I probably paid more for this than I might have normally, but how often do you see campaign pieces promoting Peter Norbeck for Lt. Governor?

This is a campaign ink blotter, which is what they used to use to keep ink from being messy before the invention of ball point pens. They generally went of out existence in the 50’s. Up until that point, one side was blotter paper, and the other side would often be used for advertising messages, including political.

So, like a button or keychain, this is an honest-to-gosh Peter Norbeck campaign piece from his 1914 campaign for Lt. Governor, when he served one term before becoming South Dakota’s 9th Governor (1917-1921), and his three terms of office in the US Senate from 1921-1936.

If you’re not familiar with Peter Norbeck’s contributions to South Dakota, you should be, because he’s one of the giants of our State:

Norbeck made a number of contributions to South Dakota’s tourism industry. He worked with sculptor Gutzon Borglum to help him create his huge sculpture at Mount Rushmore, convinced presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin D. Roosevelt to support it, and shepherded multiple bills through Congress to provide federal funding for it.^[1] He encouraged the development of the Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills. He also pushed for the development of Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and the Game Sanctuary in the Black Hills.^[7]

and..

Norbeck died of cancer in Redfield, South Dakota, during his third term as United States Senator in 1936. He is interred at Bloomington Church Cemetery, Platte, South Dakota.

The Peter Norbeck Summer House, in Custer State Park, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Read that here.

Literally, Western South Dakota would not be the destination it is without his contributions to our culture.

A great addition to my wall of South Dakota campaign pieces.

A Laundry List of Bad Ideas
By Sen. John Thune

Two years ago, Democrats in Congress passed the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. At that time, they claimed that the bill would bring down inflation and reduce the budget deficit. Two years later, it’s clear that those promises haven’t come to pass.

To begin with, the bill’s title is outright deceptive. Even before it became law, it wasn’t expected to do much to combat inflation – inflation that Democrats created in the first place. Economists later agreed it did little, if anything, to combat the inflation crisis. And even President Biden acknowledged that the Inflation Reduction Act had “nothing to do with inflation.”

Democrats’ claim that it would reduce the deficit also proved to be untrue. The cost of the bill’s provisions has grown to such an extent that it’s not only not going to reduce the deficit, it’s likely to add to it.

The bill did, however, spend more than a trillion dollars on Green New Deal policies and hit conventional energy producers with burdensome tax hikes. It reads like a laundry list of wasteful spending, doling out taxpayer dollars for planting trees, purchasing zero-emission garbage trucks and postal delivery vehicles, and even grants for climate-related political activity.

Then there are the tax credits for well-off Americans to buy an electric vehicle. Perhaps the Biden administration’s signature environmental policy is effectively forcing the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and the Inflation Reduction Act was a big part of that push. The other part – new regulations from the administration forcing automakers to electrify a huge portion of their fleets in the next few years – is driving up the cost of the law.

Besides the fact that many Americans have legitimate concerns about electric vehicles, or just don’t want one, the Biden administration’s push for EVs comes at a time when our electric grid is barely keeping up with existing demand. Plugging in millions of cars is sure to further strain our electrical grid and lead to higher prices, and possibly blackouts.

Of course, this was also the bill that funneled $80 billion in new funding to the Internal Revenue Service, most of which was earmarked for increased audits and enforcement to fund Democrats’ Green New Deal vision. And it also included price controls on prescription drugs, which one analysis projects will result in 135 fewer new drugs available to patients. We are already seeing that projection come true as multiple drug companies have halted new research as a result of the new law.

The Inflation Reduction Act not only did not address inflation, it’s contributing to a host of bad outcomes for the American people. It’s a laundry list of bad ideas, from unrealistic Green New Deal policies to costly taxes and irresponsible spending. And this bill represents only a portion of the reckless taxing and spending Democrats would like to do if they again have the power to do it.

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Let Hogs Run Free 
By: Gov. Kristi Noem  
August 2, 2024  

All across South Dakota, you’ve probably heard the roaring “wild hogs” across our highways and through our towns. Their roars and rumbles send a clear message: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is back!

In many ways, the rumble of the motorcycles has become synonymous with South Dakota and Freedom. This rally has always been emblematic of free spirits – of Freedom itself. As I said in the past, “Many of the visitors… say they’re coming to South Dakota specifically because it reminds them of the America they grew up in. Free. Independent. Unburdened by the constraints and headaches that big cities… forced upon them.”

Ever since South Dakota became the only state in America to stay “Open for Business” during the pandemic, that is truer now than ever before.

