South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s Kevin Woster has a story up at SDPB.org today about the nomination of GOP AG Candidate Jason Ravnsborg and his race for Attorney General this fall:
I wasn’t actually there to hear it. But the newly nominated Republican candidate for South Dakota attorney general celebrated his victory at the GOP convention in Pierre on Saturday, which was also the one-year-anniversary of his mom’s death.
And so it became more than just a sad day. It became a mom-and-dad-story day, too.
and…
He is staying in touch with his dad and his campaign for attorney general by phone this week and next, as he takes part in joint military exercises at the U.S. Army’s Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La.
Because of the swampy environment, Fort Polk offers jungle warfare training among other specialties. So Ravnsborg, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve with past deployment experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, is doing some perspiring at Fort Polk.
and…
Ravnsborg touts his civil-law experience, an area of the law that he says is often overlooked but one that is also important in the attorney genera’s job. That can often involve defending South Dakota laws from court challenges or filing civil actions on behalf of the state.
The case Attorney General Marty Jackley recently argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, Ravnsborg notes, was a civil case on whether states could require certain businesses without a physical presence in South Dakota to pay taxes on online sales.
Which is part of his argument that it’s not all about his experience in prosecuting cases.
“There are so many other areas of the law that give a person courtroom and life experience also,” he said. “One has to not only be able to take a case to trial but also many more time negotiate a successful resolution without going to trial.”
Ravnsborg also argues that his military experience matters. He says he oversees 600 Army Reserve personnel across the Dakotas, Nebraska and Missouri.
“I work daily with staff making decisions, assessing resources, personnel issues and budgetary matters,” he said. “And I will do that in the Attorney General’s Office.”
Very well written article
So Jason wins the election and then immediately heads to the army without any sleep…. anyone who thinks this guy cant run this office is crazy he balances stuff then I’ve ever seen or even thought about
Are you on crack?
Stop spreading the lies….
From all accounts when we don’t see him campaigning he’s working doing either law or army or helping the party — something the other two forner candidates never do— just because you don’t work very hard and can’t believe that it gets all this stuff done doesn’t mean that he doesn’t work hard
Didn’t one of the other candidates serve in Vietnam?
You are pretty clueless, aren’t you? The night he won the nomination he had to fly down to Texas to fulfill his obligations to the Army Reserves (he’s had several deployments which equated to full-time employment except perhaps in your so-called mind), and he is also a practicing attorney. I would guess Jason puts in more hours a day than you do, so you are really sounding like a desperate, little person with you sniping comment.
How many cases has he taken to trial?
Who carees? Seriously, it’s not a primary skill required in an Attorney General.
The primary duties of an AG don’t involve personally trying criminal cases. That’s a staff position.
It’s like comparing the jobs of the starting quarterback (trial lawyer) to that of head coach (AG).
Vince Lombardi, who is widely considered the greatest head coach of all-time, never played in the NFL. Neither did Bill Walsh or Paul Brown.
Head coaches are more like CEOs.
The most successful head coach in the NFL today is New England’s Bill Belichick, who played at Division III Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
“I think it just goes to show you that if you’re a good leader and you understand the game and how to manage people it doesn’t matter if you played in this league or not,” said Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak, a Hall of Fame player for the Houston Oilers who was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2011-13. “A lot of times a good college coach knows how to assemble a good NFL staff. So maybe he won’t have the NFL experience, but he’ll have guys on his staff who did.
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/around-the-league-nfl/2014/08/24/Why-NFL-coaches-rarely-rise-from-ranks-of-players/stories/201408240108
The correct football analogy is rookie red shirt Freshman college QB vs a seasoned All-Pro NFL QB.
Touche’
William you are smarter than this….
So who did Ravnsborg head coach Football for again? I missed that in your analogy there billy boy!
He probably sleeps at a Holiday Inn Express and if so that makes him qualified.
Zero
The fewer the better. Trials are a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Tell that to a parent whose child was murdered.
I recall Lance Russell saying that really good prosecutors don’t do many trials because they intimidate the defense bar.
If my child were murdered I would not ever want to have to relive the horror by sitting in a courtroom and hearing all the grisly details. So not only do trials waste taxpayers’ money, they put the victims through hell.
You truly are idiot. Lance said the opposite. You intimidate by saying I’m not afraid, lets go to trial. Most lawyers are afraid of trials.
So if they plead innocent and you are afraid of a trial do you let them run free?
Mr. Ravnsborg has tried zero cases. He has no experience. He has sunk the Republican ship for AG. He is insaner than most, in fact.
Actually Union County has him identified as the prosecutor on a number of criminal cases. If he didn’t go to trial it’s because defense lawyers think he’s too competent to beat.
It’s true: three, in fact, is a number.
