Category: Uncategorized

If you have read the story about the last Board of Elections meeting, a proposal was offered to allow for a filing fee in lieu of petitions signatures in running for office.

Of course.. people weren’t thrilled by it, and it became a news story:

“I’ll be honest, I’m a hard ‘no’ on this one,” said board member Austin Hoffman, who’s also a Republican candidate for state attorney general.

The proposal came from the office of Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson. Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Deadrick walked the board through a slate of 17 “concepts” for legislation that could be introduced during the annual legislative session that starts in January.

Deadrick said some other states, including Kansas, already allow people to pay to get on a ballot. A spokesperson with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office confirmed to South Dakota Searchlight that while independents in that state collect petition signatures to earn a ballot spot, members of a political party can pay a filing fee to get on the ballot.

The South Dakota proposal would give all candidates two options for qualifying: collecting the required number of petition signatures from registered voters, as they do now, or paying a fee to have their name printed on the ballot. Under the draft, any fees collected would go into the state’s general fund. Deadrick did not specify how much candidates would be required to pay.

Read the entire story here.

Despite some people being opposed to the concept being offered in SD recently, it’s actually more common than you might think, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures:

Filing fees were originally intended to deter candidates perceived as frivolous, and to help pay for the administration of elections. These fees could be exceptionally large. Some from the 1960s and 1970s were close to $40,000 once adjusted for inflation. Bullock v. Carter and Lubin v. Panish, two landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the early 1970s, held that filing fees were only constitutional when most candidates could afford them, and they should not be the only means available for filing as a candidate.

And..

In 33 states, major party candidates are either allowed or required to pay a filing fee. The remaining 17 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands do not require major party candidates to pay a filing fee. States that do not require a filing fee generally require interested candidates to qualify through a petition process instead. State filing fees vary dramatically. Filing for a state house candidate in New Hampshire costs $2, while a Republican candidate for state senate in Alabama paid $1,079.12 to appear on the ballot in 2022, and a Democratic candidate paid $1,034.68 (in Alabama, the parties control the amount of the filing fee).

Twenty-six states impose fees on independent or unaffiliated candidates for state legislative seats. Of these, nine give the independent or unaffiliated candidate the option to file as indigent, removing the fee and using a signature requirement instead. For the 17 states that require a fee from individual candidates, the fee ranges from $15 in Montana to $250 in Hawaii and Mississippi.

Read the entire article (and see a chart) here.

33 states.. That’s 2/3, and it actually puts us in the minority of states for rejecting that as an option and going with petition signatures only.

In South Dakota, 50 signatures for state legislative candidates is not a heavy lift. But then again for most legislative candidate a fee of $250 would not be a heavy lift either.

So, why not offer either option?

Just had someone close to me send me this clip from the Governor’s recent town hall in Sioux Falls (which you can watch on Facebook, courtesy of KOTA territory news.)

“I’ve said to many people that .. many times that the people of South Dakota are special. I’m not talking about Special Olympics, or something like that. But we truly are a different breed.” – Governor Larry Rhoden, Sioux Falls Town Hall

Ugh. Governor Rhoden, there’s nothing wrong with the people who participate in Special Olympics; and the fact that they take part in that organization’s activities shouldn’t earn them being the target of your humor as you campaign to remain in the state’s highest office.

I mean, I would have expected this coming from others –  but not coming from the Governor who is in charge of entire state offices serving South Dakotans with disabilities at the first town hall after he announces for office.

I have a daughter with autism and developmental disabilities who takes part in Special Olympics, and it is literally one of the only group activities she can participate in without stares or judgement or somehow being set aside.  So, yes, this is not just unnecessary, but kind of offensive.

Governor, as you hit the campaign trail please reconsider rewriting your talking points to remove this. Special Olympics participants and their family members deserve a little better.

Update:

Governor Rhoden did apologize for the comment. Thank you Governor.

I’m not always the most polished, but I’m willing to admit my mistakes, and this was a stupid thing to say. Sandy and I support the Special Olympics, and we admire those athletes so much that it’s part of her First Lady’s initiative. I’m sorry if I came across otherwise. https://t.co/wt2KUkXWYq

— Larry Rhoden (@LarryRhodenSD) November 23, 2025

Thankful for Opportunities
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
November 21, 2025

Thanksgiving is a special time for family, traditions, and good food – but it is also a time for reflection. When the Pilgrims first celebrated Thanksgiving in 1621, they had a lot to reflect on. They celebrated surviving their first year in Plymouth, the freedom of religion, and the relationships they made with the Wampanoag people.