That same spirit of Freedom will be in full force at this year’s rally. American flags will be everywhere! We all expect that, and we welcome it.

Last year, I also wrote that “I didn’t think I’d find so much Jesus at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.” I told the story of the Sons of Light Ministry at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, and how they host a pancake breakfast to spread the Gospel. I’ll be spending some time with the Sons of Light again this year.

Sadly, some in the media weren’t interested in that story – they were more interested in mocking me for telling it. But I’m not going to let their naysaying diminish my excitement for the Freedom – and yes, the faith – that will be found at the rally in the coming days.

I understand that Sturgis might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s no reason to take away from the experiences of anyone else – or to use the rally as an excuse to take political potshots.

Many people work hard to create a fun, exciting, and safe atmosphere for people to enjoy during the rally, and I’m grateful for all those who do – including law enforcement, EMTs, local leaders, and community members.

For years, the media has tried to use Sturgis to attack our love for Freedom and our way of life here in South Dakota. They lied about the COVID cases tied to the rally and criticized those who chose to celebrate Freedom with us. We understand by now that those criticisms come with the territory.

We are going to enjoy the rally anyway.

I can’t wait to see longtime friends and to make new ones. I can’t wait to listen to incredible concerts with excited fans. I can’t wait to celebrate our veterans, our military, and all the things that make America great.

I can’t wait for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! And I hope to see you there.

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 Rounds, Daines, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit DHS from Releasing Migrants with Terrorism Ties into the U.S.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and seven of their Senate colleagues recently introduced legislation that would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from releasing migrants who are designated as Known and Suspected Terrorists or Special Interest Aliens into the U.S. The Safeguarding Americans from Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act would also give states legal standing in federal court to sue DHS if their failure to adhere to this rule causes harm to the state or their citizens.

“Our wide-open southern border is not only a humanitarian crisis, but a national security crisis as well,” said Rounds. “There is absolutely no reason that an illegal migrant with ties to terrorism should be allowed into our country. I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation with Senator Daines to strengthen our border and protect Americans from those who wish to do us harm.”

“Joe Biden and Senate Democrats’ refusal to secure the southern border has resulted in the loss of American lives, and as long as migrants with criminal records and potential terrorist ties are being let into the country, our national security is at risk,” said Daines. This bill will help protect our nation against the very real and serious consequences of Joe Biden’s open southern border.”

Rounds and Daines were joined by Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Click HERE for full bill text.

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BIG Update

This week, I held another telephone town hall to hear from South Dakotans. I hop on the phone and thousands of people join to ask questions and hear from me. We covered a host of topics like the assassination attempt on President Trump, the Olympics, the border, government spending, and so much more.

BIG Idea

Fentanyl is destroying lives and families. We know most of this fentanyl is coming from China and we must put policies into place to stop it from flowing across our border. During the Select Committee on China’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group meeting this week, I heard from experts on how the United States has used sanctions to address the fentanyl epidemic in the past, and how Congress can strengthen and use sanctions to target the root cause of the epidemic.

The “Achilles Heel” of the fentanyl epidemic is the legitimate commercial interests of many Chinese fentanyl manufacturers. Unlike the cartels that operate in a solely illegal way to bring fentanyl across the border, the Chinese chemical companies that produce and export fentanyl precursors do so as a “side hustle.” Many of these companies have real businesses that sell legal chemicals to customers around the world. These businesses are uniquely vulnerable to sanctions and would suffer from any economic pressure the United States applies. Congress must take action to stop the flow of Chinese fentanyl into our country.

BIG News

The floods that devastated southeastern South Dakota in June and July were a once-in-a-thousand-year event. Communities experienced catastrophic flooding after heavy rainstorms. This flood destroyed homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in the North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes areas. The damage is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars to repair, and spans 25 counties in South Dakota. The lives of about six thousand residents have been affected. This is an issue that deserves national assistance.

Last week, Governor Noem submitted the official request for a Presidential major disaster declaration. Immediately following Governor Noem’s request, I joined U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds to urge President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration. We must do what we can to remedy the destruction and assist those who are faced with repairs.

There’s been a battle that’s taken place recently with Independent turned Republican.. turned whatever.. Justin McNeal in his continuing saga to be placed on the South Dakota ballot.

Back on July 1st, McNeal filed for a writ of mandamus against the Secretary of State, demanding to be placed on the ballot, which you can read below.

Justin McNeal Lawsuit Against SDSOS to go on ballot by Pat Powers on Scribd

Of course, the South Dakota Republican Party took issue with that, since neither trying to run as a Republican, nor trying to run as an independent, did Justin McNeal collect enough valid signatures to do so in either case.

