Honored to receive the @NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award this morning. pic.twitter.com/fpoRcP7IWP

— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) September 15, 2016

There was an article at the Mitchell Daily Republic website yesterday about the two sides clashing on Amendment V (for vile). If you’re not familiar, this is the ballot measure funded by out of state interests, which would hide party affiliations, as well as ensure that no independents or third party candidates would ever appear on a November ballot again.

As noted in the Mitchell Daily Republic:

Neither of the state’s political parties, which would see their organizations wiped from the ballot if Amendment V were to pass, offered support of the initiative.

South Dakota Democratic Party Executive Director Suzanne Jones Pranger said her party will remain neutral on Amendment V as some state Democrats have come out both for and against the proposal.

and…

Unlike its counterpart, the South Dakota GOP has taken a stance on the proposal.

Ryan Budmayr, executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party, said his party opposes the proposal, citing the “big money out of New York” that is supporting the effort. And while supporters say Amendment V would favor individual voters rather than political parties, Budmayr has a different view of the proposal.

“This is the farthest thing from nonpartisan,” Budmayr said. “The guys running this are former Democrats, party bosses, staffers, and I don’t think South Dakota should be fooled.”

Read it here.

Given the lukewarm opposition, at best, that the Democrat party apparatus is offering, I have to openly question whether the State Democrat Party is suppressing their party members who actually want to be identified as a political party, as opposed to a petition gathering organization.

However, aside from the Democrat party leaders, who mention dissent but give it no credence, it appears that at least a couple Democrat party loyalists are out there who recognize how bad Amendment V will be for South Dakota.

At RapidCityJournal.com today, Democrat stalwart Jay Davis voices his dissent from the weak-spined Democrat leaders who are happy to shed the Democrat label, mistakenly thinking that hiding who they are from voters will help them gain more offices. And Davis correctly points out that in conservative South Dakota, it’s more likely that Democrats are going to find themselves shut out:

FIRST AD RELEASED BY “NO ON V” COMMITTEE:
Ad Calls for Rejection of Out-of-State Meddling in South Dakota

Pierre – Today, South Dakotans Against V released an ad exposing the real masterminds behind the so-called “nonpartisan” election amendment.

“South Dakotans don’t need to be told how to govern by big, hidden money from out-of-state,” said Will Mortenson, Chairman of South Dakotans Against V.

More than three-quarters of Amendment V’s contributions are coming from outside the state, including more than 70% from a single organization in New York that does not disclose its donors. The New York-funded effort attacking South Dakota’s political system is led by a billionaire Obama-fundraiser and former Enron financier, along with other hidden, out-of-state donors.

“We need to stand up to the New York billionaires and out-of-state interests who are working with Democratic Party Bosses in South Dakota to destroy our state’s ballot transparency and long-time political traditions,” Mortenson added.

The Chairman of the Yes on V Ballot Committee in South Dakota is Democratic Party Boss and failed 2014 U.S. Senate Candidate Rick Weiland.

“Since he can’t win elections in South Dakota, Party Boss Rick Weiland is trying to confuse voters by hiding party labels on the ballot,” said Mortenson.

Amendment V hides party labels on the ballot and puts a California-style merged primary in South Dakota’s constitution. Vote NO on Amendment V in November.

The ad can be viewed at the link: https://youtu.be/5TPP6xF7tAI.

NOEM EARNS PRO-LIFE, PRO-FAMILY ENDORSEMENTS

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Rep. Kristi Noem has been recognized as a leader in the pro-life and pro-family movements. Today, her campaign announced endorsements from national and local pro-life and family values organizations, as well as a number of South Dakota religious leaders. 

“I am, and always have been, pro-life. I believe every human life is sacred, including the unborn, and my voting record in Congress will always reflect that belief,” said Noem. “It’s an honor to receive endorsements from the organizations and individuals who also believe in the sanctity of life and understand the importance of traditional family values.” 

Rep. Noem has been endorsed by: 

• National Right to Life
  
• WallBuilders
• Family Heritage Alliance Action
• Steve Ferguson, Watertown Foursquare Church
• Pastor Pam Gaikowski, Watertown Foursquare Church
• Roger Day, Highmore, SD – Hosanna Restoration Church
• Pastor Ray Greenseth, Murdo, SD –  Messiah Lutheran Church
• Reverend Hyle Anderson, Aberdeen SD
• Pastor Gary Wileman, Aberdeen, SD – First Assembly of God
• Pastor David and Pastor Jeanne Kaufman, Brookings, SD – Holy Life Tabernacle
• Pastor Wesley Wileman, New Underwood Community Church

“Congresswoman Noem exemplifies what FHA stands for: faith, family, and freedom. Her unwavering stance on protecting the unborn and standing up for traditional family values is why we are endorsing Rep. Noem in her re-election bid for U.S. House of Representatives,” said Dale Bartscher, FHA Action Executive Director. 

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Was that the sound of a U-Haul backing up to Jay Williams Campaign Office, so they can start moving equipment into storage?  Because according to the website Morning Consult, Jay’s opponent John Thune is ranked as the 3rd most popular US Senator in America.

