Libertarian Party of South Dakota Nominates Candidates and Affirms Ballot Issue Positions

Pat Powers

Libertarian Party of South Dakota Nominates Candidates and Affirms Ballot Issue Positions

PIERRE, S.D. – The Libertarian Party of South Dakota gathered for its annual convention Saturday in Pierre. The convention marked a significant moment for the party as they nominated several candidates and took official stances on November’s ballot issues.

Gideon Oakes of Keystone was nominated for the S.D. Public Utilities Commission, while Josh Dennert and Tamara Lesnar were nominated for District 1 House seats, and Greg Zimmerman for District 8 House.

“We are thrilled to nominate such dedicated individuals who embody our values of individual liberty and limited government,” said Tracey Quint-Isburg, State Chair of the Libertarian Party of South Dakota.

Oakes, 39, is a Keystone-area business owner and volunteer EMT who has worked in the technology and logistics sectors throughout much of his career. He and his wife, Mary, have three children.

He said his candidacy offers voters a better choice for an office he believes desperately needs a fresh perspective.

“The three current commissioners have a combined tenure of 48 years — almost half a century,” Oakes said. “I think most South Dakotans believe elected office should be a calling, not a career.”

Oakes further differentiated his candidacy by pointing out his Republican opponent’s history as an advisor to Xcel Energy immediately prior to being appointed to the PUC in 2011, as well as his Democratic opponent’s support of Biden Administration policies.

“The question voters get to decide is whether they want a commissioner that represents the utility industry, one that represents big government, or one that represents the people,” Oakes said.

Oakes said his top priorities as a PUC commissioner will be encouraging the security and redundancy of utility infrastructure components, continuing expansion of access to terrestrial broadband and being a staunch advocate for utility customers and landowners.

“South Dakotans are resilient. Our infrastructure should be as well,” Oakes said. “From day one, I will work with our utility providers to help ensure that we can always rely on critical services in the times we need them the most.”

In addition to nominating candidates, the LPSD also took official positions on several upcoming ballot measures, including voicing opposition to Amendment H, which would restructure South Dakota’s elections in a manner similar to California’s top-two primary system.

The party also took a stance supporting the repeal of SB 201, highlighting their continued opposition to eminent domain for private commercial gain. On the issue of recreational marijuana, the party declared its support for IM29, emphasizing personal freedom and the economic benefits of legalization.

“The LPSD remains committed to advancing policies that promote individual freedom and fiscal responsibility,” added Quint-Isburg. “We believe our positions reflect the values and priorities of South Dakotans who want a government that respects personal liberty.”

For more information on the Libertarian Party of South Dakota, please visit https://lpsouthdakota.org. Learn more about Gideon Oakes at https://electoakes.com.

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11 thoughts on “Libertarian Party of South Dakota Nominates Candidates and Affirms Ballot Issue Positions”

  1. One cannot say that young Mr. Oakes is not doing at least as good a job as his opponents getting his messaging out. He seems a likeable fellow, and grudznick regrets not patronizing his sandwich shop more in the past.

    1. My door’s always open, Grudz. Let’s grab coffee and shoot the breeze. 🙂

  2. What does 201 have to do with eminent domain? Amazing how so many misrepresent this bill

    1. That the SDLP does not support Landowner Rights, as expanded under the law bill 201, is indeed a conundrum. grudznick expects may be that some of their delegates are dim-witted or were swayed by the lies of some of those insaner fellows who are RINOs.

    2. SB201 got pushed through to push CO2 pipeline down the throats of the people of SD. Out of state company that is looking to steal federal tax money in the name of the CO2 boondoggle pushed/lured SD legislatures (that are beholding to big corporations) to put the fate of the pipeline in the hands of the PUC. If what just happened in Iowa does not come to SD Summit Carbon Solutions will be very upset. I usually vote republican for PUC but Oakes seems more in tune with the SD public.
      https://www.theepochtimes.com/business/iowa-utility-board-approves-eminent-domain-for-controversial-co2-pipeline-5677037?utm_source=goodeveningnoe&src_src=goodeveningnoe&utm_campaign=gv-2024-06-30&src_cmp=gv-2024-06-30&utm_medium=email&est=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAc%2BYlOxcaxOHP4bIHsitaBLklGSnjg2nnjx5rE6fdxINW&loginSuccess=1

      1. It always amazes me how the anti crowd’s talking points have zero substance. This is all Radke propaganda cut and pasted or maybe from thine’s own fingertips…

    1. Which Republicans, the Centrists or the Conservatives? If H passes, SD is going to officially see that there are two Republican parties operating under one roof, and that individually they are still stronger than the SDDP or SDLP.

      1. H will be on the ballot because of the political might of the Kirby Knudson “republicans”. No arguments that they are more formible than the SDDP, as currentl organized.

        1. Nationally there has been much talk of a new party of former Republicans starting with Adam Kinzinger and others who are anti-Trump.

          The two parties we could see in 2025.
          Trump Party
          New Republicans?

    2. Passage of H will allow the Kirby Knudson “republicans” to come out of the closet and openly live the progressive ideology which they embrace.

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