting footage for a commercial in the park in Aberdeen with about as many cameras as people (3, possibly 4?).

Doesn’t exactly look like someone who is going to take the knee to the Hansen/Lemmings group.

 

I will say, at least this time he’s wearing a Carhartt instead of his Ralph Lauren Polo vest.

Hot off of the press into my email box, Minnehaha County Republican chairman Korry Petterson is taking to a mass email to explain his position over what is going on with the drama behind the scenes over State Senator Tom Pischke being censured for talking poorly about another Minnehaha GOP County committee member:

Response to Letter of Objection Regarding the Censure of Committeeman Tom Pischke
Korry Petterson, Chairman
Minnehaha County Republican Party
April 23, 2025

Dear Members of the Minnehaha County Republican Central Committee,

In response to the letter circulated by Vice Chair Marsha Symens on behalf of a portion of the Executive Board, I feel it is my duty as Chairman to clarify the facts, defend the integrity of my role, and reinforce the commitments I made to each of you when I was elected.

First, let me be clear:

The censure issued to Committeeman Tom Pischke was not only appropriate but necessary in light of a clear violation of the unanimously adopted Code of Conduct by the Executive Board on February 27, 2025.

This Code, which was introduced and discussed at our very first executive board meeting, included open questions from both Vice Chair Symens and Committeewoman Bridget Meyers—to which I clearly stated that the Chairman (myself) would be the individual responsible for determining violations and issuing appropriate responses. Following that discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the Code of Conduct with that understanding.

For members of this same board to now claim ignorance of the process they agreed to is both inconsistent and misleading. Please follow this link to listen to the audio from that discussion.  In the next link Committeeman Pischke expressly talks about how he would like to see “decorum”.

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Let’s review the timeline and facts:

• Feb. 27: The Executive Board introduced, discussed, and passed the Code of Conduct unanimously. It was made clear that the Chairman would act in instances of violations.

• March 18: I discovered a Facebook post made by Committeeman Tom Pischke stating that another committee member “has issues.” I reached out immediately and privately, and he removed the post—indicating he recognized the inappropriateness.

• Afterward: I spent some time thinking about how to handle this situation going forward.  I also received outreach from several concerned committee members who had seen the post. I asked Mr. Pischke to apologize. His reply: “No thank you.” When I pressed the issue, he stopped responding.

• After we adjourned our most recent executive board meeting I asked Mr. Pischke to remain for a a private discussion.  At that time I told him he has to apologize.  I informed him that several committee people expected him to apologize.  He wanted to address these individuals directly.  I told him I would talk to the members and get back to him.

• In a phone call April 4: I informed Mr. Pischke that none of the members wanted to discuss this issue with him and that they wanted me to handle it.  I again asked him to take responsibility, suggesting a chance to lead by example. He refused and said, “Do what you have to do,” then hung up.

• I spent time considering my options and chose to honor the commitment I made to the central committee: to uphold ethics, protect our members, and lead decisively

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Now, in direct response to the objections raised:

1. Free Speech Argument (Section 1 – Republican Values):
Yes, we believe in the First Amendment. But the Code of Conduct exists specifically to ensure internal accountability. Freedom of speech does not shield one from consequences when that speech targets fellow members in a harmful and unprofessional way.

2. Transparency and Process (Sections 2 & 5):
There is no provision in the Code of Conduct or our bylaws that states a censure requires a vote of the full Executive Board. In fact, the board was informed at our first meeting that I would be the one handling violations. There is no lack of transparency when the authority was clearly stated, discussed, and agreed upon.

3. Respect and Professionalism (Section 3):
I handled this matter privately and respectfully, first via direct messages, then through a conversation and it ended with a phone call. Mr. Pischke was given multiple chances to apologize. The refusal came from him—not me.

4. Commitment to Community (Section 6):
This action was taken to protect the integrity of our committee and set a precedent that we will not tolerate public attacks on fellow members.  If we ignore clear violations, we erode trust within our party.

5. Accountability (Section 5.3):
Accountability cuts both ways. As Chairman, I am upholding the standards that were unanimously agreed to. Mr. Pischke violated those standards and refused multiple chances to take responsibility.

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Regarding the Demands:

1. I will not issue a written apology to Committeeman Pischke. He was given numerous opportunities to apologize and declined at every turn.

2. I will not issue an apology to the Central Committee. I acted within the authority granted to me by the Central Committee and in line with the Code of Conduct we unanimously voted for.

3. I will not resign. I made a promise to the members of this committee to lead ethically, and I will continue to do so.  According to the bylaws, the Chair serves a fixed two-year term and is not subject to removal during that period.   Whether or not certain board members choose to collaborate in good faith, this board will move forward successfully.

