Imagine running for office doing your own thing, talking to community members, putting up signs, etc.  And then a bombshell is dropped in your lap when on an unsolicited basis, Satan endorses you.  Maybe not coming from the dark lord himself, but a text message blast fired out a short while ago this AM which may have roiled two local races seems pretty close.

Both Al Austreim running for Brookings City Council and Kelsey Bowman running for Brookings School Board are registered Republicans, and had been putting forth a respectable effort in running with signs, mailers and the such going out in what had been a sleepy contest.

And then this text message hit this morning:

Toby Doeden’s, Dakota First Action had fired off a text message in support of local Brookings candidates Kelsey Bowman and Al Austreim in the April 8 election, It was surprising, considering the PAC had shown no interest to date in the race.  The problem with Doeden getting involved in this race for these two candidates is that Doeden and his PAC are not just a little radioactive:

The message came from North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. CNN recently reported that Robinson made racist and sexually explicit remarks more than a decade ago on a pornographic website’s message board. The report said Robinson, who has a recent history of anti-transgender rhetoric, said he enjoyed watching transgender pornography, referred to himself as a “black Nazi,” expressed support for reinstating slavery and praised Adolf Hitler.

Robinson’s video speech occurred during the Dakota First Action political action committee’s Victory Gala. Toby Doeden, an Aberdeen businessman and founder of Dakota First Action, said his fellow Republicans who are condemning Robinson are hurting the party.

“CNN has no substantive proof,” Doeden said. “Republicans will eat their own. If he were on the left, not a single Democrat would have called for him to step down.”

and..

Current state Republican leaders “aren’t conservatives,” Doeden alleged. 

“They’re liberals that register as Republicans because they can’t get elected as Democrats,” he said. “These people are hacks. They’re clowns. They’re disgusting. I started my PAC to eradicate hacks like that from serving in the Legislature – period.” 

Read that here.

The man whose last PAC event was protested by the NAACP has apparently decided he is going to endorse candidates in the Brookings City & School races. The problem is they didn’t ask the candidates, as one of them confirmed to me that they “had nothing to do with” the text message.

Al Austreim, candidate for Brookings City Council reached out to me this morning to let me know that “neither Kelsey nor I had anything to do with this,” as they were shocked and in speaking with Al, had a bit of dismay why this Political Action Committee decided to show up and get involved.  “We did not approve this” and we have “no control over it” was the message directly offered in response to the text blast reaching far across the community, where he expressed concern over this Aberdeen based PAC inserting itself into the race.

It’s not unheard of, as it would not be the first time Toby “Dumpster-fire” Doeden attempted to endorse candidates without their say so. If I could draw your attention to February 2024 :

Read that here.

At the time, Doeden had endorsed Fred Deutsch in the District 4 Senate Race.  You probably can’t find this post, because immediately after it went up, it came down. Because I have it on good authority that Fred didn’t ask for it, nor want it.  And that was before Doeden further descended into infamy. And here we are a little more than a year later with satan Doeden’s group back at it.

The problem is that in Brookings, a fairly middle-of-the-road South Dakota University community, it could threaten to derail these candidate’s home-spun campaigns.  When you have PAC messaging from Doeden’s toxic organization which is the opposite of the South Dakota nice these candidates are trying to communicate with in their races, it’s not a good thing.

In speaking with Austreim, he seems authentic and earnest in his desire to run for the local city council, and expresses that he’s running a transparent campaign, and wants to engage with the community. Unfortunately, when it comes to outside forces inserting themselves into the contest, they “have no control over it.”

If anything, it sounds like they want to get Doeden and his PAC out of town, and out of the race.

Al and Kelsey seemed to have a fair amount of wind in their sails for the final 2 weeks of running their campaigns. Now, through the actions of Toby Doeden and his toxic PAC dropping their text message bomb, they might be fighting for their political lives against the help they didn’t ask for and didn’t want.

Remember this past week when SDGOP Chairman Eschenbaum had alluded to some prior affinity for Democrats, as he told SD News Watch in an interview that he had voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012:

Eschenbaum voted for Barack Obama in 2008 because he thought electing the first Black president would help address racial tensions. He was ready to vote Republican in 2012, upset with runaway spending following the Great Recession but was unimpressed with GOP candidate Mitt Romney’s campaign and supported Obama again.

Read that here.

A number of Republicans I spoke with were surprised to see their new chair declaring he was an Obama voter.  Twice.  Well, it seems that’s not the entire story. Because the chairman of the South Dakota Republican Party appears to have done more than just voting for Obama.

