Category: Uncategorized

SECRETARY OF STATE RELEASES DRAFT VOTER REGISTRATION FORM FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

(PIERRE, S.D.) – The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has released a draft version of the state’s voter registration form and is inviting the public to review and comment over the next ten business days.

“As we work to improve the voter registration process, we want to ensure the new registration form is clear, accessible, and easy to use for all voters,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “Public input is a key part of this process, and we want to hear from South Dakotans so we can make this the best form possible.”

The draft form reflects updates to improve readability, simplify instructions, and align with current state and federal requirements.

The Secretary of State’s Office welcomes feedback from voters, election workers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. The public comment period will run through June 27, 2025. Comments may be submitted via email to elections@state.sd.us.

A copy of the draft form is available on the Secretary of State’s website.

From Facebook, apparently State Representative Logan Manhart is now living in fear of dying for Israel for some weird reason..

I wasn’t aware that he had some obligation to travel to the Middle East to enlist as part of the IDF.

Honestly, I think he was more in danger for participating in the rally on January 6th 2021 in Washington DC which devolved into a riot, than he faces in a Middle East conflict, unless there’s something we don’t know.

Coming after the Doeden for Governor campaign announced this week they would be going around South Dakota with Toby Doeden’s scowling face on the side of a bus..

..apparently the Hansen/Lemming campaign thought they needed to do something like that to chase around team Doeden.

So this afternoon, it looks like we have an announcement of the Hansen/Lemming Phony Express hitting the road.

It’s just like the Doeden bus tour, except similar to when an original product is made, the inevitable cheap Chinese knockoff products in bulk show up, because it’s easier than having on original idea.  Doeden has a wrapped bus, so the Hansen campaign wrapped a camper.

Why? … well.. the other guys have a bus, so they need a wrapped vehicle to make it look like they’re coming close to 4% too.

It’s Time for CLARITY
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
June 13, 2025

BIG Update

For too long, the United States has resisted creating a regulatory framework for digital assets. That’s not a strategy – it’s a surrender. My bill, the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act would establish clear rules of the road for digital asset regulation, giving certainty to developers and consumers. This week, the CLARITY Act passed the House Agriculture Committee by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 47-6.

Sooner than we expect, digital assets and blockchain technology will transform almost every industry. Our landmark legislation will foster innovation and investment in America to ensure our country powers the future of blockchain and digital assets development.

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks

BIG Idea

South Dakota has $29 million in funding from federal electric vehicle (EV) programs that are unusable due to rules that were attached when it was received from the Biden Administration. The EV agenda of the Biden Administration has passed, but South Dakota and other states are left with money that can only be used on EV infrastructure.

I introduced the Highway Funding Flexibility Act to allow states like South Dakota to reallocate these dollars to other highway and infrastructure projects that are a priority. States would be able to use these dollars for engineering, design, construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and truck parking facilities.

More than $7 billion was allocated across the country for EV projects, and there are few EV chargers to show for it. America’s transportation infrastructure is lagging behind China’s and it’s time to prioritize the health of our roads and bridges. Congress and the White House should empower states to make the necessary investments to address their unique transportation needs.

BIG News

The images and videos of vandalism, looting, assault on law enforcement, and rioting in Los Angeles are troubling. These are not protesters, but are violent individuals upset about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who are enforcing the law.

California Governor Newsom’s soft-on-crime policies have led to vicious assaults on law enforcement. This is not the American way. Local law enforcement and ICE officers deserve our respect and support for keeping us all safe.

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Gubernatorial wannabe Toby Doeden today took a swipe at Governor Rhoden for his trade mission to Israel via facebook because… well, politics. As well as the fact that he clearly doesn’t understand one of the jobs of the chief executive is to promote trade with the state:

It appears that someone polling at 4% does not have a good grasp of what the job duties of the big office on the second floor of the Capitol Building entail.  According to a release from the Governor’s office:

Governor Rhoden Leads Trade Mission to Israel

PIERRE, SD – This week, Governor Larry Rhoden is leading a business-driven trade mission to Israel alongside South Dakota Trade. By the end of his first full day in the Holy Land, he will have met with President Isaac Herzog, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar of Israel. You can find photos of his meetings with President Herzog and Foreign Minister Sa’ar here and here, respectively.

“South Dakota continues to be an economic leader – both nationally and internationally. Israel has been a key partner in our state’s economic success, and I was honored to meet with the Israeli leaders to strengthen our relationship,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “By working together with countries across the globe, we will keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity for generations to come.”

The Governor is leading a business delegation made up of defense and agriculture businesses that are actively seeking sales in the Israeli market.

“This mission is 100% business-driven,” said Jesse Fonkert, President & CEO of South Dakota Trade. “We had a successful mission in November of last year and are back because our businesses are generating real opportunities that have already produced millions in sales and a robust pipeline for even more expansion.”

