While he might have been telling black women to “go back to Wakanda” on Twitter, former North Dakota Republican Party Executive Director Dave Roetman is telling Minnehaha County voters that he wants to move into the County Courthouse, as he has thrown his hat in the ring today to be a candidate for the Minnehaha County Register of Deeds.

Since his return to Sioux Falls, Roetman has not been without controversy, as he was cited by one faction of the hard-right Patriot Ripple Effect group which he helped found as being the reason the group imploded, and that Roetman had been actually “spearheading a stealth campaign for Toby Doeden” for months:

In Sioux Falls, there is a prominent group that formed roughly 4 years ago by the name of Patriot Ripple Effect (PRE). I was a member of this group for the past 2 years until about 6 weeks ago, when I decided to very publicly quit the group. My reason for doing this was not “to be divisive”, but to shed light on the fact that I had identified 2 sitting board members who were sneaking around doing campaign work for Toby Doeden. Toby has never been a member of PRE, nor helped them in any tangible way.

and..

I have made very clear my opinion that the heavily advertised astro-turfed campaign of Toby Doeden is being supported and helped along by hidden actors in the Establishment, most likely without Toby’s awareness whatsoever. I have no hard evidence to present to you at this stage of the game, but I feel it in my bones, and I suspect many of you do also.

In totally related news, the two Operators at the core of the near implosion of PRE and the Battle Royale that is taking place in the MCGOP have both been spearheading a stealth campaign for Toby Doeden these past 2 months.

and..

The man who nearly destroyed PRE is named Dave Roetman.

Read that for yourselves here. (and my apologies in advance that I sent you there).

With former Minnehaha Co GOP Chair Roetman on the outs with various groups and factions in the GOP, it remains to be seen how he is going to build a coalition to win the office.

Frankly, today’s announcement may also spur others to run. With the possibility of Roetman serving leaving a number of people with too bitter of a taste in their mouth for them to let it go.

Dan Kippley Announces Candidacy for South Dakota Senate, District 13

 SIOUX FALLS, SD – Dan Kippley, a longtime business and community leader, has announced his candidacy for the South Dakota Senate to represent District 13.

“I’m running because I believe Sioux Falls deserves leadership that brings people together and focuses on practical solutions, not division,” Kippley said. “Our community is growing, and we need thoughtful, responsible leadership that puts students, families, and taxpayers first.”

Kippley brings more than 40 years of experience in business and economic development, including work with the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Leading Business Development at Knife River, and growing client portfolios as a business consultant. As a community leader, he has dedicated his time to mentoring students, young business professionals, supporting local nonprofits, and serving in volunteer leadership roles with organizations such as Downtown Rotary and the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Kippley says his campaign is centered on three core priorities that reflect the needs of District 13:

• Strong Schools and Workforce Readiness – Supporting quality K–12 education, respecting parental choice, and strengthening career and technical pathways that prepare students for real-world
• Smart Growth and a Strong Local Economy – Promoting intentional infrastructure and economic development so local businesses and families can thrive together.
• Fiscal Responsibility with Integrity and Transparency – Ensuring tax dollars are spent wisely, budgets are accountable, and property taxes are kept in check by prioritizing core state needs.

“Education works best when we put students and families first,” Kippley said. “Our teachers, parents, and school leaders should be treated as partners. We can strengthen accountability without tearing down public education, and we can support opportunity without creating division in our community.”

Beyond education, Kippley emphasizes the importance of responsible economic growth and infrastructure planning as Sioux Falls continues to expand.

“A strong economy creates opportunity, supports our schools, and keeps Sioux Falls one of the best places in America to live and work,” he said. “That means investing in roads, bridges, and public safety while making sure growth happens in an orderly and sustainable way.”

Kippley also points to his business background as preparation for legislative service.

“With more than four decades of experience managing budgets and building organizations, I understand the importance of setting priorities and living within our means,” he said. “Taxpayers deserve leadership that is honest, accountable, and focused on results.”

Kippley is a graduate of South Dakota State University with degrees in economics and speech communications. Family is one of the things motivating Dan to run. He knows how important every dollar is to families right now and wants to provide transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent.

