I caught this image on the Minnehaha Democrat Party’s facebook recently. And if we were in a movie or a book, I would consider it foreshadowing.

What’s my thought process on it? Hear me out.  Everyone in the photo declaring their comeback is a current or former candidate for the Democrat Party. Except one.

• Billie Sutton – Ran for Governor, narrowly lost to Kristi Noem
• Jamie Smith – Ran for Governor, was completely crushed by Kristi Noem, and is now running for SF Mayor.
• Sheryl Johnson – Yes, she did run for office. She ran as “SD Mom” for Congress in the last election, where she received 28% against Congressman Dusty Johnson
• Julian Beaudion – announced he is running for US Senate.
• Nikki Gronli – Appointed as USDA State Director for Rural Development by President Biden.

Everyone in the photo has ran, or is running for statewide office. Except Nikki Gronli. (a.k.a., Nikki “three shell” Gronli, if I could remind you):

Upon her departure from USDA, Gronli recently took the lead for Democrats in being the face of their Democrat town halls, which seems to have a large self-promotion component, given that she’s the one leading them on the SDDP’s behalf as opposed to a member of the opposition party’s leadership or current officeholders being the face of the party on this.

So, if cynical me were to go out on a limb, I would offer an educated guess that this the dog & pony show – at least in part – is to raise Gronli’s profile among Democrats prior to announcing her candidacy for public office.  Interestingly, South Dakota Democrats are having their annual state dinner fundraiser this weekend in Sioux Falls, featuring Tim Walz, their party’s most recent Vice Presidential offering.  It’s entirely possible that we may see an announcement of what she’s going to run for at the event.

Stay tuned.

The local conspiracy theorists are at it again.

Over the weekend, several of them were clucking because Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced a measure to ban cloud seeding, which they seem to translate as supportive of efforts to shoot down planes that have jet contrails.

Here’s one of them who somehow manages to connect chemtrails with bitcoin, florinated(sic) water, and hand-counting ballots. Because in their words – they are “evil”:

And it’s great they can find their validation in Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. But this is also the “Jewish Space Lasers caused the California fires” Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

“Then oddly there are all these people who have said they saw vhat looked like lasers or blue beams of light causing the fires, and pictures and videos. I don’t know anything about that but I do find it really curious PG&E’s partnership with Solaren on space solar generators starting in 2009. They announced the launch into space in March 2018, and maybe even put hem up before that. Space solar generators collect the suns energy and then beam it back to Earth to a transmitter to convert to electricity. The idea is clean energy to replace coal and oil. if they are beaming he suns energy back to Earth, I’m sure they wouldn’t ever miss a transmitter receiving station right??!! l nean mistakes are never made when anything new is invented. What would that look like anyway? A laser beam or light beam coming down to Earth I guess. Could that cause a fire? Hmmm, I don’t know. I hope not! That wouldn’t look so good for PG&E, Rothschild Inc, Solaren or Jerry Brown who sure does seem fond of PG&E.”

If MTG is the kind of Republican they want to be, I think I’ll stick with Reagan Republicanism.  It involves a lot less time being paranoid about made-up things in the sky.

I just caught an interesting development with the State Republican Party that nobody seems to be talking about.  If you visit the Internet Wayback machine, on June 15 the archive service captured this portion of the Republican Party’s website:

Yet, if you look at the live version today…

In the last two weeks, they seem to have misplaced their Fundraising Director:

Considering that this comes after their own reports of abysmal fundraising, yet on the cusp of them presenting a fundraising plan to central committee members in less than two weeks, that would seem to be a topic that central committee members might have to ask about.

Remember when SDGOP Chairman (& former 32-year Obama Democrat) Jim Eschenbaum claimed “We don’t need any more money thrown to the state GOP than what we need to operate?” (..at the same time he noted they wanted to weed out RINO’s from the party)

I’m thinking that the party might be having some second thoughts about their chairman declaring they don’t need any money.  Because it appears that things are looking bad at the SDGOP in terms of what they’re seeing in donations.

How bad are they getting? Had this note sent to me the other day by the party through an intermediary not long after they filed receiving no donations that month other than from the treasurer on their FEC Report:

Things are so bad that the party actually came crawling to me for something the party put out 2-3 years ago?  That’s funny! (You can about guess my reply).