Governor Rhoden also conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. You can find a photo of that ceremony here. Governor Rhoden also saw sections of the memorial specific to the Mauthausen concentration camp, which his father helped liberate near the end of World War II.

President Trump’s newly confirmed Ambassador, Mike Huckabee, will host a reception to honor the Governor’s visit.

Governor Rhoden also visited the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah’s Mt. Scopus Hospital to meet with recovering soldiers who have been injured since the start of the war. This stop was coordinated by South Dakota Jewish community leader Carol Rosenthal, who serves as the Chair of Hadassah International. You can find a photo of the visit here.

“The Gandel Rehabilitation Center is a beacon of hope that serves as a home where the wounded come to gradually regain their lives through physical and emotional rehabilitation,” said Carol Rosenthal. “I’d like to thank Governor Rhoden for visiting Hadassah during his time in Israel. I’m confident that he will see first-hand the resilience of the Israeli people and that our Jewish friends and neighbors here in South Dakota will never forget this statement of support.”

Governor Rhoden is joined by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner Joe Fiala, who attended the first trade mission to Israel in November 2024. Governor Rhoden and the trade delegation are hosting, a “Doing Business in South Dakota” seminar that focused on recruiting foreign direct investment into the state.

“South Dakota was the first state to bring a trade mission to Israel after the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023,” said Deputy Commissioner Joe Fiala. “Being there in person demonstrated our commitment to building relationships with the Israeli people. Our trade missions have created new friendships, stronger business ties, and exciting opportunities for our state’s economy.”

Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz of Sioux Falls, SD, is also joining Governor Rhoden and the business delegates in Israel.

“Governor Rhoden has been a true friend to the Jewish community here in South Dakota, and I am incredibly grateful he included me on this visit to the Holy Land,” said Rabbi Alperowitz.

Trade missions to the UK/Ireland and Canada are currently being planned for later in 2025. Interested businesses should reach out to Rachael Weiland from South Dakota Trade at rachael.weiland@southdakotatrade.com.

South Dakota Trade is a 501(c)(6) association that navigates international trade for South Dakota. The Association has offices in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. For additional information, please visit www.southdakotatrade.com.

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Yes, South Dakota does trade with people farther away than Minnesota and Nebraska. South Dakota businesses sell things to other countries, including Saudi Arabia as well.

If Toby doesn’t want to do the job, maybe he shouldn’t be running for it.

Thank You, Senator Thune, for Standing Up for Credit Unions and the People They Serve
By Jeff Olson, President/CEO, Dakota Credit Union Association

At a time when many Americans are navigating financial stress and uncertainty, having access to safe, affordable financial services has never been more important. That’s why South Dakotans and credit union members across the country should take note and be grateful for Senator John Thune’s continued leadership and support for credit unions.

As Senate Majority Leader, Senator Thune plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact everyday Americans. His vocal support for credit unions and preserving their not-for-profit tax status sends a strong message: he’s standing with working families, small businesses, farmers, veterans, teachers, and the people who live and work in our rural and underserved communities.

Credit unions aren’t just financial institutions. They are member-owned cooperatives deeply embedded in their local communities. Nationwide, they serve over 142 million members – roughly 43% of the U.S. population. These are not Wall Street giants. They are Main Street champions. Unlike for-profit banks, credit unions reinvest earnings into their members through lower loan rates, higher savings returns, and fewer fees.

Here in South Dakota, credit unions generate more than $572 million in annual economic output and support nearly 3,000 jobs. In 2024 alone, South Dakota credit unions returned over

$96 million in direct benefits to members, while also generating $63 million in tax revenue, including $9 million in state taxes. That’s an important contribution to our state’s infrastructure, education, and public services.

Senator Thune understands that changing the tax treatment of credit unions would do more than increase costs – it would limit financial choice, drive people toward high-interest lenders and credit cards, and weaken the economic stability of our communities, especially our rural communities. If credit union rates on loans are no longer competitive, many families will be left with no other option than to borrow under far more burdensome terms.

In rural areas especially, credit unions are often the only locally governed financial institution. They’re the ones sponsoring youth sports, providing free financial education in schools, helping first-time homebuyers, and offering essential services to people who may not otherwise be served. They are not just part of the financial system; they are part of the community fabric.

Public support for credit unions is overwhelming. Nationwide, 87% of voters view them favorably, and over 90% of members trust their credit union. In an era where partisanship divides, credit unions unite Americans. Senator Thune recognizes this. His leadership mirrors the values of transparency, fairness, and community investment that credit unions embody every day.

As the House of Representatives has already done, the Senate should now follow Senator Thune’s lead on passing the Senate’s reconciliation package, the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ which preserves and protects the tax exemption status of credit unions. Doing so ensures that families and small businesses can continue to rely on these trusted, community-based financial cooperatives.

Credit unions win when their members win and we’re grateful to have a leader like Senator Thune who understands that.