“You have my word that I will be a voice for students, families, small businesses, and taxpayers in Pierre,” Kippley said. “Together, we can build a future with strong schools, a thriving business community, and opportunity for every family in Sioux Falls. It’s time for a change.”

The Republican primary election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

I’m guessing former Rapid City television anchor and conspiracist Shad Olson might have a scowl on his face, just as pictured above in his mugshot, because he seems displeased about going back to court next Tuesday (8:30 AM, Meade County Courthouse) for violating his probation.

At least, that’s according to a facebook post he made late last night/early this AM, ranting venom at the prosecutor and insulting the judge in the case.   (Of course, that’s unless he claims he was hacked again).

Shad is claiming to have bought a multimillion dollar home? This seems to be a turn of fortune from when he was in jail before. I thought he was unable to afford counsel, so he had a court-appointed attorney, and Julie Frye Mueller’s sister had to bail him out of jail?

Anyway, you can look it up yourself if you’re that interested, since his rant goes on for another or 3 of 4 more pages of whining and insulting the people trying to hold him to account for pleading No Contest to beating up his last girlfriend.  I did have a former State’s Attorney clarify something for me. Did you know you can’t ask for a different judge at this point? So, he can insult Judge Callahan all he wants, but Shad does not get a different judge.  I’m sure that’s going to go well.

The other thing I noticed was that Shad makes a claim on Facebook that he was “drugged and raped in the Meade County solitary confinement cell by corrections staff.” I’m not sure what a person does with that. I am not privy to the results of that investigation, and I’m sure there will be one, so we’ll see what comes of that claim; whether it’s a valid statement, or if it’s in the realm of him supposedly buying a multimillion-dollar home.

With the hearing next Tuesday I’m sure this isn’t the last we’re going to hear about it.

Is there anyone near Sioux Falls who isn’t helping to host the Jackley for Congress fundraiser tomorrow at THE ALLIANCE?  That’s a long list of hosts/contributors for the event for the anticipated Republican nominee for Congress. If you’re in Sioux Falls tomorrow, it looks like that’s the political event to be at!

 

From my mailbox, State Senator Sue Peterson has a fundraiser coming up in Sioux Falls in April. Check it out:

Well, this sleepy race seems to have gotten more exciting.

With Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff announcing he was focusing on re-election, rather than making a run at the open seat on the Public Utilities Commission, former State Representative Don Haggar had been viewed as having an open run to the convention contest in late June.

Well… maybe not. 

In recent days, the word has gotten much louder that District 19 State Representative Jessica Bahmuller (House Whip, and current House Commerce and Energy committee Vice-Chair) has expressed strong interest in the race, and may enter the contest before the Republican convention. You might put her down as 90% in.  Jessica, of course, is the daughter of long-time legislator and current State Senator Arch Beal who is convalescing from a stroke earlier this year.  Jessica is a strong campaigner, and would be considered to be evenly matched in a convention contest. In addition, she would easily prevail in a fall election against most any Democrat.

Noted as eyeing the race herself is former Democrat turned Republican State Representative Peri Pourier, who has been mentioned recently as expressing interest. She might have a tougher time with GOP delegates, having changed parties in 2025.

Also said to be looking at running for an assortment of constitutional offices is the often banned District 25 Republican State Senator Tom Pischke. Pischke has been said to be looking at a couple of races, but is not being specific, and PUC is one of them that came up in conversations. If Pischke was a convention nominee, he would pose the most risk for Republicans to lose the seat due to continually being in the news for doing dumb things.

That’s the latest update. You know where to find me if you hear of other candidates.

Stay tuned.

Todd Wilkinson Announces Campaign for South Dakota House

De Smet, SD — Todd Wilkinson announced today that he will seek election to the South Dakota House of Representatives from District 8.

Wilkinson had previously been preparing to run for the State Senate. Following recent developments in the race, he said he believes the House is now the best place for him to serve the district.

“When I first began considering a run, my goal was simply to step forward and serve the people of our district,” Wilkinson said. “With the changes that have taken place in the Senate race, I believe the best way for me to do that is by running for the House.”

Earlier this month, Senator Casey Crabtree announced he would suspend his campaign for Congress and return his focus to the State Senate.