I’d heard rumors about this in the past, but I finally gotten my hands on something people told me I should chase down. Jim Eschenbaum’s voter registration. And At least from the documentation at hand, he’s done more than just vote for Obama.  It appears that according to voter registration records, SDGOP Chairman Jim Eschenbaum was registered as a Democrat from 1984 – 2016. A span of 32 years:

That’s quite a stretch to be registered as a Democrat for 32 years, and then come in to run for South Dakota Republican Party Chairman 8 years later and to declare yourself capable to be chairman of the SDGOP.

Of course, his leadership of the SDGOP has already given us such gems as releasing a scorecard about the performance of state legislators  – as part of a left-leaning organization where he serves in the same capacities in parallel with the SDGOP. And where they declared that half of the Republican State Senators somehow failed or were darn close:

Literally, the new South Dakota Republican Party Chairman just attacked half of the Republicans in the Senate, and gave ammunition to their opponents for the next election, including attacking the Senate Majority Leader.

Eschenbaum, just handed ouf F’s to Arch Beal, Casey Crabtree, Sydney Davis, Randy Diebert, Helene Duhamel, Steve Kolbeck, Senate Republican Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, Paul Miskimins, Tim Reed, Steph Sauder, Kyle Schoenfish and Glen Vilhauer. (Senators) Mike Rohl and Larry Zikmund were given D’s.

Read that here.

Are we now finding out that Jim Eschenbaum might be the Manchurian Republican Party Chairman, sent to destroy the party from within?  I doubt it’s anything quite that dramatic, but it does lead me to ask whether it’s too soon for a vote of no confidence in his ability to get Republicans elected next fall?

Because so far, I’m kind of having my doubts.

Working for South Dakota’s Farmers and Ranchers
By Sen. John Thune

 You can’t go far without seeing some sign of agriculture in South Dakota – it’s the lifeblood of our state. Advocating for the farm and ranch families in our state is one of my top priorities as a U.S. senator. I’m proud to be a voice for these hardworking South Dakotans who carry on an important way of life that helps feed and fuel our country and the world.

Farmers and ranchers are facing considerable headwinds today, and we need to deliver an updated farm bill that ensures farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to face today’s challenges and tomorrow’s. I’m disappointed that a new farm bill was not a priority for Democrats during the Biden administration, and I remain committed to finishing our work and sending an up-to-date farm bill to the president’s desk.

Depressed commodity prices and extreme weather events are among the challenges facing agriculture today.  At the end of last year, Congress approved the $10 billion Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, which provides economic assistance for farmers and ranchers. South Dakota producers qualify for this aid, which is now available through the Farm Service Agency. Additional aid for farmers and ranchers affected by natural disasters will be available soon.

Improving the farm safety net is a priority of mine in the next farm bill. Crop insurance is the cornerstone of the farm safety net, and I introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act to make it more affordable for beginning farmers and ranchers in their first 10 years of operation. I also introduced the Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act to help provide greater and expedited assistance to producers when they need it and to improve the drought monitor and other USDA data to make these programs more effective for producers.

I’m also working to help farmers and ranchers adopt next generation technologies in their operations. I recently introduced the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act, which would encourage partnership between the federal government and the private sector to develop standards for connectivity and security so farms and ranches can use precision technology with confidence. And I’m also working to accelerate deployment of broadband in unserved rural areas by encouraging the removal of unnecessary barriers from programs that promise to connect these areas to the internet.

Farmers’ and ranchers’ priorities are always at the top of my priority list. I remain committed to providing critical tax relief to American agriculture, including ending the death tax once and for all. I’ve also introduced legislation to restore mandatory country of origin labelling for beef. And as always, I continue to advocate for new markets for our agriculture commodities and support year-round, nationwide access to E15.

Life on a farm or a ranch isn’t easy. It involves backbreaking work and the consistent risk that a storm, drought, or an early freeze will wipe out herds or crops, sometimes in an instant. Add market fluctuations, and processing and transportation challenges. It’s a hard way to make a living. But despite its many challenges, it is a tradition worth living. I’m proud to serve the extraordinary men and women who keep the rich agriculture heritage of South Dakota alive and work to feed America and the world.

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Rhoden RhoundUp
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
March 21, 2025

One of my favorite parts of serving the people of South Dakota is visiting communities around the state. I like to look folks in the eye, shake their hands, and gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that they face.

I recently launched my Open for Opportunity Tour across the state. The first week of visits was pretty great. You can keep track of our progress with the new Rhoden RhoundUp video series that we’ll post every day on social media.

Lieutenant Governor Venhuizen joined me in Sioux Falls. We visited Silencer Central, the nation’s largest dealer, distributer, and manufacturer of suppressors. They’re adding a $20 million expansion to increase their distribution. We toured Scherer, Inc.’s manufacturing facility where they build tools for grain rolling and crushing – they’re making sure that our products are Made in America! We visited the modern new Steel District, including businesses like Burwell Enterprises, Lloyd Companies, and several fantastic restaurants. And we wrapped the day up with a well-attended event hosted by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

We spent Tuesday in the Pierre area and started with an interview with Dakota Radio Group’s Jody Heemstra. I celebrated National Ag Day by visiting Ringneck Energy up in Onida and grabbing coffee with Onida residents and area ag producers. A local farmer hosted me for their “lambing” season. And we wrapped the day up with a pancake feed that the Pierre-Ft. Pierre Kiwanis Club was hosting for the community.

