According to an article at South Dakota Standard, former Senator Tom Daschle has apparently moved on from South Dakota and Washington DC, where he famously declared himself to be a resident, and is now residing in South Carolina:

There has been a change in his status. He and his wife Linda Hall Daschle have relocated and he will not be part of the South Dakota delegation.

“This year I am still a superdelegate from South Carolina, since that has now been our official residence for a few years,” Daschle said.

Read that here.

Draft Explanations Released For Proposed 2026 Initiated Measure on Prayer in Schools

PIERRE, S.D. –At the request of the sponsor, an explanation for a proposed initiated measure that would require non-denominational prayer in public schools, which would be on the 2026 general election ballot if approved, has been submitted for public review by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office. 

Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation on the initiated measure to help assist the voters. The sponsor of the proposed initiated measure is Hillel Hellinger of North Miami Beach, Fla.

This proposed initiated measure would require each public-school teacher, in grades kindergarten through 12, to lead students every morning in prayer. The measure would allow both teachers and students to seek an exemption from participating in the prayer.

The ballot explanation can be found here.

State law requires the Attorney General draft a title and explanation for each initiated measure, initiated constitutional amendment, constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, or referred measure that may appear on an election ballot. The Attorney General’s explanation is meant to be an “objective, clear, and simple summary” intended to “educate the voters of the purpose and effect of the proposed” measure, as well as identify the “legal consequences” of each measure.

Once the Attorney General has filed and posted the draft explanation, the public has 10 days to provide written comment. The explanation was filed Aug. 20, 2024, and the deadline for comments on this explanation is Aug. 30, 2024 at the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota. The final explanation is due to the Secretary of State on Sept. 9, 2024.

The initiated measure would require 17,509 valid petition signatures to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot.

To file written comments on a draft Attorney General’s explanation please use one of the following methods below. Copies of all received comments will be posted on this website. 

Comments may be submitted via mail, or through hand delivery, to the Attorney General’s Office at: 

Office of the Attorney General
Ballot Comment
1302 E. Hwy. 14, Suite 1
Pierre, SD 57501

Comments that are hand delivered must be received by the close of business in Pierre, South Dakota, by Aug. 30, 2024.

Comments may also be emailed to [email protected] by Aug. 30, 2024.  Comments should be clearly expressed in the body of the email. The Attorney General’s Office will not open attachments in an effort to prevent malware or other digital threats. Please include your name and contact information when submitting your comment. The title of the comment must be included in the subject line of the email.

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Johnson Re-introduces SOBER Act to Expand Successful 24/7 Sobriety Program 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) re-introduced the Supporting Opportunities to Build Everyday Responsibility (SOBER) Act, legislation aimed at combating repeat alcohol-related criminal offenses and bolstering the 24/7 sobriety program across the country.

24/7 sobriety was pioneered in South Dakota in 2005. An evaluation found a 12 percent reduction in DUI arrests in jurisdictions that adopted the program. The same evaluation found the program was associated with a 9 percent reduction in domestic violence arrests, and even a 4.2 percent reduction in all-cause mortality. Similar successes were seen through other state-run programs, like North Dakota where DUI arrests decreased by 9 percent in counties that implemented the program.

“The SOBER Act is commonsense legislation. It encourages sobriety and safe driving, preventing accidents and saving lives, one person at a time,” said Johnson. “South Dakota has been leading 24/7 sobriety programs for nearly twenty years with positive results. My bill allows this success to be available for every state.”

“The SOBER Act is our best chance to meaningfully reduce alcohol-related crime, which costs the U.S. more than $80 billion a year,” says Greg Newburn, Niskanen’s Director of Criminal Justice. “We are grateful to Representative Johnson for his leadership in tackling a problem that negatively impacts millions of Americans.”

“We have long been advocates for 24/7 sobriety programs being a useful tool in ensuring public safety,” said Nelson Brunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA). “When used in tandem with ignition interlock devices, 24/7 sobriety programs implemented with effective screening are a valuable and cost-effective way to combat crimes attributable to alcohol abuse. The NDAA supports the SOBER Act, which would expand access and funding to sustain and/or improve existing 24/7 sobriety programs, in addition to encouraging state and local governments to create new 24/7 sobriety programs within their communities.”

Specifically, the SOBER Act would:

• Provide funding to help sustain and expand existing 24/7 sobriety programs;
• Incentivize the creation of 24/7 sobriety programs; and
• Provide data from grantees and a report assessing the impact of 24/7 sobriety programs.

The SOBER Act is cosponsored by Pete Stauber (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Don Bacon (R-NE), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Julia Brownley (D-CA).

The SOBER Act is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), National Sheriffs’ Association, Niskanen Center, and Major County Sheriffs of America.

View full bill text here.

