Guest column – Unmasking A Trojan Horse: The Battle for Election Integrity in Lawrence County by Samuel R. Kephart

Unmasking A Trojan Horse: The Battle for Election Integrity in Lawrence County
A Call to Scrutinize Mark Mowry’s Candidacy
By Samuel R. Kephart, Lawrence County

The cornerstone of our democracy rests on the integrity of our elections, an integrity that begins with the authenticity of candidates and their motives.

It’s critical voters engage in deeper due diligence regarding the individuals they choose to represent them, especially when considering candidates like Mark Mowry, a self-proclaimed conservative Republican vying for the position of State Representative for Lawrence County/District 31.

Mowry’s candidacy raises a plethora of red flags demanding our scrutiny.

First and foremost, one must question the real reasons behind his pursuit of public office. Mowry has publicly stated that he was “recruited” to run.

Who stands to benefit from (much less control) his candidacy?

Such details are not just political minutiae – they are central to understanding the forces at play within our local political landscape.

Complicating Mowry’s dubious claim to the conservative Republican mantle are his voter registration records, which reveal a political chameleon who has swung from Democrat to Independent and now to Republican:

5/17/1996 Democrat – Lyman, 10/16/2014 Independent – Lyman, 11/24/15 Republican – Custer, 5/7/7/2016 Democrat – Custer, 2/19/2018 Independent – Lawrence, 4/23/2021 Republican – Lawrence. 

In a recent streaming video interview, Mowry himself openly admitted to not having much of a Republican Party background… and twice expressed his aversion to the GOP super-majority in Pierre. How can someone, who provably lacks consistency in his political affiliations and openly critiques the party’s legislative dominance, genuinely claim to represent conservative Republican values?

Further, Mowry’s time spent abroad also raises questions about his connection and commitment to the needs of our district. How can a candidate who has spent a substantial amount of time outside the country (he returned from India this March) truly understand and advocate for the local interests of Lawrence County?

What’s most alarming is the shadowy undercurrent suggesting Mowry’s primary candidacy is not about serving the public’s interest but rather about serving a clandestine group of political puppeteers determined to oust an existing candidate for inexplicable reasons.

Don’t be deceived by a group of wolves in sheep’s clothing, who parade Trojan Horse candidates before us in a bid to overthrow a genuine, hard-working representative who has have proven their dedication to our community.

As voters, it’s our duty to peel back the layers, ask the hard questions, and ensure those who seek to represent us are doing so with the purest of motives and a genuine commitment to our values and needs.

Beware, voters, of the hidden machinations within our local political landscape; stand firm against blatant attempts to undermine the integrity of our elections by those seeking to insert puppet candidates into positions of power.

Election integrity begins with transparency, authenticity, and true dedication coming from those who wish to serve, ensuring our democracy remains by the people and for the people.

Samuel R. Kephart
Spearfish

14 thoughts on “Guest column – Unmasking A Trojan Horse: The Battle for Election Integrity in Lawrence County by Samuel R. Kephart”

  1. So now ‘election integrity’ just means criticizing candidates you don’t like, and don’t think should be in the ballot? I’m no fan of MM but come on.

  2. Sam Kephart preaching about election integrity? This is a joke, right? He’s the face behind the Spearfish area Residency Center. Everyone in this state working on true election integrity knows these PMBs are a problem. The hypocrisy here is thick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IieaQGTApBg

    He’s just Mary Fitzgerald’s lap dog.

    1. I loathe the chickencrap folks who chip shot comments while hiding cowardly behind the word Anonymous.

      That’s overt hypocrisy… own your words or don’t comment.

      The Spearfish Residency Center video was an arms-length paid commercial marketing project I undertook and was paid a production fee for.

      It was not and is not any type of political campaign nor is my appearance an endorsement.

      I was paid talent.

      Anyone who knows me well knows I’m no one’s “lapdog.” What an absurd, uninformed, and asinine comment to make.

      Yes, I support Mary Fitzgerald because she’s hardworking and honest as our State Rep.

      And I’m sick and tired of hidden, sleaze bag folks trying to takeover in Spearfish.

  3. He’s been a Democrat longer than a Republican but claims to now be a Republican. I guess he’s the very definition of a RINO.

  4. I still argue that one of the clearest strikes against Mark Mowry is that he wears a fedora unironically.

  5. Yes, the Fedora is troubling…is he bald, have some kind of skin disease?? Whatever it is, it would be less troubling than the Fedora.

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