On Wednesday, I went to Aberdeen and started the day at Northern State University – President Schnoor showed us their facilities, and I met with several students. I spoke to the local Hub City Radio about our tour. Then, I visited BAE Systems, which produces some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led systems to keep our nation safe. Finally, we swung by ATEC Academy, where Aberdeen-area students are learning career and technical education.

On Thursday, we were a little closer to my neck of the woods in Belle Fourche and Spearfish. I visited Black Hills State University, went to the Belle Fourche livestock market, and spoke at the groundbreaking for the new Belle Fourche Police Department facility – it’s important to me that we continue to show respect and support for law enforcement. Finally, I highlighted South Dakota’s unifying conservation efforts at the launch of a new organization called “Nature Is Nonpartisan.” Our state is living proof that conservation – without government mandates – doesn’t have to damage the economy. In fact, South Dakota does conservation in a way that actually boosts our economy.

One thing I’m proud of: we haven’t heard many complaints of state government getting in the way of opportunity. We have, however, had some folks asking us to advocate to the federal government to have them change policy. So the relationships that we have and are developing with the Trump Administration will be crucial to expand opportunity for South Dakota workers, businesses, and ag producers.

In the coming days and weeks, I’ll visit more communities in every corner of the state. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover! So if you see me in your community, bring me your ideas. Share the opportunities that you’re looking to pursue.

Opportunity is not limited by my vision, or even the vision of any one person in our state. It is as broad as the South Dakota prairie and as high as Black Elk Peak. If we all link arms and pledge to chase down opportunities together, South Dakota will be in pretty good shape.

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Make America Healthy and Patriotic Again
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
March 21, 2025

BIG Update

China’s vaping sector is estimated to be worth $28 billion, but the sale of electronic cigarette devices is banned within its own borders. Thus, China makes a great effort distribute them in America, evading shipping regulations and customs enforcement to do so. If these products are not safe for their own citizens, I question their efforts to smuggle and sell them into the United States.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only 34 electronic cigarette devices, but nearly 9,000 types are sold in the U.S. – the overwhelming majority of which are made in China. We’re aware of the health risks of vaping and smoking, particularly for youth, but there is an added risk of these illegal products from China that haven’t been approved by the FDA – consumers and regulators have no clue what is in these vapes.

I sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner to bring attention to this issue and ask them to work together to address this concern. The Trump Administration is uniquely positioned to take a strong stance against this illicit activity and curb the flow of these illegal products – protecting Americans’ health and safety.

BIG Idea

Nearly five years ago, President Trump stood beneath Mount Rushmore and announced his plans to establish a National Garden of Heroes to honor those who have had an impact on our nation. The President recently reaffirmed his goal in an executive order planning the celebration of America’s 250^th birthday. The Lien family, a patriotic family in South Dakota, has offered to donate 40 acres of their land near Mount Rushmore to be the future site of this statuary garden.

For the last two months, I’ve been working with the Lien family, the White House, and Secretary Burgum to get the Garden of Heroes built in the beautiful Black Hills. I’m looking forward to working with the governor and our congressional delegation to make this happen!

Click here  for Johnson’s letter

BIG News

This week, I introduced legislation to prohibit the 340B drug program from being used by health care facilities to fund transgender surgeries and hormone replacement therapy. The No 340B Savings for Transgender Care Act has the support of Riley Gaines, an outspoken advocate on transgender males competing in women’s sports.

I am and will continue to be a strong supporter of the 340B program. This program allows safety-net providers to serve the health care needs of low-income and rural communities. But the program must not be abused by subsidizing gender altering surgeries when our nation faces significant health crises. My bill will ensure these dollars are used where needed most to keep the program sustainable and as effective as possible to help those in need.

Click here  for Daily Caller’s story

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Gov. Rhoden Establishes Child Support Commission

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden established the Child Support Commission. This commission is made possible through Executive Order 2025-02.

“One of my biggest priorities is to keep South Dakotans safe – especially our kids. Children deserve love and support from both parents,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Establishing this commission ensures that children receive the support they deserve in a way that is fair, balanced, and reflective of real circumstances.”

Governor Rhoden has appointed and commissioned the following individuals to serve on the Child Support Commission:

• Paul Ries;
• Rhyann Gaddis Cudmore;
• Judge Eric Strawn;
• Secretary Matt Althoff;
• Christi Weideman;
• Tom Weerheim;
• Senator Amber Hulse; and
• Representative Mike Stevens.