“I respect Casey and the service he has provided to our district and our state,” Wilkinson said. “Rather than creating a contested Senate primary, I believe it makes more sense to move forward in the House race and focus on representing our communities.”

Both District 8 House seats are open this year, as neither Rep. Tim Reisch nor Rep. Tim Walburg is seeking re-election after their service in the Legislature. Wilkinson said he appreciates their service and their work representing District 8 in Pierre.

“I believe our district benefits from leaders who focus on practical solutions and work constructively to get things done,” Wilkinson said. “That’s the approach I’ll bring to Pierre.”

A native of De Smet, Wilkinson said he looks forward to visiting with voters across the district in the weeks ahead.

“I’m grateful for the encouragement and support I’ve already received,” Wilkinson said. “I’m excited to continue this campaign and talk with voters about how we can keep South Dakota strong for the next generation.”

The Republican Primary Election will be held on June 2, 2026. Early voting begins April 17, 2026.

For more information; visit ToddWilkinsonSD.com.

About Todd Wilkinson

Todd Wilkinson is a fourth-generation South Dakotan, cattleman, attorney, and community leader from De Smet. He has operated the Wilkinson Law Firm for nearly 40 years and served two decades as Kingsbury County State’s Attorney. Todd also operates Wilkinson Livestock with his son Nick and served as President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in 2023.

Proven. Practical. South Dakota.

For more information, visit ToddWilkinsonSD.com

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Looks like this weekend is the weekend to stay home and clean the garage, as we have two events from the also-rans trying to gin up interest in their races for Governor.

First Scowly McScowly face Toby Doeden has text blasted us all to let us know he’s going to be flown in his plane from Aberdeen to Brookings on Sunday (right after flying here for the Friday night Lincoln Day Dinner) and wants to hand out free food to bribe us to come as he claims he wants to hear our toughest questions.

Like, what is your actual plan to reduce property taxes, because claiming you’re somehow going to form a “Department of External Revenue” is complete bullsh*t. I suppose you could also always ask him about his TIF’s in Aberdeen, or his million dollar forgiven loan COVID windfall.

I’m guessing he’s more interested in getting more people to sign his petitions since we’re coming down to the wire.

I see in the local shopper paper (because that’s where people go to find political news) that the home of the Jacks is also going to be inflicted with 4th place Gubernatorial candidate Jon Hansen on Friday night before the Annual GOP Lincoln Day Dinner trying to raise money.

Hansen is having a separate fund-failure where he’s going to try to meet people in Brookings? Is Pizza Ranch busy that night? This is kind of curious, because he physically lives closer to Brookings than any other gubernatorial candidate. Yet, this host list might be the shortest host list I’ve ever seen. I think the one “hosted” fundraiser Toby Doeden had was hosted by more hosts that this one.

Curiously, for the hosts, I don’t think a single one of them actually lives within the city limits of Brookings.  One is in Moody County. Not a lot of meet & greets in the middle of the afternoon, either. Apparently, they’re going for the childless to attend.

Needless to say, hard pass on this one as well.

Thune: American Elections Are for American Citizens

“Democrats seem not to care very much about ensuring that American citizens – and American citizens only – are voting in our national elections.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

 

You can say one thing about the SDGOP. You don’t have to have to raise money if you fail to accomplish anything whatsoever.

March 2026 SDGOP FEC Report by Pat Powers

The State Republican Party’s monthly report to the FEC for spending out of the state’s federal account notes that they raised a whopping $21 from donors. Not twenty-one thousand. Twenty-one bucks, period.  To their credit, they only spent $15. Which I’m not so sure they should brag about that either, because it’s more indicative of hibernation than activity.

Not kidding, I spent way more than that on comic books last month. I did get one of my “grails” I’ve been wanting to return to my collection for over 40 years, and was pleased to get it. I know you as a reader spent more than $15 on adult beverages or in Grudznick’s case, more that $15 on breakfast at Tally’s. But the point is that the SDGOP shouldn’t be bragging about doing nothing.  We can all agree that a political party’s job is to do something. In that, they apparently failed.

What else? It’s not like there is any donor to note. Otherwise, the SDGOP did transfer over $1424.31 from the state account, and collected $3.53 in interest.

You can read the federal report yourself. And the SDGOP can go back to sleep.