Guest Column: Rhoden Needs to Clean Up D.O.C. Before Prison Vote

41 thoughts on “Guest Column: Rhoden Needs to Clean Up D.O.C. Before Prison Vote”

1. I know a handful of names on this list. But most of them I have not seen in headlines. Which, in our current political environment, is a good thing because it means they are most likely part of the sane right.

   1. Team Dusty plays politcs with Rhoden.

      Rhoden will have an interesting legislative season facing off against team Hansen and team Dusty.

      1. If the FREEDumb Caucus truly cared about transparency and fiscal conservatism, why did they demand a taxpayer funded tour of South Dakota just to show off, grab headlines, and prepare for their own reelection campaigns?

         At the same time, when reasonable legislators ask for accountability on a project that is 175 million dollars over budget, they are dismissed as Dusty supporters? That is not transparency. That is a political diversion.

         This is not about Dusty versus Rhoden. This is about responsible government. Turning legitimate oversight into a political loyalty test is not an honorable strategy. It is an intentional effort to distract from the real issue.

         Then again, maybe that is exactly what we should expect.

         1. Why didnt this letter have any freedom caucus members on it?

            1. The FREEdom caucus already got what they wanted when the prison reform group make a spectacle of themselves, parading around South Dakota like a traveling circus.

               The point is, these comments are coming from members of the FREEdom caucus and hangers on.

               Under their watch, this issue of financial accountability was never addressed.

         2. You might be a member of the FreeDumb caucus if you don’t believe this was a stunt.

      2. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough in the 2026 session that nothing will get done.

2. Well now we know who the Dusty supporters are in the current legislature. Shall we expect a similar letter from a group of Senators?

   1. We should hold our state government to a higher standard. This isn’t political it’s about getting some accountability to the many missteps and increasing amount of unanswered questions in DOC.

      Furthermore, if you still think this is politically motivated I’d ask you to reach out to former doc employees and ask them their thoughts.

      1. Keep trying to convince yourself. You almost sound like you believe it.

   2. I agree that we know the Dusty supporters from this. They are trying to bludgeon a good man who has been Governor a short time. So pissed.

3. Is this the rebel alliance or the empire striking back against Rhoden?

   Rhoden must be doing well in the polls.

4. This looks like an easy button for Rhoden to finally get rid of Wasko and get the prison built.

5. Something seems awry about this. Reading Reisch’s previous letter, he apparently does not like Wasko and feels he knows best. Who is to say that he does? Not sure why they labeled it as ‘Rhoden’s Administration’s response’ when it was clearly a response from Wasko. He met with Rhoden at the end of February. Did he ever try to meet with and reason with Wasko? If not, he should have. Did he ever respond to her rebuttal? I found this comment but wondering if there was ever a response by Reisch or does he just think he’s ‘right’ and not really wanting to work together for something better?

   Previous comment:: I’ve known Rep Reisch for a long time. He has always been straight forward and honest when I have met with him. I also believe he has nothing but the best interests of South Dakota at heart, and his service to South Dakota is admirable!
   In his remarks, he makes a lot of sense, and I was ready to support him in the issues he raised.
   Then, you published the views of Secretary Wasko. WOW! She too seems to have the best interests of South Dakota at heart. She makes a number of good points. Seemingly opposite of Rep. Reisch, but equally important.
   I would like to hear Rep. Reisch’s response to Secretary Wasko’s comments.

   1. ** editor’s note**. The addition of the hyperlinks was mine for reference. The hyperlink about the response was not part of the column.

      1. It was a good reference and provided context so thank you for including it for those of us who didn’t know. Still not understanding the uproar now when this new prison has been in the works for years and the legislators have been completely aware. Now trying to upset the apple cart when we get close to biting the bullet. Disappointed.

6. What makes this seem political is the many references to the “Rhoden Administration,” especially in regard to a prison plan everyone knows he inherited.

7. Not political? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that this is a full on attack of Rhoden, after his name was used 9 times in one article. They state falsely bad things and then associate that with the name Rhoden every time. This is a letter full of lies from a very desperate candidate for Governor and the list of legislators are being promised either money or a position. You should examine these legislators closely, as they are legislators who will sell their souls for money or position. And for the record, this all came to be under the Noem administration, not the Rhoden administration. Pretty sad that politics are so dirty against a man who is doing so exceptionally well as Governor by a ‘wanna be’ governor. Corrupt DC politics has hit South Dakota unfortunately.

   1. This is comical.

   2. It is understandable to feel frustrated by the state of politics, but it is important to stick to facts and avoid broad accusations. Just because an article mentions Larry Rhoden several times does not automatically make it an attack. When someone holds public office, especially as Governor, their record is open to both support and criticism. That is part of public accountability.

      Saying the letter is full of lies without naming specific falsehoods weakens your argument. If there are real errors, they should be addressed with clear evidence. Accusing legislators of selling their souls or being promised money or positions without proof is reckless and damaging. This is a Tonchi, Fry-Mueller tactic.

