An article today at SD News watch discusses the possibilities of the 2026 Gubernatorial race, and how well heeled two of the front runners are as we tick away the days until that campaign begins:

Johnson’s campaign committee total of more than $4.6 million puts him 18^th among current U.S. Congress members. That’s unusually high for a South Dakotan whose re-election race is deemed “solid Republican” by nearly every national prognosticator.

and..

“I’m never going to be scared of a primary,” Dusty Johnson told News Watch last fall. “Anybody who thinks that by acting in a certain way they can gain a free pass doesn’t understand modern politics. At some point, you just go do the right thing and figure out what that means politically later.”

and..

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, who ran a competitive but unsuccessful gubernatorial primary against Noem in 2018, is strongly considering taking another run at the job in 2026.

His campaign committee total of about $400,000 pales in comparison to Dusty Johnson’s $5 million, a source of consternation but not panic for the 53-year-old Sturgis native who previously served as South Dakota’s U.S. attorney.

“I’m focused on being attorney general,” Jackley told News Watch. “Other politicians may raise money and campaign (early), but I have a busy job. And I think the best politics that I can do is to perform in that job the best I can. I’ve shown that I can raise money in a short period of time, and it’s primarily local money. I’m not going to be controlled by anybody.”

Read the entire story here.

Just remember.. only 61 days until November 6th – the day Campaign 2026 begins.

Indiana Ethanol Producers Association Joins American Carbon Alliance

URBANDALE, Iowa (Sept. 6, 2024) – The American Carbon Alliance (ACA) announced today that the Indiana Ethanol Producers Association has officially joined its coalition. The ACA continues to gain momentum as ethanol trade associations across the country unite in support of carbon capture initiatives.

“We are excited to welcome the Indiana Ethanol Producers Association into our alliance,” said Tom Buis, CEO of the American Carbon Alliance. “Their commitment to advancing ethanol production and promoting cleaner energy solutions aligns perfectly with our mission to create a sustainable energy future for the United States. Together, we will drive forward the innovation and infrastructure necessary to achieve our goals.”

The Indiana Ethanol Producers Association has been at the forefront of promoting bioethanol production in the state. Their efforts have made Indiana a leader in offering consumers a variety of low-cost, environmentally friendly bioethanol fuel options.

“The Indiana Ethanol Producers Association is proud to be part of the American Carbon Alliance,” said Tim Phelps, spokesperson for the Indiana Ethanol Producers Association. “As we look to the future, the role of carbon capture and ethanol production is more crucial than ever. By joining this alliance, we are reinforcing our dedication to enhancing Indiana’s agricultural economy and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.”

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I was on the Internets last night perusing facebook, and I stopped short, because I had noted a GOP political ribbon for the Dakota’s I had never seen before that belongs in my collection of South Dakota Republican Convention ribbons.

And I missed buying/bidding on it, when it had sold only 4 days before. Aaarrrghh…

In 30 years of collecting, I have never seen this before.  “Territorial Republican Convention, Watertown, Dakota 1888.”  And in very, very nice condition as well. That is just beautiful.

The downside? Harrison and Morton.  Because it’s a jugate ribbon. 

– From Wikipedia; jugate consists of two portraits side by side to suggest, to the viewer, the closeness of each to the other.   3 portraits are a trigate piece. And there’s a couple valuable SD versions out there.

The presidential and vice-presidential candidate portraits (they won that year) make it an expensive item especially coming from a sparsely populated territory.  Darn it. 

It went for $700 which is waaay up there for a SD textile piece, and it’s the presidential portraits which make it a national level – and expensive – collectible. I’ve bought most of my SD convention ribbons for well under $100, as they’re such a niche item, and more people are into buttons than ribbons, which actually came before the invention of buttons.

An 1888 Dakota Territory convention ribbon would have looked darned nice along with my other convention ribbons that I’ve collected over the years.

Some look like the day the ink was stamped onto silk. Others have taken a tougher path into my collection of South Dakota related campaign textiles. I manage to chase down one or two of these every few years. They’re a hard find, but they’re out there, scattered to the wind waiting to come home to South Dakota and my collection.

More fun than finally getting that piece is the chase for it.

But now that I know that it’s out there and exists – the hunt it on!