According to their methodology, “Based on interviews with almost 72,000 registered voters since May, Morning Consult crunched how constituents feel about their home-state senators (see more on methodology here).”  Bernie Sanders is #1, and John Thune is neck in neck with Maine’s Susan Collins for #2.

He’s 1 percentage point behind on popularity, but has a lower negative. That’s a pretty tough row to hoe for Thune’s opponent Jay Williams, (who will likely respond by muttering that we need to quit using fossil fuels, and that taxes are too low).

And it’s not like South Dakota’s Junior Senator fared poorly himself. Mike Rounds narrowly missed the top ten by coming in at #13:

Go read the entire story, complete with rankings here. 

Not that it comes as a shock to us, but it’s a testament to Republican leadership in South Dakota that we know how to pick ’em, and that they do a good job for our State.  Keep up the good work, Senators!

And sorry Jay. Better luck next time.

If you ask nicely, I’d let you use my appliance cart to load your stuff.  This might be good time to start loading.

Schatz-Thune Bill to Improve and Grow Tourism in Native Communities Heads to the President’s Desk

Bipartisan NATIVE Act Passes House, Set to Become Law 

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) that will enhance and integrate native tourism, empower native communities, and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities in the United States. The bill, which passed in the Senate in April, now heads to the president for his signature.

“I’m glad the NATIVE Act received the same broad bipartisan support this week in the House as it did earlier this year in the Senate,” said Thune. “This is a good, common-sense bill that will have a real impact in tribal communities throughout the country, including the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations in South Dakota. I want to thank Sen. Schatz for his strong partnership in helping get this legislation to the president’s desk for his signature.”  

“This bill will empower native communities to tell their own stories and build their own economic opportunities. For too long, tourism has focused on so-called major destinations and while that’s important, we have the opportunity to support cultural revitalization and economic renewal through the passage of this bill,” said Schatz. “Visitors are increasingly seeking out a more authentic and historically rich travel experience, and there is nothing more authentic and unique than the cultural tourism experience our native communities provide.” 

The NATIVE Act will require federal agencies with tourism assets and responsibilities to include tribes and native organizations in national tourism efforts and strategic planning. It will also provide Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and American Indian communities with access to resources and technical assistance needed to build sustainable recreational and cultural travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity; spur economic development, and create good jobs. 

U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) are cosponsors of the NATIVE Act.

“The NATIVE Act is a strong piece of legislation that will drive economic growth not only in areas that house Native lands and cultural attractions, but also for communities in every corner of the country,” said U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow. “We are pleased to see our lawmakers prioritize a measure that expands travel and tourism promotion opportunities for these lands—particularly allowing them to attract more international visitors, whose trips often have a tremendous positive ripple effect on the surrounding local economy. We applaud the House for advancing this bill, and thank Sen. Schatz for his leadership on the NATIVE Act, along with his consistent dedication to facilitating travel across the United States.”

The NATIVE Act is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders including the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homeland Assembly, U.S. Travel Association, American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association, Southeast Tourism Society, Western States Tourism Policy Council, National Congress of American Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives, and the Native Enterprise Initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

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Rounds Announces Staff Changes in Northeast South Dakota

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced the promotion of Josh Haeder to Regional Director in Northeast South Dakota. Additionally, Katie Murray, a Constituent Services Representative, is relocating to Brookings and will be based out of Rounds’ Sioux Falls office.

“Josh knows South Dakota, particularly the James River Valley,” said Rounds. “He has excelled by focusing on developing strong relationships with residents and communities throughout the region. Some of the best legislative efforts start at the local level. Josh understands the big picture and has been critical in that effort.”

Haeder has served as Senior Field Manager since January 2015. Haeder will continue to focus on constituent services and outreach in the James River Valley. He is based out of Huron with a satellite office in Aberdeen. Prior to joining Senator Rounds’ office, Haeder was the Chief Operating Officer of a credit counseling agency. His past experience also includes business and ag banking.  

“Katie is a lifelong South Dakotan with a passion for serving and helping others,” said Rounds. “She has been an asset to my team since the day I took office. In the past 20 months, she has gained valuable knowledge by helping South Dakotans who may be having trouble with a federal agency. I look forward to having a stronger presence in the Brookings area as she and her husband relocate.”

Katie has served as a Constituent Services Representative in Rounds’ Rapid City office since January 2015. She is a graduate of Black Hills State University. 

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I was going through my posts of last year, and didn’t notice that I’d repeated this column, as I have traditionally done.

The date is striking for me this year as my oldest son who was born on 9/11 took drivers ed this past summer, started his first year of high school this year, and is at that point in his life where he seems to be far less a boy, and more of a young man. (He requested “steak” for his birthday meal this year, as opposed to pizza, or something one of his younger siblings might have requested).

__

So, where were you on 9/11?

As I repeat the tale again for a new audience, on that fateful day, I was in the hospital witnessing one of my life’s greatest joys, the birth of my eldest son.  I love my girls, but after 4 of them, a son was pretty exciting.