Three, or whatever the final tally is, is greater than zero. All that is needed is one to prove the zero claim is a lie.
Hello stace or is the Mary?
Neither? Idiot
That’s cruel, why did your parents name you idiot?
He’ s the nominee now, so get behind him unless you are a “moderate” Collins/Murkowski type Republican. If you are a Democrat or leftwing Independent, go ahead and support your socialist Seiler.
#dontbesheep
He might be a better general election candidate than he was advertised as.
Or was lied about…remember he was the guy with ideas and solutions in the senate race…he just didn’t have any money or name id…
The general will be more about politics than prosecuting…he will defend 2nd amendment; be pro life; he alreafy has a platform for fixingv70 and 73….the public cares about these things
Nice story from Master Wooster. JR obviously can lead knowing his military rank and listening to his superb acceptance speech the guy has a big heart too.
Well written story…
Very humanizing… what I like about Jason is he actually talks about the issues and solutions and a lot of politicians talk about themselves huge contrast what have we heard so far about Seiler all about how all of his years of experience no ideas sound familiar? He even took Fitzgerald’s motto of experience matters..how original
I guess Fitzgerald and Seiler were in the same law school class after all
Go Jason!
Very professional, fair, & well-written article. SDPB continues to impress me. Public Broadcasters in all US regions haven’t all maintained such high standards. Woster seems exceptionally good.
Here is what the Russell-Fitz people pretend didn’t happen:
Despite their alliance, delegates broke 60%-40% to JR. They needed to to break 90%-10% to LR to get a tie.
In other words, JR was not only most peoples #1 choice. He was also most peoples #2 choice.
They took their best shot and got smoked. Instead of trying to re-litigate the convention election, they wshoukd be asking themselves why they were so overwhelmingly rejected.
” why they were so overwhelmingly rejected”
Because that is how conservatives are treated in the SDGOP.
Oh brother. Jason is a conservative and he is not a leftwing Dem like Seiler, so if you are a Republican you should be getting behind Jason and quit with the everybody-but-my-candidate-is-a-RINO crap; it gets old after the first 1000 times and we’re on 10,000 right now.
Conservatives are not chicken to defend their principles in a debate. But the real point regarding JR is that he is not qualified for AG.
Whatever Steve, you must be drunk as your post this. The debate was a shame and everyone knows it. The fact it was announced the night of shows that. Or maybe Russell and Fitzgerald were that incompetent that they couldn’t do it a head of time. Either way Fitzgerald and Russell stunk.
I wonder if Fitz has figured out how badly Lance Russell manipulated him. The huge shift to Jason occurred because of the flyer.
He’s getting a lot of support and encouragement to run. He would easily beat Rovnsborg in the general.
#Whatever
Fitzgerald can’t raise any money now in the Republican Party how’s it going to raise any money when he’s in the Constitution party
Fitz didn’t ask for money.
Because no one would give Ftiz money and he knew it Mary. Fitzgerald lost and needs to go quietly into the night, not this spoiled brat attitude that he is going to take the ball and go play elsewhere. He will come in 3rd place if he runs for the constitution party, just like he came in last place for the Republican run.
Jason leave his wife alone.
And Democrats named Soros too
I’ve always wondered how much fits new of all the shenanigans that his wife was doing on his behalf which was actually sabotaging his campaign
What’s been really interesting to read here are the continued lies, misrepresentations, and denials from the Russell and Fitzgerald camps, revealing an appalling lack of personal integrity and responsibility. Prior to the convention, Russell had a history of unscrupulous behavior, and the Fitzgerald team was spreading lies like manure about Ravnsborg.
The Friday Night incident showed just how low both of them are willing to go to to convict an innocent man, and the delegates returned a verdict of not guilty.
Both of them showed us exactly why neither Fitzgerald or Russell are fit to be AG, and hopefully they will never run for the office again.
Anne, It is much easier to bash Jason than do the hard introspective of why Lance and John’s candidancies failed. They are only helping the Democrats now. The race is over and it is time to focus on the general election.
Lance and Stace have a history of helping the Democrats in the legislature. It does not surprise me that they and their supporters now want to help one to be in the Governor’s Mansion.
Truthfully it’s similar to the US House race.
2 trump unorganized people cancel each other out. House
2 experienced and lazy people cancel each other out. AG
Ravnsborg and Dusty were so close to 50% that it’s hard to believe they wouldnt have won anyway but it’s also easy to see these races would have been much closer.
Russell was unacceptable to far too many Fitzgerald delegates.
I do believe if Russell had dropped out then Fitzgerald would have been very close. But it’s hard to imagine every Russell voter would have gone to Fitzgerald when Ravnsborg had 47%
But it would have been extremely close.
On the very first debate Ravnsborg will help the democrats more than anyone else could ever dream of helping.
Do you really think he is going to accept a debate?