      Rhoden is the current Governor. Leadership means taking responsibility not just for what you inherit, but for how you lead and respond. You cannot claim success without also accepting accountability.

      As for corruption in South Dakota politics, it did not begin with this race. Much of the dysfunction can be traced back to figures like Lance Russell, the Lautenslager family, Annette Bosworth, Phil Jensen, Steven Haugaard, Shad Olson, Lora Hubbel, and Lynne Lindi Hix DiSanto. The flood of attack postcards were the beginning. Let’s not forget how political chaos often starts with personal agendas and misinformation.

      Rhoden is a good man and inherited challenges, but that does not make him immune from criticism or from being part of a political system that needs transparency and reform.

      South Dakota deserves leaders who are honest, don’t have conflict of interests, are accountable, and focused on South Dakota, not power plays and emotional appeals.

   3. I think some people don’t understand the definition of “corrupt.”

8. Wasko needs to go, and legislators have told Rhoden that on numerous occasions.

   Larry has refused to act.

   This isn’t politics. It’s a total lack of leadership on his part.

   1. It’s 100% politics. Lots of bridges burning here.

9. The Rhoden rangers are old and confused, like the elderly at a buffet.

10. If Rhoden gets the prison and property tax relief he’s almost a shoe in.

11. If I was Larry, I would take this as a sign that my polling must be pretty good if Dusty’s legislative surrogates are already attacking him. Over Noem’s inherited problems no less. Hard to call it ‘not political’ when you use a the sitting governor’s name seven times in the same article with Freedumb caucus-esque talking points. Another reason to vote Rhoden in June.

    1. I’ve heard recent polling has Dusty way ahead of the others.

       Seems to me the main point of this letter is accountability. I can think of five to ten more Team Dusty house members not even on this letter.

       Seems to me the second main point of this letter is to make sure Larry knows his buddies aren’t carrying his burdens anymore. The legislators listed are the ones who have helped him the most. Larry hasn’t backed them a few times after they have backed him. Doesn’t work well for the more principled crowd.

    2. Exactly! Pat really needs a like button for these comments. Rhoden must really be up in the polls. I’m speculating that a bunch of people now kinda wish they would’ve held their cards for a few more months.

12. This is political theatre. That’s not how affective people work toward a real goal.

    SD might have a brutal session between Hansen trying to credit himself for everything good and Johnson playing puppet master among (his) legislators. Larry just wants to get things done without the unhelpful drama.

    1. Rhoden said only one of these legislators called him to voice concerns. Why wouldn’t they call the governor before signing this letter?

13. Did Dusty write this?

14. It is unbelievable how people are defending Rhoden’s weak leadership on this issue. Literally all facets of the Right want Wasko gone, and yet she isn’t. Why? When is the last time a Secretary of Corrections, or any Secretary for that matter, got this much negative press and still had their job? Rhoden should have fired Wasko the day he was inaugurated. If he had, there would be a much clearer path to building the prison. Rhoden has shown weak leadership on all three of the state’s major issues of the past year. Cowing to the anti-pipeline people, falling over on the original prison plan, and intervening on the property tax issue only to ensure nothing of substance was achieved. He is certainly a nice man, but you are delusional if you think he is the leader of the future.

    1. Sounds like you helped draft the letter. You keep spiraling.

       1. Can you refute any of their points though? Oh and Wasco is resigning. Surely a coincidence right?

15. It didn’t take long for Hansen to pat himself on the back and saying he had this plan to fire Wasko in the works 2 months ago. All the Lemmings are jumping on board and sharing his post. Something comes to mind that President Truman once said about things move forward much better when those who can affect change don’t worry about taking credit. His camp has been proven to be extremely hypocritical. They all say let the free market sort everything out and the government shouldn’t pick winners and losers through subsidized projects. Then Lemms posts a picture of her at a winery/honey farm near Huron and talks about her understanding and appreciating the entrepreneurial spirit. A quick look into this winery indicates it received over $800,000 in subsidies (your money) in the last 2 years. I would love when my business has a bad year or two that someone would bail me out but no luck for this small business owner.

    1. I saw that re-shared post also and the exact same thought. Hansen must have learned from Haugaard to take credit for things he didn’t do. And clearly it has worked on at least many of the newbies although it’s a tiny crowd with little exposure.

       1. Hansen gets zero mileage out of her leaving. No one in the public cares. It’s bad strategy.

          These legislators would have had mileage if they had an excuse to torpedo the prison. But Wasko leaving Williams Larry look like a deal maker similar to Trump.

          1. Dusty and Rhoden look strong. Dusty will be hard to beat.

16. Good concerns all around. This is a big topic and Rhoden has a tough job.

    I predict this will get over the finish line.

    1. Well now that these 19 are Yes votes since Wasko is gone that helps. I mean they have to vote yes now right?

       1. Unless it was political theatre, yes, you’re correct. I know I will be watching each of their votes.

Comments are closed.