From Twitter, looks like the election truthers got booted from the SDGOP fair booth because someone was trying to use the space for their personal agenda…

The SD GOP kicked out election integrity expert Rick Weible @weible_rick from their booth at the SD State Fair yesterday for talking about election integrity. Their position on ensuring our voices count through our votes is crystal clear now!@TodRevolution @SDGOP

— GovWatchSD (@GovWatchSD) August 29, 2024

I’d wondered where Rick had gotten off to. He’s been keeping a low profile since the primary.

*update* – Had a note from a SDGOP booth worker who was there all day. He says that this entire incident was a fabrication, and that the twitter post was “click bait from those trying to defame the party.”

That would not come as a shock.

Even though it would be more humorous if they told Minnesota Rick to “hit the road, jack.”

*9/6 – another update* – As I hear more of the story, he was not kicked out, but informed ahead of time that he would not be allowed to spread his election nonsense in the GOP booth, because the booth is there to promote the Republican Party. And if he wanted to promote his cause, be should buy his own booth, like any other cause at the state fair.

From the Dept of Health (as noted by a KELOland story) the Department of Health has issued a video noting that abortion to save the life of the mother is allowed in South Dakota:

And that seems to be the only reason currently allowed under the law. Nothing on other exceptions, such as rape or incest.

Senator Brent Hoffman was kind enough to send me this antique photo/cabinet card taken of Pierre Street in Pierre, SD.

Dating it, it is definitely pre-1907 when the railroad bridge was built, as there’s an unobstructed view to the Pierre Courthouse before the top of it was removed, and a lot of remodeling has taken place.

I’m guessing the photo was taken just back from present day Sioux Dakota Avenue (H/T to SDHistoryNerd – the plat map matched a few of the buildings I was looking for). Many of the buildings on the left and right are gone; with the Federal Building replacing the buildings on the upper left, and Walgreens now on the upper right in the back.

Thank you Senator for the blast from the Capital City’s past!

This morning on facebook, I caught this comment from Ezra Hays (leader of the No on Amendment H effort) explaining why he has taken on the task of opposing open primaries.

Because he believes that the Republican Party should have more control over it’s candidates:

 

Ezra Hayes explicitly notes: “In South Dakota the Republican Party is not strong enough to rein in politicians when it is needed, thats why I feel that we need a stronger party, to be able exact our values when needed.“

Which politicians exactly does he believe he needs the Republican Party to rein in?  Does he think the SDGOP should be able to tell the House Majority Leader to toe the line?  Or Congressman Dusty Johnson.. Quit being so wonky and reading that legislation – you just vote how we tell you to.  Senator Thune, you might be next in line to lead the US Senate, but we’re in command here.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!  That’s a laugh riot.

Speaking as someone who has worked for and with the Republican Party for decades to elect candidates, I will be the first to tell you this is the absolute height of hubris.  The Republican Party is supposed to be there as an affiliation and a vehicle to help get candidates elected by being partners with those who would represent the party.  And it’s a two way street. Give and take. The Republican Party has helped it’s candidates, and in return, candidates affiliate and organize along party lines, which benefits the party.

Unfortunately, with the tenor of politics in recent years as people have been driven away from participating in politics, this is what you get.  Party organizations are able to do less and less for candidates, because they can’t raise money, and are focusing on the wrong things. Yet, there is an increasing expectation of control over the candidates.

Ezra Hays may want to “exact our values when needed” from candidates and officeholders. But I don’t think he’s going to get it.

Here’s something that hit facebook this week:

The Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation is blasting out a message out on Facebook promoting the Protecting South Dakota Kids political organization on Initiated Measure 29.

Is the foundation adding something new to the organization’s causes and goals?  So, they’re supporting Seminarian Education, AND fighting the devil’s lettuce?

Or maybe it has something to do with the Western SD Catholic Foundation being led by Jim Kinyon, who also leads the Protecting SD Kids Political Committee.  Which if you read Senator Lee Schoenbeck’s recent guest post, noted how they used funds from the group – including donations from the Presentation Sisters – to send to his favorite candidates, you have to wonder what’s going on.

Which seems to be bleeding over to unrelated, but connected organizations.

 

Boy. Someone votes in their first Republican Primary, and they get delusions of grandeur. I feel like I need to animate the dumpster logo, and have tacky fireworks shooting out of it as I write about Toby Doeden’s latest dumpster fire.  Because according to the ads he’s blasting across facebook, he’s allegedly putting on a self-congratulatory dinner in Sioux Falls in 3 weeks, where the details are secret, unless you fork over $250 for a general admission ticket.