Yes, of course he will. He wasn’t afraid of the debate. It was a scam and he was smart enough to avoid it. They should’ve thought of that grandiose idea long, long before other plans were made.
Hi stace, or is this Mary?
Not a real lawyer…
Doesn’t work…
Never done a jury trial…
I heard things about his personal life…
Or just check out Mary’s page…
Never been a prosecutor…never got a conviction …never done an appeal..never worked in Federal courts…law firm is a front so he can campaign ( that is one of my favorites); they have said he was both gay and had a live in girlfriend at the same time; never done any civil work ….I saw screen shots from people independent of the candidate……all false…as I asked him direct … he would just smile and say I trust the people of sd to see through the lies and hard work and honesty will pay off…and thankfully it did
He’s never had a jury trial as a prosecutor that’s easy. Call the clerk of courts in union county. That’s easy to clarify.,
Where at I don’t see it anywhere on “Mary’s” Page. We all know it’s Ravnsborg attacking his wife.
Anne Beal:
If you’re going to accuse the Fitzgerald Campaign of a lack of personal integrity and responsibility, and spreading “lies like manure” about the Ravnsborg Campaign then you’re impugning my character AND John Fitzgerald’s character and I’m not going to stand for that madam. Either retract your claim or delineate each and every allegation of your “alleged lies” and I will factually refute each and every claim. If you refuse to do either, then I’m going to have to challenge you husband to a duel to defend my name and the Fitzgerald name. I will dispatch him right after I dispatch Roetman. Wait! This is not the nineteenth century, is it? Dueling is no longer a legal recourse to defend your family name and honor. Too bad. Though I wouldn’t want to harm my friend and your husband, William Beal, I was rather looking forward to meeting Roetman at high noon on Phillips Avenue. That is, if he has the courage to show his face. My guess is he’d be a no show, just like his protégé Jason at the Siouxland Republican Women AG Forum.
All right its a DUEL forty paces with a wet KAZOO!
Anne Beal:
Delineate your claims regarding alleged lies from the Fitzgerald campaign, retract your statement impugning my character and integrity, or face legal action. Your choice. Friendship or no friendship, you are not going to defame my name on a public forum without answering for your words. John Fitzgerald is a public figure. I am not. Maybe you can get Jason to defend you pro bono. I hear he’s a good civil attorney. He certainly is not a prosecutor.
it sounds like someone need an nap! the weather report for today partly cloudy and a bit SNIPPY!
Nature Boy
What kind of a coward has to use an alias?
John Teupel, I thought you were going to support Ravnsborg as the AG nomination? Why such hostility towards him?
I know many people that stated how Mary was spreading lie after lie about Ravnsborg trying to get her husband elected.
Everything they said was true. Absolutely true. These people don’t lie. The clerk has verified Ravnsborg has had no trials. People don’t have to lie when it’s the truth. Randy will have a field day.
Hi Mary
Little ANNIE BEAL
What was Ravnsborg convicted of again? I missed that in your rant!
HOW DARE YOU accuse people here of spreading lies, misrepresentations, and denials from the Russell and Fitzgerald camps. I cannot speak for Anonymous, but, I am perfectly capable of making up my own lies, misrepresentations about Ravnsborg.
And WHEN I HAVE SOME MADE UP I WILL LET YOU KNOW!
Anne Beal
You’re delusional if you think this is the end of John Fitzgerald’s political career.
62 and counting…his best shot is to see who wins and run in 4 years….constitution party is a joke…that would end his career politically….
one of his kids will run
I’m not sure how rehashing the race and declaring how awesome or awful the person who came in third is on topic to this post.
Run as a constitutional candidate
Anne,
In the end I voted for Ravnsborg because he was the best candidate in a disappointing field however I will have you know that in 2014 he was equally involved in smearing Jackley and Rounds with Ken Crow and Lee Stranahan.
He later distanced himself and I got over that.
It’s time to forgive Fitzgerald and Russell also.
Let’s move on to the general.
Ravnsborg hopefully learned something from his 2014 campaign. The other 2 need to learn now also.
Do NOT believe Kevin or any long term journalist wrote this fluff. Shocked when I read it as all on here know the agenda behind this story to garner sympathy for Jason? Of course it is unfortunate the dates of a tragedy and a potential faux pad coincide however, it will still not change qualifications for AG. Top law enforcement official people during rapidly changing times where LEO.is looking for leadership not a friend or cheerleader. Direction…vision…guts.. courage..bravery and boldness….
Was what he wrote the truth or not? I thought you liberals were always focused on emotion and not on reason, facts, common sense, etc.? I guess only when it suits you. The destruction of America and it’s values is the only goal for the left so they can rebuild in the image of Venezuela.
Lighten up, Francis.
