Category: Uncategorized

One of the hardest working candidates in South Dakota politics is back at it, as Jordan Youngberg kicks off his campaign for District 25 State Senate, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to find out more why he thought it might be a good idea to run for the privilege of driving to to Pierre starting in January of 2025 if he’s successful in his pursuit of the race.

Youngberg had previously served in the State Legislature from 2017-2020, but when faced with committing to another term of office after that, Jordan paused his political career, as he knew he was not going to run for another term, and decided the best thing to do for his District was to step down to give someone else an opportunity to serve.

Jordan has been a small businessman as long as I’ve known him, doing everything from selling ice cream at his business, to hawking fireworks at his stand, and upon leaving the legislature took a state job with the Treasurer’s office to take care of his growing family.  But just like the pull of being a small businessman, which he has returned to, the pull of politics has also been an irresistible force in his life. Which brings us to today, with Jordan fully engaged in the race for the State Senate for District 25, an area he grew up and went to high school in.

But enough introduction… let’s have 5 questions with District 25 State Senate Candidate Jordan Youngberg:

Why are you looking at returning to the legislature?

Serving in the South Dakota legislature was an honor of a lifetime and a responsibility that required maturity, professionalism and a lot of hard work. With the blessing of my wife and boys, I’ve made the decision to run once again for the State Senate because the representation we have right now isn’t getting the job done, and our communities are paying the price for it.

When I served in the Senate, I passed bills to help teachers, keep drugs off the streets, and make government smaller. District 25 deserves a Senator that cares about getting things done for our families and our communities and unfortunately, we’re currently being served by an individual who would rather make headlines for everything but passing legislation or tackling real issues.

 

It’s expected that you’ll be running against the incumbent Senator Tom Pischke in a primary. Why are you the better choice in the race?

Growing up in District 25 and returning home, I quickly decided that it’s time our communities had a voice in Pierre that wasn’t afraid to work hard and get things done. During the last legislative session, our current Senator failed to pass one piece of legislation or participate in discussions on any of the important issues facing our state.

I think there’s two parts to being a conservative: saying it, and doing it. Unlike our current Senator, who has no plans to bring forth legislation and was quoted as saying, “there was nothing really driving him”, I will bring forward conservative ideas and see them through to completion.

 

Your likely opponent has been pretty controversial this last session as the only supporter of a senator who harassed an employee, and he demanded the arrest of many of the Senators as a result. Has that affected the kind of support you’re getting? Have you gotten any pushback from people trying to convince you to run for a different office?

I learned early on in my first race for the Senate against a Democrat that it was more important to run for something than against someone. However, I do believe that it’s fair to point out the facts and the differences between my approach and that of my opponent.

My opponent didn’t have a home (wasn’t allowed) in the Republican Caucus for much of the 2023 legislative session. His antics were a distraction in what is a very short legislative session and it’s obvious he would rather advance his personal priorities over putting in the work and advocating for the needs of our District. Instead of working to improve rural education, our agriculture industry, or policies that keep our families safe, my opponent spent his time trying to get fellow Republican colleagues arrested for following the constitution.

 

This is a slightly reconfigured legislative district since the last time you were there. What do you see as the big issues facing your District?

District 25 is in a unique position of opportunity as Sioux Falls and the greater area continue to expand. We are going to continue to see more jobs, residents, and tax revenue and I want to make sure we’re positioned best take advantage of these opportunities. As exciting as this is, we must continue to focus on and advocate for the conservative ideals that have shaped our community and made it one of the best places in the world to call home.

In addition, we need to continue to prioritize South Dakota farmers, ensure rural school districts like Dell Rapids (GO QUARRIERS!) have the resources they need, and ensure there is enough housing to support both current and future residents. Finally, we must keep focusing on public safety to ensure our cities and small towns remain a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

 

You’ve aggressively jumped into the race for District 25 State Senate with both feet. Any specifics as to why you’re on the campaign trail 8-9 months before the primary?

Those who know me know that I only have one speed and when I decide to do something, I go all out. Since I announced my intention to run, I’ve been to multiple parades this year and talked with hundreds of District 25 voters. Even in these early conversations, it’s clear so many of these community members know it’s time to send someone to Pierre that will get the real work done and put an end to these sideshows.

 

And there you have it!  5 Questions with one of our newest Senate Candidates. Thank you, and best of luck to Jordan in his pursuit of the seat.

Rounds Nominates Anderson Family of Rapid City for Angels in Adoption Award

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated Nathan and Angela Anderson for the 2023 Angels in Adoption Award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI).

Nathan and Angela Anderson have been married since 2006. Nathan is originally from the Huron area, and Angela is originally from the Rapid City area. In 2015, they were blessed with their son Boaz through a private adoption with the help of Hughes Law Office, Bethany Christian Services and Jean Cline. Boaz is now eight years old, and he is full of energy and laughter. Then, in 2021, the Andersons received a call from their pastor, Wes Roth, who was approached by biological grandparents needing to find a family to adopt their two-week-old granddaughter who was in foster care. Nathan and Angela selflessly opened their home once more and adopted their daughter Emma. Now, the Andersons are a family of four who affectionately embrace being “Team BEAN” (Boaz, Emma, Angela and Nathan).