But with all the festive traditions, we often forget that the Pilgrims’ first year in Plymouth was far from sunshine and rainbows – it was a year marked by hardship, loss, and uncertainty. Despite that, they still chose to remember the year with gratitude and thanksgiving. They chose to see God’s provision, rather than their lack, and they gave thanks for the blessings all around them.

Having a thankful heart doesn’t mean that every day is easy. It doesn’t mean that you never face hardship. In fact, some of the hardest things in life are actually the greatest blessings. I’ve said it many times, but challenges in life are often opportunities not yet realized – all it takes is a shift in perspective.

The Pilgrims focused on their opportunities, rather than their challenges, when they celebrated the first Thanksgiving. In the same way, all of us today should seek to find the good in every situation and thank our Creator for the blessings He’s given us. When you do, you will realize that there are open opportunities all around you!

I recently read this quote, and I was struck by its truth: “What a privilege to be tired from work you once prayed for; what a privilege to feel overwhelmed by growth you used to dream about; what a privilege to be challenged by a life you created on purpose; what a privilege to outgrow things you used to settle for.”

Being Governor of this great state is certainly not a cakewalk – there are days that I’d much rather be on my ranch, working with my hands. But I am grateful the good Lord has led me here, and I thank Him every day for the opportunity to serve as your Governor. It is the greatest honor of my life, and I will never take it for granted.

Here in South Dakota, we have so much to be grateful for! We have the lowest unemployment rate, the highest birth rate, a AAA credit rating, and a fully funded pension. We are the most Second Amendment-friendly state, the most pro-life state, and we have less regulations than almost any other state in the nation!

As you spend time with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take stock of all the blessings in your life. But I also encourage you to reflect on the hardships you might be facing –because even the tiring, overwhelming, and challenging moments may be opportunities you once prayed for.

Take a moment to demonstrate the heart of gratitude the Pilgrims modeled – to recognize God’s hand in every season, and to offer thanks for both the joys and trials that shape us. Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you all!

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Congress Dusty Johnson’s Weekly Update
The Big Three:  Affordable and Reliable Energy

BIG News

Jeffrey Epstein committed heinous, evil crimes. I voted to release the Epstein files, which is something I’ve supported for a while. We all want transparency and for any person found guilty to face the full force of justice. My heart goes out to the victims, and I hope proper action is taken to protect their identities.

The House Oversight Committee’s investigation has already released more than 65,000 documents to the public. The House committee and the Justice Department will continue to release additional information and documents and those involved will be held responsible.

BIG Update

In the first six months of this year, Customs and Border Patrol seized around $60.3 million worth of illegal vapes imported from China. Many of these devices are designed to appeal to kids and include video games in the device. These illegal products are fueling the youth vaping epidemic.

I’m supporting the END Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act which allows the United States to destroy these devices imported into our country and stop these harmful products from reaching our communities. It’s important to protect our kids from these unknown and unregulated products.

Click here or the image above to read more

BIG Idea

Rising energy prices and energy reliability are becoming a growing concern for many. This week, I voted to pass a number of bills to keep energy bills affordable and ensure the lights stay on in our communities. These bills roll back unnecessary regulations and prioritize domestic energy production. House Republicans are taking an all-of-the-above approach to meet America’s energy needs.

I’ve voted to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, secure the power grid, open markets for liquified natural gas, increase refining capacity, and more. These efforts all play a role in decreasing energy prices and bolstering American energy production.

 

Sim South Dakota: Race Lab Preview

Northern Plains News will debut a new election-analysis project this weekend that uses modeled simulations to track how South Dakota’s major 2026 races shift under different turnout and support conditions.

The project, called the NPN Race Lab, applies thousands of simulated elections to the governor’s race, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate contests, and key statewide ballot measures. Each run tests how the field changes as turnout rises or falls in different parts of the state.

NPN will publish the full launch article on Sunday, including a detailed breakdown of how the model works and what readers can expect as Election Day approaches.

Air Travel Improvements You’ll Be Thankful For
By Sen. John Thune

We are entering one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. More than 80 million Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving this week. While most of them are packing up their cars and hitting the road, 6 million Americans will be boarding a plane in order to spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones.

I know a lot of people don’t particularly look forward to flying, and I get it. With our state’s unpredictable bouts of severe weather, South Dakotans are no strangers to flight disruptions. And our aging air traffic control system can cause disruptions as well. I know air traffic controllers are working hard every day to keep planes moving quickly and safely, but I also recognize they have to rely on technology that’s often decades old. Not to mention, we’re facing a shortage of controllers, which means controllers at a number of airports need to work longer hours and extra shifts to keep everything running smoothly.