Jeff Olson
President/CEO
Dakota Credit Union Association

As I was writing about earlier, a social media post claiming threats were made during a Toby Doeden campaign event on Thursday, June 12 in downtown Aberdeen is wrong, according to the chief of the Aberdeen Police Department, via the Aberdeen Insider:

Chief Dave McNeil said there was a police officer at the Brown County Republicans monthly Reagan Lunch, but no threats were made against Doeden or the Engels Event Co., which hosted the event that ran from roughly 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I don’t believe that happened at all. I don’t believe anybody was making threats,” McNeil said.

and..

Shad Olson, a former Rapid City TV reporter who is known to make inflammatory political posts on social media, wrote on Facebook about the Thursday event in Aberdeen. His entry was also on the Rushmore Republican Facebook page. The Rushmore Republican is a right-wing political blog.

and..

But nobody drove by the event center making threats, McNeil said.

Read that all here.

A good reminder, paraphrasing Mark Twain, that there are lies, damned lies, and goofy things that Shad Olson says.

Israel is within its right to defend itself from Iran, the largest state-sponsor of terror. Iran breached its obligation and must end its nuclear weapons program. The United States will stand with Israel who continues to face threats across the Middle East.

— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) June 13, 2025

Rounds Asks Agriculture Secretary to Promote Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins asking her to develop a framework for reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef.

“Our American producers work hard every day to produce the highest quality beef in the world,” Rounds wrote. “They battle the wind, the rain, the snow and the sun. Foreign governments and multinational meatpacking companies should not determine the fate of the American family ranching system.”

A majority of American consumers support requiring country of origin labeling for fresh meat. Retail-level MCOOL for fresh fruits, vegetables, beef, pork, lamb and seafood passed as part of the 2002 Farm Bill and was implemented fully in 2008. After a number of challenges from trade partners and the World Trade Organization, Congress repealed MCOOL requirements for beef and pork. Rounds is asking Secretary Rollins to develop a framework with U.S. trade officials to develop a framework that would not face similar challenges from trading partners.

Rounds has been a leader in the push to reinstate MCOOL for beef. Most recently, Rounds launched a nationwide effort in June 2024 to support American farmers and ranchers by getting MCOOL included in the Farm Bill. This effort was endorsed by 26 farm and ranch groups from across the country. The effort was also co-signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

Read the full text of the letter HERE or below.

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Dear Secretary Rollins,

For decades, American cattlemen have produced the highest-quality beef in the world. This has created strong demand for American beef not only in domestic markets, but also across the globe.

Since the repeal of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) in 2015, Americans have consumed increasing amounts of foreign beef. Moreover, many Americans are unknowingly buying beef without transparent or reliable country-of-origin information. This practice has not only disadvantaged American producers, but also misled consumers.

Following the repeal, both producers and consumers called for the reinstatement of MCOOL. In response, a handful of transnational meatpacking companies lobbied policymakers to preserve the current labeling system. At the same time, these companies have increased beef imports into the United States. This is a system that is neither fair nor sustainable.

For almost a century, U.S. trade law has required the majority of imported products to bear a country of origin label. There is no reason why this same level of transparency should not exist within our beef labeling system.

While Congress is prepared to address MCOOL as part of the upcoming Farm Bill, federal agencies must also play a leadership role. We urge you to work with U.S. trade officials to develop a feasible framework for reinstating MCOOL for beef and to examine the deceptive practices currently distorting our beef markets.

Our American producers work hard every day to produce the highest quality beef in the world. They battle the wind, the rain, the snow and the sun. Foreign governments and multinational meatpacking companies should not determine the fate of the American family ranching system.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to collaborating with you on this issue.

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Fresh off of copping a “No Contest” plea for assaulting his former girlfriend, disgraced former news anchor Shad Olson certainly isn’t doing anything to enhance his reputation as a journalist to be taken seriously in his latest missive.

Last night, bad Shad took to facebook to claim that Toby Doeden’s appearance at the Brown County GOP Luncheon was “nearly disrupted by an unhinged leftist’s repeated drive-by threats to firebomb and burn down the venue.”

(of course, it goes on for another several paragraphs, but getting to the point has never been one of Shad’s virtues.)

The problem is… according to people who were actually there.. it didn’t happen. At all.

Nothing of this nature was reported by the media who were actually in attendance. Nothing from just rank and file attendees. As one person noted to me “The mayor was there. Had that happened, every cop in town would have been there instantly.”

In fact, a second person who was there related “There was no police officer in the building. Never saw a car or an officer outside. I was there the entire time. There are big glass windows and not that many people there. There was no scene of any sort. Maybe somebody drove by and yelled something. I mean that could have happened, I suppose. But nothing serious happened.”  The attendee who witnessed it – or more correctly witnessed none of this – and saw this post said “the media is going to “clear the air” tomorrow” on Shad’s goofball hysteria.

Given that this is coming off of Shad being in the news for his long simmering charges for beating a woman in February 2024, it seems to be a pathetic plea for attention moreso than anything resembling legitimate reporting.