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In Closing

Leadership is not about popularity. It’s about doing the right thing, especially when it’s difficult.

I remain committed to serving the Minnehaha County Republican Party with integrity, respect for process, and a clear focus on unity and growth.

Respectfully,
Korry Petterson
Chairman, Minnehaha County Republican Party

That’s a lot of words for saying I told Tom to quit being his awful self and he refused so I spanked him, and that’s that.

Never a dull moment.

Of course this is going to help us win elections next year. Won’t it?

From X.com, sometimes it’s good to be the boss:

As part of the @southdakotadci agent meeting this week in Pierre, the agents took time to refine their shooting skills. @SDAttorneyGen Marty Jackley also participated, trying out a DCI-duty issued M4 rifle. pic.twitter.com/OLCm0SBGZe

— SD Attorney General (@SDAttorneyGen) April 23, 2025

South Dakota Stands At A Crossroads: Save Our Facilities From Medicaid Ruin
by Billijean Moerman

As proud South Dakotans, we understand the obligation of prioritizing care for others above all else; for our families, our neighbors, and all those in need. Having access to quality healthcare when needed is a standard necessity of this care that we expect for one another. For this reason, it is imperative that I draw attention to our devastatingly overtaxed, primary funding source of Medicaid.

For many years, Prairie Estates Care Center stood as a beacon of love for our elderly in the small farming community of Elk Point. Some of the most gracious and hard-working individuals called Prairie Estates their home and I was the proud administrator who served them. As with most all facilities, Prairie Estates relied on Medicaid funding to reimburse our gracious owners for the care that we provided. For years, our owners fought and went into debt to keep Prairie Estates open. In January 2023, this battle was lost as Medicaid reimbursement rates barely covered a fraction of the costs.

Our state lost the most caring, loving, close-knit facility I have ever seen in my 24 years in long term care. There was nothing more heartbreaking than to hold my residents as they cried for their home, as we were forced to separate them and move them hundreds of miles away. Many of our residents went to school together and knew one another for much of their lives. They deserved to spend their golden years surrounded by their community and loved ones. Instead, they were forced to go to the only facilities that had room for them. Sadly, Prairie Estates Care Center is just one of over a dozen nursing homes and long-term care centers forced to close in recent years across our state. Over the past five years alone, 10 percent of licensed nursing home facilities in South Dakota have closed due to Medicaid underfunding. According to the South Dakota Department of Social Services, 54 percent of nursing home residents across our state depend on Medicaid for care. At the time when our facility was forced to close in 2023, Medicaid reimbursements in our state totaled $62.5 million. It is highly concerning to see lawmakers in Washington consider proposals that would drastically cut our overly overburdened Medicaid budget. Major new cuts to the program, on top of existing underpayments and inflation, would be devastating.

Medicaid is a program built for families. It serves South Dakotans of all ages, including pregnant mothers and 40 percent of the children born in our state. Patients and families who are the most vulnerable— including those with mental health and substance abuse problems, live in rural counties or have developmental disabilities— rely on Medicaid for care. Organizations and centers established to care for these patients often utilize Medicaid funding. A recent analysis from Georgetown University demonstrated that Medicaid is especially important in small towns and rural areas. One fifth of the country lives in these areas, including a large population of our state.

I, like many red-blooded Americans, admire the efforts of President Trump for championing the voiceless and repeatedly stating he will not cut Medicaid. I support our government in finding greater efficiencies and thank the President and Congress for preserving essential programs like Medicaid as part of this initiative. Trust me when I say that nursing facilities need every penny they make, and Medicaid is crucial in this regard.

So please, don’t wait until your small-town nursing home closes. Don’t wait until you need a compassionate caring environment for your mom or dad and find that they no longer exist. I am speaking for thousands of elderly, but our voices are not strong enough.

Attorney General Jackley Announces Settlement In NCAA Lawsuit

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the State has reached a settlement of its lawsuit against the NCAA that reduces the amount of money that Division I schools, including South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, will have to pay toward the NCAA’s proposed $2.8 billion settlement of federal class action lawsuits brought by student athletes in California.

“This settlement is for and about our student athletes. It provides approximately 33% relief to South Dakota’s universities and all other Division I schools, as well as a foundation for financial equity for female athletes,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This settlement also provides the Attorney General an opportunity to work with the NCAA on future reductions and stipulates that funding of the newly created Women’s Basketball Performance Fund remain intact with no reductions.”