With that as the launching point, yesterday, the SDGOP sent out their proposed budget for the next year, as well as how they’ve done so far in fundraising for 2025:

SDGOP_ExpensesandBudget by Pat Powers on Scribd

So many pie in the sky projections. Has anyone actually done any fundraising before?

I don’t see any expenses for their “Miller Golf Tournament” where they were splitting the proceeds. They actually believe they’re going to take in $30k for a statewide mailer after the previous year the party actually lost money on the last statewide mailer (as I was told) & no line item for postage on that or any other mailer. They think they’re going to raise 25k on a raffle they’re going to sink 15k into, and they’re going to get another $17-18K out of county GOP organizations?

Well. Good luck with that.

Also the party’s finances continue to dim with a notation that as of 6/1, they are down to $29,825.30 in the state account and $26,770.01 in the federal, giving them less than $58,000 total among all their accounts in the face of dwindling finances and few prospects.

Stay tuned, as we find out if the chairman still believes that they “don’t need any more money” a few months from now.

Here’s an interesting difference of opinion.  Toby Doeden, the man who is doing his damndest to buy his way into office no matter what it costs, recently slobbered over State Representative Dylan Jordan somehow claiming he’s qualified to judge him the “conservative conscience” of  Northeast South Dakota.

While Doeden may have feted DJ Jazzy Jordan, don’t forget that recently, former State Rep. Fred Deutsch – an actual conservative – found Dylan a bit more fetid over Jordan’s pledge to have civilian aircraft shot out of the sky:

It’s one thing to express your views about chemtrails, but it’s entirely another to advocate for legislation for the National Guard to “take military action” against aircraft flying over SD. That’s not just kooky, but wrong and dangerous.

Read that here.

I’m thinking “kooky and dangerous” is the more accurate opinion in this instance.

The SDGOP sent out a meeting announcement along with a financial statement yesterday, so there is SO MUCH to unpack; more than I can address in a single post.

But first and foremost is a single line on the agenda, which indicates one of Chairman (& former 32-year Obama Democrat) Jim Eschenbaum’s prime agenda items are being moved forward – a scorecard for elected officials and the party endorsing candidates in the primary.

According to the agenda:

7-19-25-SDGOP_Agenda by Pat Powers on Scribd

At the bottom of “New Business” on page two is a line noting that Proposed Scorecard Reviews and Endorsements are on the agenda, which is in line with earlier warnings from Chairman Eschenbaum that this was part of his plan, despite endorsing candidates being contrary to over 140 years of Republican tradition in this state – and I’m talking about going back to the Republican party before statehood.

While in the very distant past factions within the party may have had a preferred candidate, and the SDGOP has elected candidates at convention, they have never gotten into actual endorsements in primary elections. In fact, as recently as just a few years ago, the SDGOP has noted it’s neutrality. While they will support it’s elected officials, they weren’t going to get into playing favorites.

Until now, where this new group in charge of the party has decided to come in with an agenda of breaking the SDGOP.

Now it appears they are looking to move forward with splitting the baby into multiple pieces. Make you wonder how. Will they do it based on how much someone donates – Is the party to be bought off?  Or will they do it based on holding a second convention which will be expensive – an early endorsement convention where special delegates come in? Or will it be a star chamber where a select few get to pick?

That’s the problem with this sort of thing. It’s most likely going to be based on how those in the small group want to game it so their candidate has an advantage. They aren’t – for example – going to send out a mailer to every Republican in the state so it’s participatory where all registered Republicans have a voice.

It will be about the few making a choice.

The question is – how few? And how much will registered Republicans tolerate it?

On Instagram, State Representative Logan Manhart seems to be doing his best to provide ammunition for his detractors.

Last year, he attended Toby Doeden’s Dakota First rally in Sioux Falls, which was protested by the NAACP for it’s inclusion of Mark “I’m a Black Nazi” Robinson as part of the festivities.  Today, he’s posting more grist for the mill to Instagram, as he proudly wears his “Toby Doeden” for Governor jacket, and declares “It’s white boy summer and the boys are back in charge.”

Given that as a State Rep, Manhart represents the Sisseton Whapeton reservation.. and the term is used as “a slogan for white supremacists and other hate groups” not sure that’s the kind of thing I would say to my constituents.