My kids were at school or at daycare, and my father – who was out of town – was expected home that day from visiting a brother and sister in New Jersey. He was to going to be on a flight in the morning out of the Newark, N.J. airport, into Minneapolis. My mother, who had doted on her granddaughters, had passed away the previous November, and this was to be the first child born into the family that she would not see.

As my wife lay there having contractions, I walked out into the hallway where I noticed some floor nurses paying unusual attention to the television. They seemed awestruck, and as I walked over they noted that a plane had flown into one of the World Trade Center towers. It seemed a horrific accident until shortly after when another jet crashed into the other tower.

It was unheard of in most of our lifetimes, and every medical professional on the hospital floor was abuzz with what was going on. On television, it quickly escalated when reports were coming in from all over of other possible planes being hijacked, and there wasn’t a soul who wasn’t glued to the television.

The military was on high alert, and planes were being grounded and there wasn’t a second of television that was not fully enveloped with the news. I had some troubled thoughts since my father was also to be flying that day, but my primary concern was for my wife.

I would bounce from attending to my wife, and checking updates of the events. I had noted to her a little of what was going on, but wisely she refused to allow the television to be turned on in her hospital suite, and said she didn’t want to know, because she had other business to attend to. And she was moving into more serious labor.

About that time, it was announced that yet another plane had been flown into a section of the Pentagon. Clearly, our nation was under attack, and there was worry written on everyone’s face.  The OB doctors came into the birthing suite and attended to my wife as professionally as could be, despite the distraction of the historic events of the moment. And all staff was in place as my wife gave birth.

After relatively short session of pushing, the baby was born. As my wife had previously given birth to four girls, a cheer went up from the staff as the Doctor announced that my wife had given birth to a boy. She held her first son in her arms for a moment, and the doctors took care of the rest of the business involved in childbirth.

It was a boy! While I love my daughters unquestioningly, and they give me great pride, I’d always longed for a son.

My son was as healthy as could be, and his mother was also doing exceptionally well. As things settled down, and as my exhausted wife began to recover, we turned on the television and discovered that the World Trade Center Towers had fallen. And we also heard the news of a plane out of the Newark Airport that was hijacked had crashed in Pennsylvania.

About that time, I had a call on my cell phone from my father who was noting the absolute pandemonium at the Newark Airport, and his good fortune to get a rental car to travel back to his sisters’. He was safe, and pleased at the news of the birth of his first grandson.

As I got off the phone and the television news recounted and repeated the tragic events of the morning, a lullaby played over the speakers in the hospital. A lullaby. At St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, after the birth of a child it has been their tradition for a number of years to play a lullaby to announce the joyful event.

It was a bit surreal. Amidst all of the pain and carnage of the day, a lullaby announcing the birth of a child.

For a while, I sat with my wife, and then I’d go back and check on my son. I’d do this for a while, alternating between my two family members. After an hour or so, there was another lullaby played over the hospital. And I believe I heard another one a couple of hours after that.

The thing that struck me about that day, with my son being born between the time the Pentagon was hit, and the twin towers came down was this: Hope is eternal.

And it’s an appropriate thought on this day when we remember when so many people died. It’s appropriate on a day when soldiers are fighting and dying for the right of a country to be free. It’s appropriate to remember on a day when we are only starting to count our dead countrymen struck down from a tragic natural disaster. (At the time this was written, the hurricane had just hit New Orleans – pp)

No matter how bad things seem, they will be better. The lullabies playing a duet with the television newscasts taught me that. So has my son.  Hope is eternal. Please remember that and offer your thoughts, prayers, and moral support today for the casualties of 9/11 and our soldiers.

—

As a nation we continue to have servicemen and women in harms way, and it is important to remember that there is always a human cost to such an action, but as the greatest nation of people that has ever existed on this planet, we have a unique responsibility, and we must be ever vigilant.  There will always be trials for us to endure, but there is always a hope for a better world.

As my son moves into adulthood, so too are the tragedies of 9/11 another year farther away from us. In the fifteen intervening years, it seems that as a country, within our own lifetimes, we have gone from never having been so unified as a country, to never being more divided.

On the occasion of 9/11, maybe we should take it as a reminder that far more unites us as a country than divides us. And it shouldn’t take the cowardly actions enemies to the basic concept of what America stands for to remind us of that fact.

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

From the Sioux City Journal:

The 2016 general election outcome could continue a trend in South Dakota, as no Democrat has won federal office since 2008, when Stephanie Herseth Sandlin won a House seat. Two years later, Noem knocked off Herseth Sandlin.

South Dakota is a tough state for Democrats, as Republicans usually rack up fundraising leads and the number of registered Republicans now exceeds Democrats, 246,953 compared to 169,038.

And…

In campaign finance reports through the most recent period, Williams had raised less than $37,000 through June 30. Four days ago, Thune felt so comfortable in his re-election bid that he told colleagues was giving $2 million from his own campaign funds to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, to help elect other GOP senators.

Read it here.

You know, they left out the part about both Hawks and Williams wanting more taxes onn South Dakotans. i have to think that’s not helping their dismal efforts.