Also, as part of the settlement and South Dakota’s past success in hosting NCAA tournaments, the NCAA has committed to meet with the hosts of past NCAA tournaments and events in South Dakota to discuss holding future events in the State.  “Last year’s Summit League men’s and women’s basketball tournaments brought roughly $10 million into South Dakota,” Attorney General Jackley said. “We look forward to hosting future NCAA events in South Dakota.”

Attorney General Jackley and the South Dakota Board of Regents, on behalf of South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, had filed a lawsuit in September 2024 against the NCAA alleging that smaller Division I schools were being overcharged for the cost of the $2.8 billion settlement.  South Dakota’s lawsuit sought to relieve the financial burden on South Dakota’s universities and other smaller Division I schools and to financially protect female athletes.

The student athletes had sued the NCAA to recover back payment for their participation in college athletics during the term of the settlement.  A federal judge in California is now deciding whether to give final approval to the NCAA’s settlement.

In consultation with the South Dakota Attorney General, the NCAA is directing a budget surplus of $55 million to reduce the amount of money Division I conferences would have had to pay for the first year of that settlement.

The settlement reduces by approximately $2 million the amount of money that the Summit League and the Missouri Valley Conference, which include the two South Dakota schools as members, will have to pay in the first year of the settlement.

The State has agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against NCAA.  A hearing had been scheduled for Thursday in Brookings County Circuit Court.

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KELOland has a story on the impending Jon Hansen/Karla Lems announcement tomorrow:

Rep. Jon Hansen and Rep. Karla Lems would be the first to officially enter the race. Hansen and Lems have placed an identical post on their Facebook pages, with a “Stronger Together” slogan, inviting the public to a 6 p.m. event at the Military Heritage Alliance building in Sioux Falls.

Hansen is a Dell Rapids lawyer. During his 10 years in the South Dakota House of Representatives, here’s what he has focused on:

• Restricting abortion.
• Opposing surrogate pregnancies.
• Blocking carbon dioxide pipelines.
• Steering state funds to non-public K-12 education.
• And changing state election laws.

Hansen was prime sponsor of a Republican-led effort by the Legislature in 2022 to make it more difficult for voters to amend the South Dakota Constitution, as well as to pass or stop state laws, if the proposal sought to raise taxes or impose a new tax. Republican lawmakers supported his proposal that sought to raise the threshold to 60%. It also would have required 60% of the proposal obligated state government to appropriate $10 million or more in any of the first five fiscal years.

Opponents criticized Hansen’s effort as an attempt to give the Legislature more power. He wrote the pro-side on the ballot-measure pamphlet. Voters however overwhelmingly rejected the proposed change.

Read the entire story here.

I guess we know what they’ll be talking about the entire campaign – abortion, carbon pipelines, robbing funds from schools, and preventing people from helping the infertile.

It’s going to be a long campaign.

And as an aside, should we refer to the followers of Hansen/Lems as Hansen/Lemmings for shorthand?

Stay tuned.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Bill Even as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development 

 PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Bill Even will serve as the next Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). He will assume this position on May 2, 2025. You can find a picture of Bill Even here. 

 “South Dakota has built the strongest economy and the freest state in America, and GOED has been instrumental to those accomplishments,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Bill Even is the right leader to continue driving our economy forward. Bill has as rich history of advocating for South Dakota’s economy, including for ag, our most important industry. I trust that Bill’s servant leadership will help us keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity.”  

Joe Fiala will continue to lead in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, embracing a new role as the Deputy Commissioner. 

 “I am grateful for Joe’s continued service. He has been so crucial to GOED for years, and he will be an important partner to Bill in the future,” continued Governor Rhoden. “Together, Bill and Joe will help lead our economy towards even greater success.” 

 Bill Even has a long history of public service, having served as Secretary of Agriculture, Deputy Secretary of Tourism and State Development, Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, State Energy Policy Director, and Policy Advisor and Executive branch lobbyist for Former Governor Mike Rounds.   

  Bill holds an A.S. in Agricultural Production from Lake Area Technical Institute, a B.S. in Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University; and a Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Pork Board based in Des Moines, IA. Prior to his employment with the National Pork Board, Bill served as the Global Industry Relations Lead and Commercial Unit Lead for DuPont Pioneer. 

 “I want to thank Governor Rhoden for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development,” said Bill Even. “My great-grandfather homesteaded our family farm at Humboldt in Dakota Territory in 1884. He and his young wife came here seeking new opportunities, room to grow and to raise a family. I believe that pioneering spirit still exists in America and in South Dakota. I look forward to working with people who share that optimistic mindset and vision of making a life and a living in our great state.” 

 Bill and his wife, Janell, have three children and live in Tea, SD. 

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