Although, as one person noted to me stated, “I thought he preferred white boy winter?”

Celebrating American Strength
By Congressman Dusty Johnson

BIG Update

Our founding fathers made history by declaring independence from Britain. On Friday—Independence Day—we proudly celebrate 249 years since the famous declaration that established a nation of freedom and strength.

In the heart of America, Mount Rushmore represents these core principles. I’m glad fireworks will return next year, lighting up the sky above the monument in celebration of 250 years of our great country.

As you spend time with family and friends this weekend, I wish you a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.

 

BIG Idea

I introduced the Protection of Women in Sports at Military Academies Act to prohibit biological men from competing in women’s sports at our nation’s military service academies. Riley Gaines agrees with me—the United States military service academies should set the example for fairness and integrity. Service academies should remain focused on military readiness—not radical gender policies.

Click here  for Fox News’s article on my bill

BIG News

House and Senate Republicans worked hard to deliver real wins for the American people by getting the One Big Beautiful Bill to President Trump’s desk. Our bill prevents the largest tax increase for American families in U.S. history, secures our southern border, and is a meaningful step in getting government spending under control.

House Republicans strengthened welfare programs like SNAP and Medicaid to ensure the most needy will be able to receive these benefits for generations to come. One of the ways to preserve the integrity of the programs is by enforcing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents.

There are many parts of the One Big Beautiful Bill that haven’t been making headlines. For example, it makes historic investments in our air traffic control system, boosts agricultural trade, supports American farmers, and unleashes domestic production of energy and critical minerals.

The One Big Beautiful Bill isn’t perfect, but it helps everyday Americans by putting in place no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, tax cuts for seniors, all while ensuring individuals and businesses don’t see a near 25% tax hike at the end of the year.

Rooted in Freedom
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
July 4, 2025

Independence Day marks a pivotal moment in American History. On a summer day 249 years ago, inside Independence Hall, our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and declared liberty from tyranny. Their Declaration confirms that liberty is not a privilege, but a right given by our Creator. This day is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the American spirit – and of American freedom.

The words of the Declaration of Independence remain true to this day: “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Here in South Dakota, those freedoms are especially evident. South Dakota is the freest state in a nation founded on the principle of freedom – our Founding Fathers would be proud.

In one short year, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. South Dakota will lead this celebration with fireworks at Mount Rushmore. I remember when South Dakota used to hold Independence Day fireworks at Mount Rushmore every year. There is a very tall hill near my ranch, and I used to drive up to the top of that hill, get my binoculars, and watch the fireworks go off at Mount Rushmore!

We are working closely with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to bring back that tradition and throw the biggest party ever for America’s 250th birthday! I have invited President Trump to commemorate with us. It will be a celebration of not only our nation’s rich history, but who we are becoming.

As we take part in festivities this Independence Day, we remember what makes the United States and South Dakota strong, safe, and free. America was built on a vision, and South Dakota is the epitome of just that.

We’re thriving – and we’re leading. Our economy is strong, our communities are safe, and our future is definitely Open for Opportunity. Our state proves day in and day out that the principles of freedom and liberty are alive and well. And we never take that for granted. We will continue to work hard to maintain and celebrate it. Because we know that freedom isn’t just a word, but a way of life.

As our communities celebrate America’s birthday, the spirit of freedom will be on full display across South Dakota. While we enjoy these celebrations, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the freedom and opportunity that God has given us – and the sacrifices made by so many to keep it.

The birth of America was brought about by brave men and women who had the courage to fight for their freedom. They stood up for what they believed in. They ensured that their kids and grandkids could live in a country full of freedom and opportunity. Thanks to their courage and bravery, we are able to live our lives in the same way. And as Governor, I work hard every day to make sure the citizens of South Dakota can experience freedom and opportunity for generations to come.

In South Dakota, we don’t shy away from hard work. We don’t wait for others to lead. We live by our faith and stand on the principles that have made our country great for the past two hundred and forty-nine years. Families helping families, and neighbors helping neighbors, is something South Dakota excels at. I ask everyone to keep extending that helping hand when our communities face hardship. It’s what holds our great state together during tough times.

Sandy and I hope you celebrate this Fourth of July with family, fireworks, apple pie, and lots of red, white, and blue! Happy Independence Day, and may God bless the United States of America.

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