Does that seem light on details? Well, it is.

In fact, all of the details are secret.. unless you’re going to buy a ticket – and then you’ll find out, according to the rules of his ..dumpster fyre-fest:

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Dakota First Action Victory Gala! This exclusive event brings together passionate supporters, community leaders, and key figures dedicated to the future of South Dakota and our great nation. Your attendance will not only provide you with a night of inspiration, networking, and entertainment but also directly contribute to the critical work of electing bold conservatives at every level of government in South Dakota. 

The Victory Gala will feature an unforgettable group of distinguished speakers, live music, a gourmet dinner, and an exciting auction. A night you won’t want to miss! 

Secure your tickets now to guarantee your spot at the premier event of the season. Together, we can make a difference!

Ticket Options:

• VIP Admission: $500 – Includes premium seating, a pre-event cocktail hour with speakers, a VIP gift bag

• General Admission: $250 – Includes entry, dinner, and entertainment.

*Event details to come after ticket purchase*

So, it’s not just a dinner with Doeden, he might let Taffy Howard or Steve Haugaard or someone from that wing of the party have the podium. But you won’t know who the speakers are until you’ve already dropped $250.  But it gets better!  Because there are sponsorships. Many, many sponsorships:

Chairman’s Sponsorship – $17,500

Includes:

1. 1. Ten VIP tickets with center stage, premium dinner seating
   2. Mix and mingle in VIP Reception Room one hour prior to event with photo op, unlimited premium drinks, and passed hors d’oeuvres
   3. Option to host keynote speaker at your dinner table
   4. Title Sponsor recognition on the front cover of Dinner program
   5. Additional full-page ad in the Dinner program as well as additional mention in the program in the sponsor list section
   6. Verbal acknowledgement and on-screen recognition throughout event
   7. Media coverage & recognition on the website 

..and we quickly move down through many levels to such prime positions as Favor Sponsor – $2,000, and  Centerpiece and Floral Sponsor – $1,750.

I’m shocked, I tell you – shocked – that they skipped the opportunity to charge people $1000 to be the coat check sponsor.

As someone who has been involved in events for the Republican Party as well as a non-profit group, It’s challenging enough to sell tickets when you have a marquee event or speaker and you actually publicize it.

I will be curious to see how that it works for them when the time of the event is secret, the location of the event is secret, and the main attraction they’ve laid out big cash to appear is secret. (I had one person suggest it might be a luminary such as the Pillow Guy, but I’m wagering someone from the Congressional Freedom Caucus).

Saddle up..

Gov. Noem Appoints Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala as BIT Commissioner

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the appointment of  Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala as Commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT). His appointment will be effective on Monday, September 9, 2024.

“South Dakota has made tremendous investments to improve our IT infrastructure, and Madhu is the right person to carry that momentum forward,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “He will focus on putting our citizens first, protecting their data, and helping all of state government serve the people of South Dakota.”

Madhu holds a Master of Science in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Master of Business Administration in Engineering and Technology Management from the University of Dalla, and a PhD in Information Systems from Dakota State University.

With over 20 years of experience in IT, Madhu has held various leadership roles, including as Senior Director of IT for Business Solutions at Sanford Health from 2019 until earlier this year. He recently began serving as the Chief Technology Officer for BIT. Madhu also serves on the Advisory Committee of the College of Business and Information Systems at Dakota State University.

“I’m truly honored and excited to step into the role of Commissioner for BIT. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Noem for the trust placed in me and eager to make a meaningful impact by driving innovative and secure technology solutions across our state,” said Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala. “I look forward to working closely with our government and communities to enhance our digital infrastructure, empower our citizens, and build a stronger, more connected future for all South Dakotans.”

Madhu and his wife, Vasantha, are proud parents of two boys, aged 17 and 13. The family shares a love for the outdoors and has explored every state park in South Dakota. In their free time, they can often be found camping, hiking, or unwinding by a lake. Madhu, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and old Western movie lover, also has a deep passion for technology. He is constantly researching and exploring emerging technologies, driven by a commitment to applying them in ways that better serve the community.

You can find a photo of Dr. Madhu Gottumukkala here.