There is obviously an issue with this AG.pick that has further divided the party. When the 2 GOP. Ringleaders have to continue to “pump up” their unpopular pick after the fact then, something is wrong. (Very wrong) JR himself is a decent individual but has been known as “water carrier” inside party for a very long time. He has lectured on topics of war on terror but is P.C. about who the enemy is (and in our midst) None of those things lead people to believe he would or could lead as AG of SD during such a critical time. It is what it is. County chairs and delegates who voted for him will defend to the end their pick. A good question for those people would be; would this man defend you ANd put you first OR will he await the master manipulator to direct him?????
What are you smoking Chplraj? You know that is no legal in this state.
How about the fact that Ravsnborg has the only experience in leadership and management out of the field. Did anyone else command hundreds upon hundreds of people, manage a staff, manage a budget, delegate to other individuals???? I think not, Ravnsborg is the most qualified candidate out there for AG. I for one will be voting for him.
They won’t EVER talk about Johns weaknesses….he is the greatest candidate ever …why don’t you get that!
Hi Stace, you still posting I see?
Public safety matters is Fitzgerald propaganda site
Hi Mary.
crap, i’m starting to wish bob newland was on the ballot again.
Are we still talking about this?
4th of July coming up, Star and Stripes, Chevrolet, Randy Seiler for South Dakota Attorney General and Apple Pie 🙂
Agreed. All the haters to include Fitzgerald/Russell and their supporters need to get over it. They lost, end of story. Support the nominee and win in November. Too many sore losers on here.
Mary, you are delusional. They didn’t support Fitz at the convention, they won’t support him in November. That is why he came in last, I mean, 3rd place.
Haha haha…what off topic comments….
Everyone seems to be rehashing the preconvention talking points…
Jason won. Fitzgerald should support him. If he doesntbthink _Jason has done a good job he can run against him in 4 years.
Otherwise…Fitzgerald never had the votes to win…came in 3rd…but has had a nice career..don’t tarnish it by this fool 3rd party run.
The people spoke with their votes.
Good for Fitz if he decides to run and hope he does it would really be a very dynamic race.
Most experienced candidate ever
Lost the election convincingly
Keeps telling the voters that it was not their fault they lost
..
Sounds like Hillary Clinton…but it is John Fitzgerald
Greatest ever
State your name loser
Anyone see Mary is still posting about John’s trials?…..He took a possession of controlled substance and ingestion to trial…..who else but hang em John does that? Total waste of time and money…either the guy had it or did not….and class 5 and 6 crimes get presumptive probation anyway…..
Seeking convictions not justice once again
So you’d dismiss the case if the defendant refused to plead guilty?
There is something off, very off, when one has an inability to move on whether it be the 2014 US Senate primary or the 2018 Attorney General nomination.
It is over. Move on. The voters have.
ravnsborg put the whole republican party on the line by even entering this race (inaction of top republican states attorneys nonwithstanding). he’d better win this thing, for the state’s sake, the party’s sake and his own sake. he’d better know everything jackley was doing inside and out. he’d better know about every investigation and prosecution on the calendar. he’d better be able to explain in depth what a mistake it would be to let the cold hand of democrat beltway washington grip our a-g office, no matter how hard seiler shouts and squeals to hide the connection. it WILL color investigations. it WILL color amicus filings and lawsuits. it WILL color ballot access and election law. don’t mess this up j-r.
TGlad to see you are on board. You can donate here: https://www.jasonforsouthdakota.com/
He has beat everyone’s expectations so far…as someone said…beat current office(Charlie) stace followers ( lance) and states attorneys association ( Fitzgerald) and has the support of sheriffs…
He is a smart guy…who actually likes to talk about issues..unlike a lot of candidates
I believe I noted earlier that I’m not sure how rehashing the race and declaring how awesome or awful the person who came in third is on topic to this post.
The convention race is done, and the delegates spoke loudly on both ballots.
well said Pat!
Jason brilliantly ran the table at the convention and outsmarted his opponents who also helped him by outsmarting themselves. He gave a heartfelt speech. The brightly colored ‘enemy of my enemy is my friend flyers’ that his opponents put out last minute with SDGO was the equivalent of both of his opponents tying themselves together and jumping off a cliff.
Jason will win either way, with or without their endorsement. What I find sad the lack of sportsmanship, when two grown men, both attorneys, lose a game of monopoly do they swipe the board? Fitz and Russell need to endorse Jason not for Jason’s sake, but for their own. And Shantel Krebs and Neil Tapio need to endorse Dusty Johnson for the same reason.
Well said. Too much crying from the Fitz camp, I wonder how many years he will skip the state attorney convention like last time? I heard Fitz pouted for 10 yrs after his previous loss in the AG race.
Nice trash talk Miller, it’s you right. What a joke.
Perfectly said.