Category: Uncategorized

Governor Larry Rhoden was throwing cold water on a group of legislative proposals from the legislature to reduce property taxes led in part by one of his primary election opponents, as they only proposed tweaks around the edges, when they weren’t trying to blame state government for the problem.

According to the article by South Dakota Searchlight:

“I’ve realized that there’s not much I’ve seen that I could support,” Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight during a visit to Rapid City last week.

and..

The speaker of the state House of Representatives, Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, was the vice chairman of the Legislature’s Comprehensive Property Tax Task Force. He’s also one of the candidates challenging Rhoden for the Republican nomination for governor next year.

When the task force announced its 19 recommendations in October, Hansen framed high property taxes as a government spending problem. He authored two of the recommendations, including a request for the governor’s cooperation in cutting 5% of the spending from the state’s general fund.

and..

“I share the desire to cut property taxes,” Rhoden said in the speech. “But slashing health care, education and public safety is not the way to do it.”

Read the entire story here at South Dakota Searchlight.

The legislative property tax committee was not much more than a train wreck whose main solution was to tell state government to figure it out by cutting services, when they could not come to a consensus after throwing out numerous taxes to raise.

In case you missed the announcement earlier today from State Senator Casey Crabtree..

MADISON–Today, State Senator Casey Crabtree (R-District 8) announced draft legislation to update South Dakota law related to suppressors following federal changes with the One Big Beautiful Bill.

“I’m proud of my A rating from the NRA and proud to advance legislation supporting our constitutional right to bear arms,” said Crabtree. “Thanks to President Trump and Republican Leaders, the One Big Beautiful Bill was a major win for gun owners purchasing suppressors. This session, we will update South Dakota law to reflect this Second Amendment victory.”

Read that here.

Which is fine. But shortly after 5, Governor Larry Rhoden’s campaign came out with a tweet/video making sure that people know they mentioned it last Thursday:

Last Thursday, I announced that I’ll be bringing legislation to deregulate suppressors at the state level. South Dakota has the best 2nd Amendment laws of any state, and we’ll make them even stronger.

The NRA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and law enforcement groups… pic.twitter.com/5kK0jYKNW6

— Governor Larry Rhoden (@GovLarryRhoden) December 8, 2025

Ah.. I might have expected that more if it were a Dusty/Rhoden thing, but coming on the heels of the Crabtree announcement?

Is Governor Rhoden drawing a line in the sand and letting everyone know that de-regulating suppressors is his issue?

Should it instead be called Toby Doeden’s Sanctimonious Christmas?  Or how about Toby Doeden’s Fanatically Judgmental Christmas?  Because I just caught a video on facebook for what they claim to be “Toby Doeden’s Rockin Western Christmas,” as they feature the people whom he considers his special guests.

Seriously, you have to watch this. Because it has all the makings of being the opposite of ..’rockin.’

If you blink, you’ll miss it, but it rolls through three special guests;  Phil Jensen, California Carley, and Taffy Howard. Yes. Those three.   

Phil Jensen needs little introduction, but in case you forgot..

Because, after dodging the draft, and asking that some doctors are able to be legally killed, Phil wants you to vote for Toby Doeden for Governor.

Once Phil has made an oath for Toby, you know he’ll keep it, since he’s also been a member of the far-right Oath Keeper Militia.

Read that here.

We also have John “California” Carley, who thinks we need the 10 commandments posted and taught in welding class, and to keep allowing 16 year old girls to marry 45 year old men, who will be helping Toby ‘rock’ in a western manner. Except in this California import’s experience, the west is not western South Dakota, but the west coast.

And god forbid we forget Taffy Howard‘s version of ‘rockin’ the night away. Which might be in reference to her thoughts about librarians at the end of a rope, as she called for violence against them when checking out books:

If somebody had knowingly given that to my children when they were little, I’d want them strung up from the nearest tree.

Read that here.

Can’t say I would use rockin as a descriptor for this party.  Not at all.

Crabtree Announces Pro-Second Amendment Legislation

MADISON–Today, State Senator Casey Crabtree (R-District 8) announced draft legislation to update South Dakota law related to suppressors following federal changes with the One Big Beautiful Bill.

“I’m proud of my A rating from the NRA and proud to advance legislation supporting our constitutional right to bear arms,” said Crabtree. “Thanks to President Trump and Republican Leaders, the One Big Beautiful Bill was a major win for gun owners purchasing suppressors. This session, we will update South Dakota law to reflect this Second Amendment victory.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill reduced the federal tax stamp/tax that was required under the National Firearms Act for suppressors from $200 to $0. The proposed South Dakota legislation removes suppressors from the state’s definition of a controlled weapon as state regulation is unnecessary. This change removes state regulation of suppressors, and means South Dakotans will only need to comply with federal law.

The legislation is supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and South Dakota-based company Silencer Central.

“Silencer Central is proud to support South Dakota’s proactive deregulation of suppressors as ‘controlled weapons,’ and we hope the federal government will quickly follow our home state’s pro-gun, pro-freedom initiative,” said Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of the Sioux Falls-based suppressor retailer. “Earlier this year, we won a huge national victory as the One Big Beautiful Bill removed the $200 stamp fee on suppressors and other common firearms. Now, Senator Crabtree’s bill carries that momentum forward for South Dakota.”

The 2026 Session begins on Tuesday, January 12, 2026.

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Attorney General Jackley Unanimously Elected President-Elect of National Association of Attorneys General

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has been elected unanimously to serve as President-Elect of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) for a second time.

Attorney General Jackley was elected to the post Monday by the nation’s Attorneys General at their annual meeting in Washington, DC. He had been serving as Vice President of the National Association of Attorneys General this past year.