“We are humbled to have been nominated by Senator Rounds for the 2023 Angels in Adoption Award,” said Nathan and Angela Anderson. “Adoption was originally a road we didn’t know we’d travel on, but it has been such a beautiful and enriching part of our lives. While the adoption process comes with many hills and valleys, Boaz and Emma are a forever blessing. We feel incredibly grateful, and we hope our story encourages others to consider adoption.”

Rounds nominated John and Beth Hughes for the 2022 Angels in Adoption Award. Their adoption practice, Heart2Heart Adoptions, which is part of Hughes Law Office, has brought hundreds of families together, including the Anderson family. Additionally, Rounds nominated Wes Roth, the Anderson’s pastor, and his wife Kimberly for the 2018 Angels in Adoption Award.

“I am honored to nominate Nathan and Angela for this year’s Angels in Adoption award,” said Rounds. “Throughout years of adversity and perseverance, the Andersons relied on their Faith and trusted God’s plan for their family. Team BEAN serves as a great example of how powerful the gift of adoption can be. The connection between the Anderson, Hughes and Roth families makes this year’s award even more special. These families have made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many, and our state is lucky to have them.”

Rounds is a member of the CCAI. Each year, members of Congress are invited to nominate an outstanding family or organization from their state to receive an Angels in Adoption award. CCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption. For more information, visit CCAI’s website.

Rounds’ office is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Angels in Adoption Award. For more information, please visit rounds.senate.gov/adoption.

###

Thune: Stand With Israel and Stand Up to Iran

“And I can say that the Republican Conference stands in solidarity with Israel and its right not only to exist, but also to defend itself and to protect its citizens from these types of attacks.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at the Senate Republican leadership press conference in strong support of Israel’s right to defend itself from heinous terrorist attacks. Earlier today, Thune spoke at a press conference led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) where Republican senators highlighted Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism in Israel and called for passage of legislation to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets the Biden administration attempted to provide Iran last month.

Rounds’ Communications Director to Serve as Chief of Staff 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Dezmond Ward will serve as Rounds’ Chief of Staff. Ward, who has worked in Rounds’ office since 2018, most recently served as the Communications Director for Rounds.

“Dezmond has been a trusted member of my team for almost six years,” said Rounds. “No matter the role, Dezmond has proven to have a strong work ethic and knowledge of issues both in South Dakota and in D.C. I am excited to have him lead my team and see his impact in this new role.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of South Dakota in this new capacity,” said Ward. “I’m excited to lead our great team that is service-oriented and focused on getting results. I look forward to the challenges ahead as we continue to work to bring South Dakota values to a broken Washington, D.C.”

Originally from Milbank, Ward is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Ward interned in Rounds’ office before joining full time as a Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant. He also served as a Field Representative until becoming Rounds’ Communications Director. 

###

From my mailbox, former Huron School Superintendent Terry Nebelsick has announced that he will be a candidate in the Distrcit 22 House Race:

Former school administrator Terry Nebelsick of Huron, as well as former teacher Lana Greenfield of Doland, both sent press releases announcing their intention to run for the legislature in the 2024 election. Both District 22 House seats are open this cycle, as current legislator Roger Chase is term limited in the House and Lynn Schneider has chosen not to seek re-election.

and..

Nebelsick retired from the Huron School District in 2021, after serving first as the high school principal and then as the district superintendent. A first-time legislative candidate, Nebelsick has served on numerous state-wide education boards, including chairing the S.D. School Finance Accountability Board and the State Board of Education Standards.

Read it here in the Huron Plainsman.

With the former police chief Kevin Van Diepen and Lana Greenfield also in the contest, it looks like we have a primary for D22 House!

“U Can’t Touch This”
 – M.C. Hammer

US Senator John Thune remains the undisputed heavyweight champion in South Dakota politics, when it comes to fundraising. Once again.

Friends of Thune October 2023 by Pat Powers on Scribd

The Senator’s quarterly fundraising is just a bonus, considering he reported $155,230.77 in dividends/interest. But in case you are interested, Senator Thune reported total receipts of having raised/transferred a total of $479,887.93, against $100,674.44 in expenses , leaving him with $17,436,291.66 cash on hand.

There is no one who can possibly come close, with the exception of Governor Kristi Noem, but her reports are filed with the state on an annual basis during the off-season. So we’ll have to wait to see.

Three years out from his successful 2020 election, US Senator Mike Rounds is raising sufficient money to give him a healthy head start in the next contest three years from now.

Mike Rounds Oct 2023 FEC by Pat Powers on Scribd

Rounds for Senate is reporting $74,180.48 raised against $56,949.69 spent.  A natural slower time of the election cycle for Rounds, who has to stand for election every six years.

But with $1,459,590.63 in the bank, he has a healthy start to fend off any challengers. (Not that there’s any challengers.)

Look like there’s no fooling around for fundraising in Team Dusty’s camp.

Compared to where he was at this time in the last election cycle, Dusty is posting numbers that are fully double compared to what he reported having raised in October 2021 ($219k raised, $43.5k Spent, and $1.7 Million Cash on Hand), which underline that Congressman Johnson is one of the hardest working candidates in South Dakota politics.

Looking at the numbers:

Dusty Johnson October 2024 FEC by Pat Powers on Scribd

Mic drop by Dusty here – Congressman Johnson reported a very healthy $445,237.67 fundraising haul, against $108,970.41 in expenses.  Those are pretty decent numbers.

But the eye-popping number is the $3,276,062.18 cash on hand at the Congressman’s disposal to fend off any challengers (such as Zach Kovach).

One thing I keep in mind is that two years ago in the prior election, Taffy (“can’t-find-the-vote-button“) Howard had been ‘exploring a race’ for two months at this time.  Congressman Johnson has managed to put this kind of fundraising total up with no real opponent even considering a race for the 2024.  At this point, it’s questionable whether he’ll have an opponent.

Although, the hard-right has managed to dig someone up for the last couple of elections, with an over-inflated ego each time.  But this kind of fundraising total may give even them pause at what they’d be taking on.

If you recall, I noted several months ago, back in June, that someone had popped up saying they were going to run for Congress as a Democrat, despite they haven’t lived here for several years.

According to the most recent voter database records I have available, I don’t see where he has voted in South Dakota since the 2018 general election. It may be interesting to check where he falls on voter rolls in Maryland and Iowa where he has been living, but I’m not seeing anything in South Dakota to give even a hint of connection to the state.

So, let’s summarize. Mr. Kovach has no current residency here. He hasn’t voted here since 2018. He may (emphasis on may) be registered to vote in another state, and as he’s been working for “Progressive Maryland,” and a candidate in Iowa, his C.V. doesn’t appear to indicate that he’s worked in South Dakota for the last several years.

Read that here.

Well, it looks like Zach is still in the running, as they’ve filed an FEC report, and have gotten a couple of Democrats to send him a check:

Zach Kovach FEC by Pat Powers on Scribd

Kovach’s FEC Report notes that he reports $1380 raised (With $1000 coming from South Dakota Democrat John Cunningham and another $250 from Nick Nemec).

Kovach spent $2948 in pursuit of his race against Johnson, giving him $1380 cash on hand, and $3142.92 in debts and obligations.. which are basically expenses he wants the campaign to reimburse himself for.

With a year to go in his race, he probably should step it up a bit.

10 Years Since Winter Storm Atlas
By Sen. John Thune

Ten years ago, Winter Storm Atlas swept through western South Dakota. When it started, no one had any idea that it would be one of the most devastating snowstorms in the area’s history. Atlas dropped as much as 5 feet of snow in some areas. Wind gusts reached 71 miles per hour, and the storm devastated West River ranches.

Growing up in Murdo, we saw a lot of nasty weather, but Winter Storm Atlas was a storm unlike any other. Shortly after the storm cleared, I toured the area with then-Gov. Dennis Daugaard. It was heart-wrenching to see the impact on our state’s livestock industry. Tens of thousands of cattle, sheep, horses, and bison were killed. Much of the livestock that survived the storm were scattered miles from their pasture.

The Atlas storm brought the ferocity of Mother Nature to bear, but it also revealed the resilience and kindness of South Dakotans. Farmers and ranchers are independent, hard-working people. They are the best friends and neighbors you could ask for – the first to lend a helping hand and the last to ask for help. In the days and weeks after the blizzard, support came in from across the country. South Dakotans donated to the Rancher Relief Fund that provided millions of dollars in assistance to livestock producers, and producers from around the country donated their own livestock to help South Dakota ranchers rebuild their way of life.

When the storm hit, Congress was working on finalizing a farm bill, and I got right to work to make sure the bill would be done quickly and that the programs producers needed would be there for them. Winter Storm Atlas was a reminder that disaster can strike when you least expect it. In the 2008 farm bill, I coauthored the first standing livestock disaster programs of their kind. I worked to ensure these programs – the Livestock Forage, Livestock Indemnity, and Emergency Livestock Assistance programs – were continued and strengthened in the 2014 and 2018 farm bills.

Thankfully a storm as devastating as Atlas hasn’t struck again, but South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers have certainly seen their fair share of extreme weather in the last decade. Weather is just one aspect of the uncertainty and challenges that farmers and ranchers face. The livestock programs I helped design are an integral part of the farm safety net that farmers and ranchers depend on when challenges arise. As Congress considers another farm bill this year, I’m working to strengthen these programs to ensure farmers and ranchers can weather any storm that comes their way.

Agriculture is South Dakota’s number-one industry. South Dakota farmers and ranchers work hard every day, and they face uncertainty and a myriad of challenges to deliver a reliable and affordable food supply to the nation and the world. South Dakota’s producers are on my mind every day in the U.S. Senate, and I’ll continue working to ensure farm policy supports them and the important work they do.

###