These challenges were exacerbated during the recent government shutdown. Air travel was snarled from the beginning of Democrats’ shutdown, and by the time the shutdown entered its second month the Federal Aviation Administration had to order cutbacks in air traffic as a matter of safety. Fortunately, regional air service was preserved, so states like ours could continue to access air travel. I’m grateful to the controllers who were on duty and working without pay during the shutdown, and I’m glad that air traffic is back at normal levels today. Now we must return our focus to modernizing America’s air traffic control system for the long term.

This is something that has been a priority for the Trump administration and for Congress. Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill made a significant investment in technology improvements for the air traffic system, which will support the deployment of state-of-the-art technology to towers across America. The Trump administration is also working to hire and train new controllers to get the controller force back to full strength. And for our part, Congress remains committed to providing funding in order to hire 2,500 new controllers next year.

Upgrading outdated technology and bringing on additional controllers will make a big difference for the traveling public and for supply chains that rely on air cargo. It means maximizing efficiency without compromising safety. And hopefully it means less time on tarmacs and in terminals and more time spent with loved ones.

Like many families, one of our Thanksgiving traditions is going around the table to say what we’re thankful for. For me, being with my family is at the top of that list. I know how important it is to make sure that all Americans are able to spend the holidays with their families and not stuck at an airport.

We won’t fix the system overnight, but thanks to the Trump administration and our continued efforts in Congress, we are making progress toward a state-of-the-art air traffic control system for America. I’m glad that the system is back at full strength after the shutdown, and we’re working to make it stronger every day.

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Johnson’s Digital Permitting Bill Passes Committee

 Washington, D.C. – The House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed the ePermit Act, led by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Scott Peters (D-CA). This legislation would modernize the permitting process.

“It takes too long to build in America,” said Johnson. “I’m grateful for the work of the Natural Resources Committee to advance my bill that will help America build again. I look forward to moving this bill forward in Congress to modernize our permitting system and unlock development and innovation in our communities.”

“H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act, will modernize outdated permitting systems and streamline how agencies coordinate reviews,” said Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR). “By moving to electronic permitting, we can reduce delays, improve communication, and give project applicants a clear and predictable process. I applaud Representative Johnson for spearheading this bipartisan effort to modernize permitting technology, and I look forward to working with him to move this bill forward in Congress.”

“Our permitting system is still burdened by an outdated, paper-based processes that slow down the projects Americans are counting on — from transportation and broadband to clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure,” said Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA). “The ePermit Act moves us toward a modern, efficient, fully digital permitting system that will cut red tape, and today’s passage brings us one step closer to delivering results faster. As energy costs continue to rise across the country, it’s important we meet the growing demand for electrification, data centers, and clean-tech manufacturing. I look forward to continuing this momentum and working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to meet the growing demand in California, and across our country, and get this over the finish line.”

What industry leaders are saying about the ePermit Act:

“We applaud Representatives Dusty Johnson and Scott Peters for their innovative approach to modernizing the federal permitting process through the ePermit Act. By establishing a digital permitting portal and standardized data framework for permitting documents, this legislation will enhance clarity, uniformity, and efficiency across federal agencies. It will also improve transparency, facilitate real-time collaboration, and ensure better public access, ultimately streamlining the permitting process and our ability to develop critical infrastructure that will benefit Americans across the country,” said Chad Whiteman, Vice President, Environment and Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“American Council of Engineering Companies, the business voice of the nation’s engineering industry, supports passage of H.R. 4503, the ePermit Act and applauds Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Scott Peters (D-CA) for their leadership on this important bipartisan legislation. The ePermit Act will modernize how federal agencies use technology to facilitate more efficient and timely federal permitting decisions. If passed, the bill will help to cut red tape by enhancing transparency, improving stakeholder engagement, and facilitating efficient interagency collaboration.”

“Our outdated permitting process is incapable of meeting the challenge of rising demand. This bipartisan bill will ensure federal agencies leverage technology to speed up environmental reviews. It’s a critical piece of the broader permitting reform necessary to let America build,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath Action.

“Manufacturers continue to support permitting reform to unleash American manufacturing competitiveness. The ePermit Act will increase efficiency and transparency in the permitting process, making it easier for manufacturers to push beyond the red tape, grow facilities and create jobs,” said Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy, National Association of Manufacturers.