“I am honored to serve alongside my fellow Attorneys General as we enforce our state laws and promote sound law enforcement policies for our communities,” said Attorney General Jackley.  “Serving in this leadership role will strengthen my ability to address issues on a national level that are important to South Dakota.”

Attorney General Jackley was first elected NAAG President in 2015, the first South Dakota Attorney General to lead the nation’s Attorneys General.

NAAG members are the Attorneys General of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is the NAAG President this year, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb Vice President, and New Hampshire Attorney General William Formella Immediate Past President.

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One of the last giants from the golden age of the South Dakota State Legislature before term limits, having served as Senate Minority/Majority Leader from 1971 through 1988, G. Homer Harding of Pierre celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday and was joined and celebrated by current Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff:

Homer also served as the South Dakota State Treasurer for a term from 1991-1994. For more specifics, according to the South Dakota State Legislature :

– Minority Leader 1975-1976
– Majority Leader 1977-1988
– LRC Executive Board member 1979-1984
– State Treasurer 1991-1994

Congratulations and celebrations for Homer and his family on reaching this incredible milestone.

The Christine Erickson for Sioux Falls Mayor campaign is hosting a $30 fundraiser in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, December 17th at Gib’s Sports Bar in Sioux Falls, where they will have sign up sheets to volunteer for the campaign, as well as helping people in getting registered to vote.  (There will be a taco bar included for the event, if you need to grab a bite to eat on the way home.)

Let’s Taco ’bout it, head to Gib’s sports bar in Sioux Falls, and join the fun in the campaign to lead South Dakota’s largest city a week from Wednesday!

…. can’t stop the eye rolling….

Good gosh, I hadn’t realized that after Annette Bosworth left the state, she is still trying to proclaim her innocence. .. or at least trying to impress upon people that the felonies she committed weren’t that bad.

Such ridiculous BS. The part she skips over in her silly, overdramatized narrative is that none of the charges were brought forward until after the election.  So the part where she claims that the charges were brought because her opponent (Mike Rounds) and the Attorney General (Marty Jackley) were buddies and she somehow outperformed his campaign in fundraising?

Complete nonsense and silliness, because by that time, she had already lost. And certainly didn’t outperform anyone, because her campaign had long imploded by the date of the election, where she came in a very distant 4th place.

Jeff Marlette, Former Adjutant General, South Dakota National Guard announces run for District 33 State House

“Throughout my life I have been blessed to have the opportunity to serve in many rewarding capacities.  It would be an honor to now serve by representing the citizens of District 33 in the State House of Representatives. “

With more than 40 years of service to our Nation, the State of South Dakota and local communities, Major General (Ret.) Jeff Marlette of Rapid City announces he is running for State Representative in District 33.  His service includes over thirty-six years in uniform, combat service in Iraq, Commanding General of the South Dakota National Guard, service as a member of the Governors cabinet, service as West River Director for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds and many years serving as a Superintendent of Schools in South Dakota schools.  He has also served on numerous boards and committees at the local, state and national levels.

“As a commonsense conservative, I will work to support traditional family values and to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent in a fiscally conservative manner.  I will support sensible restructuring of the property tax system, a strong education system and a vibrant environment for business.   I fully support the expansion of Ellsworth Airforce Base and the need to address water shortage issues in western South Dakota.”

Marlette holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Education from Northern State University, an Education Specialist degree from the University of Sioux Falls and a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.  He notes some of his best education comes from growing up in a farm/ranch family, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of keeping our Agriculture industry strong.

Marlette and wife Sandy are longtime residents of Rapid City and of Legislative District 33.  They are active participants in the Rapid City community, always willing to step forward to help make our community stronger.  They have been highly active in Republican circles, having both worked for members of Congress, served as Precinct Leaders, Pennington County Republican Party Board Members and State Committeewoman and Committeeman positions for Pennington County. They previously served as Co-Chairs for the Will Graham Ministry event held in Rapid City and have been highly active in helping the Hills Alive event continue in the Black Hills.

“Through my civilian career, military service, formal education, and life experiences, I believe I have developed the knowledge, skills and perspectives necessary to be an effective, common-sense conservative legislator.  I will be a legislator who listens, learns, and works hard to understand issues and to find meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our state. I look forward to working hard every day for the people of District 33.  I ask for your support on June 2nd in the Republican primary election.”

John Shubeck announces his candidacy for South Dakota District 16 House of Representatives.

I am currently serving as in the South Dakota House, Representing District 16 and am seeking reelection. I serve on the agriculture and natural resources committee, the transportation committee, and the veterans affairs committee. I have always been drawn to serving my community and my country. I served the district through military service, agricultural boards, youth coaching, and church leadership. I am running to bring service-driven, common-sense leadership to Pierre.

I grew up as the son of a farmer in Turner County and I now operate a diversified grain and livestock operation with my family. After completing a 20 year Marine Corps career — earning honors including the Bronze Star Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon — I returned home to continue serving as a head track coach and a leader in a growing church in Centerville.

My campaign will focus on:

• Strengthening South Dakota agriculture

Protecting family farms, supporting next-generation producers, and cutting unnecessary regulation.

• Supporting veterans and first responders

Ensuring those who serve have access to the resources and respect they deserve.

• Defending strong families and local communities

Upholding South Dakota values and keeping decisions close to home.

• Promoting responsible budgeting and limited government

Keeping taxes low, spending transparent, and priorities focused on the people.

I love this state and the communities that make up district 16. I live between Centerville and Beresford with my wife and 4 kids. I remain active in agriculture, athletics, and community service. I look forward to meeting with voters across Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties in the coming weeks.

I would be honored to have your support during the Republican primary on June 2. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram