Governor’s Office Still Accepting District 9 Nominations

Pat Powers

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Governor’s Office Still Accepting District 9 Nominations 

DaugaardPIERRE, S.D. – The Governor’s Office is still seeking nominations from the public to fill Rep. Steve Hickey’s legislative seat in District 9.

District 9 includes northwestern Minnehaha County, including the Hartford, Humboldt, Crooks and the Wall Lake area. The district also includes an area in north and northwestern Sioux Falls, encompassing Southeast Technical Institute, Hayward Elementary School and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. A map of the district is available on the LRC website at legis.sd.gov/img/Legislative_Districts/09.pdf.

Those wishing to be considered for the appointment, or to offer nominations, should contact Grace Kessler in the Office of the Governor at 605-773-3661. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current address, telephone number and relevant background information.

Hickey announced last month he would be vacating his legislative seat to pursue a postgraduate opportunity. Hickey’s resignation is effective Sept. 1, 2015.

Gov. Daugaard expects to name an appointee this fall.

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US Senator John Thune’s Weekly Column: Multi-Year Highway Bill an Investment in Our Roads and Bridges

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thuneheadernew John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressMulti-Year Highway Bill an Investment in Our Roads and Bridges
By Senator John Thune

With one million bikers expected to take to the highways for the 75th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, and as tourist season remains well underway, there is no better time to stress the need for safe, reliable roads and bridges in South Dakota and across America.

Our transportation infrastructure keeps our economy and our nation moving. That is why I am pleased the U.S. Senate recently passed a multi-year highway bill by a vote of 65-34 that would fund federal highway and infrastructure projects for three years. The Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act provides certainty to states across the country, does not increase the gas tax, and would be the longest highway funding measure in over a decade.

For too long, transportation funding has been subjected to one short-term extension after another – 34 short-term extensions since 2009 – that leaves those responsible for our nation’s transportation system without the certainty and predictability they need to maintain and improve the safety of our roads, bridges, and highways.

If Congress fails to provide state and local governments with this necessary certainty, they are hamstrung when it comes to authorizing certain projects or making long-term plans for transportation infrastructure. Such a scenario could mean that essential construction projects get deferred, necessary repairs might not get made, and jobs that depend on transportation are put in jeopardy.

The DRIVE Act answers the call for the type of long-term certainty state and local governments need. This legislation signals an important commitment to safe, quality highways and bridges in South Dakota that will help support our economy and ensure important industries such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing continue to thrive.

South Dakota agriculture producers and businesses rely on our interstate highway system to distribute their goods to stores across the United States and around the world. All of us depend on our nation’s roads and bridges to get from place to place every day – especially in a state like South Dakota where the distance between towns is often measured in hours.

This multi-year highway bill is another major legislative achievement for the Republican-led Senate and the result of months of hard work by multiple Senate committees, including the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which I chair. Republicans and Democrats alike had their voices heard during this process, and the final product is stronger because of it. It is critical the House and Senate finish a long-term highway bill in the coming months.

As this year’s rally approaches, I hope your travels throughout the state are safe. Motorcycles will be everywhere over the next few weeks, so remember to look twice and save a life.

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US Senator Mike Rounds’ Weekly Column: No Deal is Better Than a Bad Deal

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RoundsPressHeader

 No Deal is Better Than a Bad Deal
By Senator Mike Rounds
July 31, 2015

MikeRounds official SenateSeveral weeks ago, President Obama submitted part of the nuclear agreement with Iran to Congress for review. The U.S. negotiators, including Secretary of State John Kerry, have not even seen the details of the side agreements reached between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran. I have been closely examining the proposal and asking important questions regarding specific details. Unfortunately, the more I learn about the President’s agreement, the more concerned I am about the risks it poses to our long-term national security.

Earlier this year, President Obama claimed that no deal with Iran regarding their nuclear program would be better than a bad deal, and I couldn’t agree more. Yet from what we know so far, it appears to be a very bad deal that not only fails to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, it emboldens them through tens of billions of dollars in sanctions relief, a phased out lifting of United Nations arms and missile embargoes and allows them to test more advanced centrifuges after 10 years.

I recently had an opportunity to question administration officials about the deal during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. During that hearing, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter confirmed to me that under this deal, he could not rule out Iran acquiring an intercontinental ballistic missile in ten years. This means that Iran would have the capability of producing a weapon that could reach U.S. soil in a decade. These troubling comments come after General Paul Selva, the President’s nominee to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told me during a separate hearing that Iran remains the leading state sponsor of terrorism, and sanctions relief agreed to in the nuclear deal could be used by Iran to continue sponsoring terrorism.

I’m concerned that this deal puts too much trust in Iran – a country that has violated more than 20 international agreements in the past, continues to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism and currently has imprisoned four U.S. citizens.

Congress is currently reviewing the deal and will likely vote on a resolution of disapproval in mid-September. I’ve said all along that any deal with Iran must prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, and it appears the President’s proposed deal fails to accomplish that goal. In essence, this agreement not only releases tens of billions of dollars in resources to Iran for use in terror activities, it also authorizes the relaxation of the arms embargo and the limitations on Iran’s ability to get an intercontinental ballistic missile while legally allowing them access to advance nuclear capabilities at the end of a ten year period. That is the end result, even if they do not cheat in the meantime.

A nuclear Iran will increase the level of unrest in an already-unstable Middle East, threaten many of our allies and put U.S. lives at risk. The president was correct when he said that “no deal is better than a bad deal” with Iran. It’s time for him to realize what is in front of him.

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Congresswoman Kristi Noem’s Weekly Column: Reining in Regulators

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knoem kristi noem headshot May 21 2014Reining in Regulators
By Rep. Kristi Noem
July 31, 2015

$1.88 trillion – that’s how much federal regulations cost hardworking Americans overall in 2014 alone. $14,976 – that’s how much, on average, those regulations cost each of us individually.  500 – that’s approximately how many new regulations costing more than $100 million annually have gone into effect since President Obama took office.  No matter how you add the numbers up, it is too much.  This administration and the federal bureaucracy it controls must be reined in.  Period.

On July 29, the House of Representatives passed legislation that aims to provide more congressional oversight over the federal regulatory process.  More specifically, the REINS Act, which is legislation I cosponsored, would require Congress to approve any regulation that costs the economy more than $100 million annually.  That may seem like a high bar, but approximately 80 regulations would have tripped that threshold last year alone.

A number of these regulations are derived by the EPA.  For instance, last June, the EPA released new greenhouse gas emission standards that apply to new as well as existing power plants.  According to an October 2014 study by NERA Economic Consulting, the EPA’s proposal could cost consumers and businesses as much as $41 billion per year.  Additionally, the Heritage Foundation estimates that by 2030, the costs could rise to a total income loss of more than $7,000 per person.

We all want to preserve our environment for future generations, but in a state like South Dakota, the costs associated with a regulation like this could prove devastating.  Families in South Dakota that earn less than $50,000 per year already spend one-fifth of their after-tax income on energy costs, which is double the national average.  Many can’t afford to pay even more.

Of course, the EPA’s upcharges don’t end there.  I’ve heard from many South Dakotans about their concerns with a new “Waters of the U.S.” definition that the EPA released.  It grossly expands the agency’s reach, giving them regulatory authority over many streams, ditches, sloughs, and even areas that are only wet seasonally.  The expanded authority would empower them to fine property owners tens of thousands of dollars per violation – per day.

The EPA is eager to utilize this authority too.  Last year – before the expansion was finalized – the agency threatened to go after a Wyoming farmer for digging a stock dam on his own property.  He explains they threatened a $75,000-a-day fine.  After heavy pressure from Wyoming’s congressional delegation, the EPA backed down.  Even so, no farmer, rancher, or citizen should have to endure those unnecessary headaches at the hand of an overzealous federal agency.  I share concerns that this story won’t be the last.

Federal regulators shouldn’t be able to operate in a bubble.  It’s time they are forced to think twice before finalizing ill-considered, needlessly costly and simply unnecessary regulations.  That is what the REINS Act intends to do.  I’m hopeful we can see this necessary legislation move forward in the Senate and make its way to the President’s desk.  You deserve greater accountability.

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Governor Daugaard’s Weekly Column: Hosting The 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

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daugaardheader DaugaardHosting The 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

It’s rally time in South Dakota. What started in 1938 as a single motorcycle race in a small town in South Dakota has grown into one of the largest and most well-known motorcycle gatherings in the world. This year is the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and it may be the largest biker gathering of all time. I’ve heard estimates ranging from 800,000 to 1.2 million people.

These motorcycle enthusiasts aren’t just visiting Sturgis. They’re traveling all around the Black Hills – staying in our local hotels and at our campgrounds, eating in our local restaurants, shopping in our local stores and filling up at our gas stations. Each year the rally has a big economic impact on Sturgis and all of the Black Hills, from which South Dakota benefits.

An event this size won’t be without its challenges. That’s why we’ve been preparing for the 75th rally for the last two years. Since 2013, state agencies and local governments have been holding monthly meetings, table top exercises and capabilities briefings.

We’re as ready as we can be for the 75th rally. The state has set up a Rally Operations Center and a Traffic Operations Center. Local law enforcement, the Highway Patrol and ambulance services have additional personnel working. National Guard soldiers specializing in law enforcement and medical response are training in the Black Hills area and are available for call-up in the event of a disaster. Two National Guard Blackhawk helicopters are also on stand-by for medical transport if there is a major emergency.

For the past 74 years, we have not had a major emergency incident at the Sturgis Rally.  Our goal is to get through the 75th rally with that record intact, but we need help.

We’re asking South Dakotans to do their part to help make this a safe journey for our visitors. Drive carefully and be particularly mindful of the motorcycles on the road. It only takes one mistake to alter your life and someone else’s forever. If you live in the Black Hills area, plan to get to your destinations ahead of time and be patient with law enforcement and emergency responders. If something doesn’t look right – maybe how someone is taking photos of government buildings or measuring distances between buildings – let law enforcement know.  If you see something, say something.

For those who are attending the rally, be careful and be prepared. Wear a helmet and proper riding attire. Most importantly, don’t drink and drive.

Riders can visit SouthDakotaRides.com for real-time information and some helpful tips. On the website there are links to weather updates, fire danger information, Twitter feeds from the departments of Transportation and Public Safety, and a map of hospital, urgent care and police station locations.

One of government’s primary functions is to keep people safe. The state of South Dakota is ready to uphold that responsibility and we welcome the opportunity to host so many visitors in our great state. If South Dakotans and our visitors do their part, it will go a long way in helping make the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally a safe and fun event.

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Let’s see how that goes for Bosworth

@SoDakCampaigns

From the Argus Leader…. What’s that saying about people who represent themselves? (We all know it).

Former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Annette Bosworth fought to keep her medical license at a medical board hearing Friday that was held in response to her felony conviction for election law violations in May.

and…

Bosworth, who represented herself at the hearing, said she’s a good doctor and that she loves what she does, KELO-TV reported.

Read it here.

Given that her former Attorney got her through the last one of these, arguably by the skin of her teeth, I’m not thinking this is going to go well.

State Senator’s dogs involved in biting incident.

@SoDakCampaigns

From the Argus, it appears dogs belonging to Dr and State Senator Blake Curd were involved in a serious dog biting incident:

The woman was walking near the 1300 block of South Elmwood Avenue at around 7 a.m. when she encountered two Tibetan Mastiffs, one male, one female, said Capt. Greg VandeKamp of the Sioux Falls Police Department.

The woman had bites to both legs and her right arm, and was treated at Sanford USD Medical Center. Police think the male dog bit her.

Sen. Blake Curd (R-12)
Sen. Blake Curd (R-12)

State Sen. Blake Curd and his wife Debbie own the dogs.

“We are distraught over what has happened and thankful it wasn’t worse,” Blake Curd said in a statement to the Argus Leader. “We hope for all to recover quickly and applaud the quick actions of the Sioux Falls Police Department, EMS personnel and Milo the animal control officer who responded to render assistance in this unfortunate circumstance.”

Read it all here.

We certainly hope everyone involved is ok. That’s scary stuff, and but for the grace of God, could happen to any of us. As domesticated as they are, dogs are still animals.

This is the New SDDP Executive Director?

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South DaCola took a few minutes off from hating on everyone this afternoon, and posted that the new Executive Director for the SDDP is identified as Suzie Jones Pranger.

No, I haven’t really heard of her either. But, there is this video out there floating around which gives the impression she’s been involved in some of the Dem campaigns in the past:

SJP

And this LTE, which someone pawned off on her to sign in 2010 during the Herseth campaign.

Her curriculum vitae matches up with what I’d heard was the background of the person coming into the job, so I have no reason to question it.  Although, why would a past chair of USD Women in Law choose to become the ED of the South Dakota Democratic Party?  That’s like signing up to captain the Titanic after it hit the iceberg.

Ah, youth and exuberance. (It takes a few bruises before they become callused and cynical like most campaign veterans).

Thune Selects Family for 2015 Angels in Adoption Award

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thuneheadernewThune Selects Family for 2015 Angels in Adoption Award
“The Fite family is more than deserving of this award, and I am honored to select them.”

2015 Angels in Adoption Award_Fite Family(Pictured from left to right: Chloe, Tami, Clare, Cody, Cate, and Aaron Fite)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced his selection of Aaron and Tami Fite of Platte, S.D., and their family for the 2015 Angels in Adoption Award presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, of which Thune is a member. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of men and women across the country who have opened up their hearts and homes to children in need of a family.

“The Fite family is more than deserving of this award, and I am honored to select them,” said Thune. “Aaron and Tami graciously opened up their home, accepting the medical challenges that would come with Cody’s and Cate’s adoptions. Their selflessness has truly been an inspiration to me as well as to members of their community.”

Aaron and Tami were inspired to start a family of their own through adoption while serving on a short-term mission trip in Central America. When they arrived home to South Dakota, they were told about Cody, an infant with Down syndrome who was in need of a family. Eleven years later, Cody is now an active athlete in the Special Olympics, competing in basketball, track, and softball.

In 2006, the Fites received a call about a baby girl, Cate, who was also in need of a family. Cate suffers from a severe neurological disorder called semi-lobar holoprosencephaly and was adopted by the Fites shortly after she was born. Cate has overcome many medical obstacles during her life. Even though she cannot walk or talk on her own, she can walk in a Mustang walker and talk with her eyes through an Eyegaze communication tool. Recently, at a surprise retirement party for Cate’s personal paraprofessional aide, Cate thanked her teacher via the use of the Eyegaze.

After eight years of marriage, the Fites discovered they were miraculously pregnant in 2009, and Chloe was born in 2010. When Chloe was 10 months old, they became pregnant again, and Clare was born in 2012.

“Families have so much love to give, and when families open their hearts to what God has in store for them, it can bring immeasurable joy and growth to a family in ways they never dreamed possible,” the Fites say. “Our adoption story has inspired us to have a Christ-like love for people who are different, for children who are deemed ‘not worthy of life,’ and we are so grateful for the awareness about individuals with disabilities our children have helped bring to our community, churches, and schools. Cate and Cody have taught us more about Christ’s unconditional love and the spirit of perseverance than we ever thought possible. Cody and Cate prove that every life matters and that there is potential in even the worst of circumstances or when the odds are completely stacked against a child.”

The Fites will be invited to join Angels in Adoption nominees from around the country at an awards banquet sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington, D.C., in October.

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An up and coming South Dakota political pin. Rare Hillary Clinton pin climbing in price

Pat Powers

It’s political button time again, as I just received this rare button in my mailbox today – and I couldn’t be happier with it at $2.50.
This political button commemorates a visit by then First Lady Hillary Clinton to the Great Plains Summit on rural health care, held in Lennox, South Dakota on Feb 18th of that year.

It didn’t mean much then, and has not been a popular pin, but as time and ambition march on, it’s becoming a bit more desire able among collectors of South Dakota political memorabilia, mainly driven by it’s presidential connection.

Among collectors of local items, this pin is now trading in the neighborhood of $20, and should only go higher if Hillary is the nominee for the Democrats as expected.

State items with a presidential nominee connection tend to increase in value over time due to rarity, and I’d guarantee they didn’t make a lot of these.

I’d only look for it to increase in value over the years. Nothing I’d base a retirement on, but give it ten years, and it might be trading at higher level than it is now.