SDGOP MCNEAL Intervenor by Pat Powers on Scribd

The big news coming from this is that I’m told that Justin McNeal got his day in court this morning – and I’m told that once again, he lost.

This would appear to be a trend for Justin.

A couple of interesting items I noted in the lawsuit:

State Representative Scott Odenbach and his wife were signatories for McNeal’s petitions to run as an independent for Congress.  I get the feeling he does not care for Congressman Johnson.

You have to wonder who all the SOS staff cheers for in making and not making the ballot, as indicated from this transcript McNeal provided as an exhibit. And wouldn’t it be Justin McNeal’s job to go hire someone for legal advice, versus receiving it from the SOS staff?

“If you did want to take this to court, you could potentially win on the fact that signers did do their job on signing the petition.”

Obviously, with McNeal’s loss in court this morning, the court disagreed.

Well, here’s another one for your bingo card of “things I wasn’t expecting.”

Recall a week or so back, when I was giving a rundown of what was happening in the constitutional office races for 2026? I had mentioned the scuttlebutt in the Secretary of State’s contest where everything I’d heard from my spies indicated that current Secretary of State Monae Johnson was not going to run, given the constant state of chaos and screwups that flow from her office, and the fact she’s the most embattled Secretary of State in State History.

Surprisingly, that talk is now being tamped down. In more recent weeks, apparently the Secretary of State has found the money to update her campaign website:

And now I’m hearing from several sources that Secretary of State Monae Johnson plans to launch her “re-election effort” at the upcoming South Dakota State Fair.  It might just be releasing updated materials along the looks of her campaign website, but she’s launching something in Huron in a few weeks, and I’m told it’s related to her run in 2026, under a theme of “experience.”

Why the proactive investment of effort into an election we all thought was being abandoned? Especially in the face of the fact that she has caused a lot of her support to evaporate?

I’m also hearing that Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson of all people – despite her record of complete awfulness and attempts to deny people the right to vote – sees herself in the role of Secretary of State.

Yes. God help us all. I’m actually being told that she has her eye on the Secretary of State’s office.

It does make sense, considering that Monae Johnson is now utterly hated by the people who put her in office, that they might be looking for a new candidate to hoist their pitchforks behind. And considering that Leah does the bidding of the “election integrity” conspiracists, including putting them in charge of county elections, she might be what fills the bill for those who claim that elections are being controlled by outside forces.

While Monae Johnson distanced herself from the election conspiracy crackpots after being elected, Leah puts them in charge of elections, and serves as the figurehead of the office.  Of course, that’s going to be someone that the election deniers want in charge of elections on a statewide basis. And tossing out the person who wouldn’t play ball with them has to be at the top of their agenda for the 2026 Republican State Convention.

Because, despite several attempts, in this potential matchup, Republicans on a statewide basis don’t get to choose. It will be party insiders who attend the South Dakota Republican Party’s next convention who will select the horse the GOP is going to run behind.

And if these are our options, running behind may mean running far behind. Far, far behind.

Just heard about a push poll that’s being done on Referred Law 21 (The referral of SB201, the landowner bill of rights)

Apparently, they go through a fairly biased spiel, asking people if it would change their vote to know the pipeline is being funded by Chinese communists, etc.  That kind of false & biased silliness. But then they switch gears.

At the end, they ask people to rank their feelings (on a 1-5 ranking basis) about Governor Kristi Noem. They ask about Congressman Dusty Johnson. AND then they finish up by asking about none other than Toby Doeden!!

That one made me laugh out loud. But that tells you who is likely paying for it.

Because there isn’t anyone else asking that question.

(*Update*)

This is unfortunate news, as Brown County GOP Chair Katie Washnok, a generational carrier of water for the elephant, is stepping down from her position to let someone else take up the reins.

Attorney General Marty Jackley Announces Fort Pierre Man Convicted Of Felony Sex Crimes Against Children

PIERRE, S.D — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Fort Pierre man has been convicted of nine felony counts of rape, sexual contact with a child, and Incest involving two different children.

Donnie Edwards, 46, was convicted Thursday by a Stanley County Circuit Court. He was found guilty of four counts of First Degree Rape, one count of Fourth Degree Rape, two counts of Aggravated Incest, one count of Incest, and one count of Sexual Contact with a Child Under the Age of Sixteen.

Edwards faces a maximum sentence of life in prison when he is sentenced. No sentencing date has yet been scheduled.

The charges occurred between 2007 and 2022.

South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Stanley County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuted.

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