“National Association of Home Builders commends Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Scott Peters (D-CA) for introducing the ePermit Act, legislation that would address housing affordability challenges by improving and expediting the environmental review and permitting processes. Permitting roadblocks delay housing projects and raise construction costs. This legislation will bring clarity, efficiency and certainty to the permitting process by requiring the use of electronic permitting platforms,” said Buddy Hughes, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders.

“The American Petroleum Institute supports the ePermit Act as a critical step toward modernizing the nation’s outdated permitting system. By improving the process and enhancing transparency through digital tools, this legislation will improve efficiency to support the energy projects we need to meet rising demand. We commend Representatives Peters and Johnson for their leadership in advancing American energy and for spearheading efforts to bring federal permitting into the 21st century,” said Kristin Whitman Senior Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at American Petroleum Institute.

“BPC Action celebrates the bipartisan efforts of Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Scott Peters (D-CA) to optimize technology to modernize federal environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects involving roads, bridges, mines, factories, power plants, and more. The ePermit Act, introduced today, will provide greater transparency and predictability on environmental review and permitting schedules for sponsors and stakeholders. We commend this small, but important, step forward to improve our permitting processes,” said Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

“It’s no secret that the current permitting process remains a major barrier to deploying the projects needed to secure America’s energy and environmental future. By embracing today’s technology, we can modernize the permitting system and accelerate project approvals through greater efficiency and transparency. The American Conservation Coalition Action and its members across the country commend this effort to bring environmental review into the 21st century,” said Andrew Mills, Managing Director, American Conservation Coalition Action.

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South Dakota Democrats reported a far better month than the SDGOP had raising money. While state Republicans reported raising seven dollars and sixty-six cents, South Dakota Democrats were able to fare much better, according to the latest FEC report;

SDDP November2025 FEC Report by Pat Powers

South Dakota Democrats raised $46,815.37 against $29,916.40 in expenses, leaving them with $64,600.48 cash on hand from about 60 pages worth of donations in their latest FEC report.

I’d point out that the SDGOP has a problem with their underwhelming fundraising, but I say the same thing every month, and it would not seem to be changing.

SECRETARY OF STATE ANNOUNCES ADJUSTED TIMELINE FOR SDVOTES PROGRAM

PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office today announced that the implementation of the upgraded SDVotes Program will be adjusted to early 2027. This decision reflects the strong feedback received from county auditors who have requested additional time to thoroughly test and become comfortable with the upgraded system before it becomes part of their daily election operations.

SDVotes is fully built, functional, and ready to go live. The decision to adjust the timeline is not related to security concerns or system readiness. Instead, it is grounded entirely in the Secretary of State’s commitment to supporting county auditors, who carry significant responsibilities each day. Many counties have small staffs, and when an upgraded system is implemented, not only auditors—but also deputies and office staff—must be trained and confident before the launch.

“SDVotes is ready,” said Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson. “But readiness is more than technology—it’s people. County auditors asked for more time to test, train their staff, and make sure they feel prepared. We are choosing partnership over pressure. This is not about problems with the system; it’s about respecting the county auditors and giving them the time they need.” The Secretary of State’s Office emphasizes that this adjustment is rooted in teamwork, and collaboration.

“County auditors are our closest partners. An implementation timeline that doesn’t work for county auditors helps no one,” Secretary Johnson added. “We would rather move together and ensure everyone feels supported. The system is strong, secure, and ready—we just want to launch it in a way that works best for those who use it every day.”

The Secretary of State’s Office will continue to work closely with county auditors throughout 2026, offering ongoing collaboration to ensure SDVotes launches smoothly and successfully in 2027. This adjustment is simply about supporting our county auditors, listening to their needs, and implementing SDVotes in a way that strengthens election administration statewide.

State Senator and Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr stepped on a landmine recently in a SD Legislative Executive Board meeting where he criticized ag producers, and inferred they need to be further regulated to combat water pollution.

After a report by SD Searchlight Karr has found himself taking fire from other legislators, and as reported by the Argus Leader today, he is now the focus of comments by Governor Larry Rhoden:

Rhoden told the crowd assembled at the Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown that he was disappointed by Karr’s comments, calling them a “damaging thing to say” and promising that Karr would be “set straight” on the issue.

Speaking with reporters afterward, Rhoden said the statements were “made in a vacuum of ignorance” and said that the state had made meaningful steps toward improving water quality.

Lt. Gov Tony Venhuizen also said that he felt Minnesota had instituted more “top-down” mandates and regulations than South Dakota without showing much difference in outcomes.

Read the entire story here.

This comes after an earlier post to facebook by State Representative Drew Peterson critical of what he termed “misinformation and half-truths” about agriculture:

Read that here.

Stay tuned for more on this topic.