In a show of his campaign’s strength, this morning the Dusty Johnson for Governor campaign launched a massive endorsement listing of 113 current and former lawmakers supporting the Congressman’s candidacy to become South Dakota’s next Governor. The list includes 36 currently sitting lawmakers, and 77 former legislators boasting nearly 650 years of collective legislative service. Which is sure to be an intimidating psychological move against his opponents.
Declaring “Together, with 646 years of legislative service, we helped build the South Dakota we are proud of. We know the value of safe communities, strong schools, low taxes, limited government, and real leadership. That’s why we support Dusty Johnson for Governor,” the list is a tour de force in the campaign’s success in bringing South Dakota community leaders and opinion makers together to elect a man who many expect will be South Dakota’s next Governor.
How are his opponents faring in comparison in the endorsement arena?
Toby Doeden and Jon Hansen have collectively announced around a dozen legislative supporters when counted together.
While Governor Larry Rhoden has not entered the contest for Governor, Senator Arch Beal and Representative Mike Derby are openly supporting the Rhoden campaign effort through the formation of a PAC to raise money on his behalf.
Solid list of real good people. Christians, Farmers, Ranchers, Veterans (many of whom I served with who I would trust my life with), Self-Started Business Owners. Almost the polar opposite of Doeden’s endorsements.
With this second round of lengthy endorsements we hear this sound coming from the Doeden/Hansen-Lemmings campaigns. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQeezCdF4mk&list=RDCQeezCdF4mk&start_radio=1
I suspect Larry has maybe 3 or four current legislators who would support him. Two of whom he appointed but after taking a look at this list I am not sure since two appointees are for Dusty.
Doesn’t this make you wonder? The people who work the closest with him don’t think he’s the man for the job.
new lawmakers are most likely not working with the governor that closely on anything yet. to rhodens credit, he didn’t really appoint people he was really tight with unless someone knows otherwise?
Since he hasn’t announced anything yet, it doesn’t make me wonder too much.
32/105 current legislators support Dusty; others may but not committed
36/105
This is a good list. No offense to anyone on any of these lists, but I doubt the general public really cares that much about who local legislators are endorsing. Endorsements are fine but they don’t really move the needle all that much. Celebrity’s endorse candidates all of the time and that doesnt move the need for any of those candidates. Many people in the US Senate endorsed Tim Scott for President, didn’t move the needle. The general public I think care more about the candidate, not the endorsements. Point being, in the Govs race this list won’t impact Rhodens numbers or chances should he get in the race. Getting the prison done with help Rhoden in Sioux Falls more than any legislative endorsement.
In many cases I’d agree, but there are a lot of people here who WILL show up at events, walk in parades, and participate in the retail politics that Team Dusty has excelled in for the last several cycles.
Whether or not the general public cares, doesn’t matter. When an endorsement is given to a candidate in any race, the endorsee campaigns on behalf of the endorsed candidate and reaches out to their supporters.
I would agree to a point with your take on endorsements. But it is hard to fathom that Doeden’s early endorsements were a draft dodging Legislator from Rapid and a California transplant from Piedmont who had no idea the SD Nat Guard was an operational force who deploys to wars overseas. In a state with one of the highest per capita rates of military service and combat vets, these endorsements don’t bode well for Doeden with the veteran/military vote.
Duane Sutton? Thee Duane Sutton who was seen at Doeden rallies? That Duane Sutton? You sure? I would have believed Billie Sutton over Duane.
BIG TENT!
This is an indictment of Rhoden.
All these sitting legislators endorsing against him? Brutal.
Not sure how they can be against him at least as of yet since he hasn’t announced anything yet. Things could change if and when he does announce. One never knows. They are a fickle bunch.
Jeff and Terri Haverly?! That young couple used to come to late evening Rhoden Rhanger gatherings at the Elks club many years ago.
I was expecting to see a press release out of Winner that said “112 legislators join Erin Tobin in supporting Dusty Johnson for Governor”.
Bingo!
Good to see people are taking note of the self-adulation by this candi … oh wait, not a candidate for anything .. um … former state legislator.