The Child Support Commission is administered by the Department of Social Services.

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Governor Larry Rhoden signed three bills into law to protect South Dakota values yesterday, including House Bil 1239, the controversial “Librarian Lock-up Bill” introduced by State Rep Bethany Soye to send librarians to county jail if they checked out material to a minor that someone deemed obscene.

The draconian measure from Soye came after a column she wrote last December where she scolded the Sioux Fals Mayor Paul TenHaken for not protecting society’s morality.

The measure, which narrowly passed the house in it’s original form, had a majority of Senators find the measure unpalatable because of it’s criminalization of public employees. Senators took the portion that would have made librarians, teachers, and museum workers subject to arrest in criminal court, and instead gave protections under civil court to those who found material objectionable, creating a process for them to appeal in civil court if a library board rejected their demands to remove material.

In signing this and other measures, Governor Rhoden reiterated a commonsense approach towards legislation.

“South Dakota is a place where commonsense values remain common, and these bills reinforce that fact,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These bills promote strong families, safety in education, and freedom from the ‘woke’ agenda like what has happened in too many other places.”

Governor Rhoden signed the following three bills into law:

• HB 1174 revises certain provisions related to the rights and obligations of a father of a child born to an unmarried mother;
• HB 1239 revises certain provisions related to the restriction of access to obscene materials in a public library or public school library; and
• HB 1259 prohibits unauthorized access to certain multi-occupancy rooms.

Governor Rhoden has signed 154 bills and VETOED one this legislative session.

Johnson Invites Secretary Rollins to South Dakota

 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) invited Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to visit South Dakota and experience the traditions and practices of South Dakota farmers and ranchers.

“It would be an honor to host you in South Dakota to meet some of these hardworking farmers and ranchers,” Johnson wrote. “I would like to invite you to join me in participating in one of the time-honored ranching traditions – an overnight calving this spring or cattle branding this summer. In South Dakota, ranching is a way of life and I would like to provide you a glimpse into the life of these producers who are feeding the world.”

Read the full letter here.

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Exciting Start to Spring for South Dakota Teenage Republicans

At their March 16 Executive Board Meeting, the SD Teenage Republicans unanimously selected their new Sponsor: longtime GOP organizer Catherine Barranco. TARs is an auxiliary of the South Dakota Republican Party. At TARs events, Republicans between the ages of 13 and 18 unite to learn about government, encourage political involvement among the youth, and help carry Republican candidates to victory.

Having completed her record-breaking term as President of the Republican Women, Mrs. Barranco is ready to hit the ground running.  “I am excited to work with such a fantastic group,” Catherine said. “The energy from Kayla Randall and her Executive Board is electric! There’s a bright future ahead for South Dakota’s young patriots!”

First Lady of South Dakota Sandy Rhoden remarked: “Catherine is a perfect fit! I’ve known her for years – we worked together rebuilding SDFRW. I have full confidence she’ll make TARs stronger than ever!” Catherine and her husband, Sioux Falls Councilman David Barranco, have two sons, Christopher (13) and William (10).

With a new Sponsor guiding the way, the Teenage Republicans are excited to announce the return of TARs Camp this summer. Camp will be July 21-26 in the Black Hills, with more details to follow. “TARs Camp is an exciting, fun-filled, unforgettable week in the Black Hills,” Barranco said. “We’ll release more information soon.  For now, save the date!”

If you or someone you know would be interested in getting involved in TARs or if you’d like to be added to the email list, send a message to TeenageRepublicansSD@gmail.com or reach out to one of the TARs Executive Board members:

• Chair  – Kayla Randall
• Vice-Chair – Aidyn Melville
• Secretary – Melody Gilkerson
• Treasurer – Andrew Chaney
• District Representative – Will Penfield
• District Representative – Bailey Dorneman
• District Representative – Brode Malfaro
• District Representative – Ashton Adams

South Dakota Democrats continue to dominate in political party fundraising here in South Dakota, as the SDDP has filed their latest FEC report.

SDDP March 2025 FEC Report by Pat Powers on Scribd

South Dakota Democrats started with $78,412.74 cash on hand, to which they added $29,065.62 in fundraising, spending $33,403.69 to leave them with $74,074.67 after all is said and done for the month.   As compared to the SDGOP who filed their report noting $32 dollars raised as I reported last week, opposed to Democrat’s $29 thousand.

—

On a positive note for the SDGOP, they finally filed their FEC forms today noting Tina Mulally is in charge of their financial paperwork (god help them), only about a month late.

As they can only raise $30 for a month, no wonder the SDGOP is telling the media:

The state GOP’s executive director, Reggie Rhoden, announced he is leaving that administrative role. It could be filled by volunteers or with more involvement from county officials, said Eschenbaum…

Read that here.