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South Dakota Democrats raised nearly $109K in July according to their latest FEC report.  No, not $109. More zeroes than that.

They raised nearly $109,000, during the same period where South Dakota Republicans raised $278. With less zeroes.

$108,726.99 raised against $62,053.38 spent, leaving them $127,164.65 cash on hand.

While the GOP had one donor noted during this period, democrats had 66 pages of them (x3 per page).

Just a thought. If the local GOP County groups causing this disparity and regularly attacking the state GOP want to take over, instead of continuing to erode the party maybe this weekend they should show up with $100,000 for the state GOP and show they care for the Republican Party in general?

But who am I kidding?

Erin Tobin Tapped As South Dakota State Chair For U.S. Term Limits

Pierre, SD/August 14, 2024 – Today, U.S. Term Limits announces that Erin Tobin has agreed to be the South Dakota State Chair for U.S. Term Limits. Tobin brings a depth of both private and public service to this role. She has long advocated for term limits at the federal level and will work tirelessly in her role as South Dakota Chair to see that South Dakota adopts a resolution in support of common-sense term limits.

“I am honored to serve as the South Dakota State Chair for U.S. Term Limits,” said Erin Tobin “Now more than ever before, the need for term limits is crystal clear. Polls show that one issue that unites all South Dakotans regardless of political affiliation is the need for congressional term limits.

“For many, serving in Congress has become a lifelong entitlement rather than a public service,” concluded Tobin. “Term limits will help improve accountability, diversify Congress, and make government work better for all Americans.”

“We are honored to have Erin leading our efforts in South Dakota to pass term limits for Congress,” said Philip Blumel, President of U.S. Term Limits. “Under her guidance, I am confident we will get our term limits resolution passed in South Dakota.”

Born in South Dakota, Erin Tobin hails from Tripp County, a place her family has called home for 5 generations. She graduated from Colome High School in 2001 and from South Dakota State University in 2005 with a B.S. degree in nursing. In 2010, she received her master’s degree as a nurse practitioner.

Tobin became involved in politics during a lobbying effort to introduce a bill in the state legislature that would allow the state’s nurses to have full practice authority. In 2020, she was elected to the South Dakota State Senate.

Erin works as a nurse practitioner in family and emergency room medicine. She also owns her own medical practice. She also works on the Rosebud Indian reservation in family medicine and emergency room.

She has two children, Gus and Anna.

U.S. Term Limits is the largest grassroots term limits advocacy group in the country. We connect term limits supporters with their legislators and work to pass term limits at all levels of government, particularly on the U.S. Congress. Find out more at termlimits.org.

State GOP To Be Toppled By Rogue Elements

Rebel County Groups Endanger South Dakota’s Political Stability
by Sam Kephart

South Dakota now finds itself at an immediate crossroads of political turmoil… orchestrated by a faction looking to destabilize the intricate fabric of our state’s Republican leadership structure. This rebel group is meeting this weekend. These self-proclaimed mavericks, operating under a guise of rebellion, have one clear mission—to dismantle and dismiss the solid and proven framework upon which the South Dakota State GOP stands.

With unprecedented boldness, these rogue elements have spread their subversive influence across more than twenty counties’ local organizations… and intend to wrest control of the state party. They’re determined to undermine the State Republican Party, backed by clandestine forces that hold no genuine interest in the betterment of our great state. Their actions are not just a mere dissent; they are a calculated assault on the foundations of our political stability.

These individuals—ostensibly driven by a radical thirst for power—threaten to replace seasoned, proven leadership with a regime characterized solely by its unbridled ambition. Their ruthless tactics and sinister intentions will fracture our political landscape, resulting in long-lasting damage that could take years, if ever, to mend.

Their platform is bereft of any constructive alternative vision or genuine concern for South Dakota’s future. Instead, they peddle deceit, spread dissension, and foster a narrative grounded in falsehoods. The outcome of their actions, should they succeed, will be catastrophic—a political system in disarray, leaving conservative South Dakotans in jeopardy… and without legitimate representation.

The State GOP, whatever its arguable flaws, has pretty consistently delivered for local, State, and Federal conservative candidates. Wholesale statewide rebellion and change for change’s sake make zero sense… and offers no substantive and reliable deliverables.

I call on sane conservative voters to take a resolute stand against these subversive tactics; now is not the time for discord but for solidarity. To maneuver through this turmoil, we must remember the collective strength that’s historically guided us through adversity.

My warning is urgent; it extends to every rational conservative South Dakotan – you’d better reject the divisive rhetoric and destructive ambitions of this rogue faction. Rather, embrace and protect the values that have brought prosperity and stability to our state.

Stand in unity, for it is only together that we can repel this clear and present political danger… and secure a bright, stable future for South Dakota. In unity, we find strength. In collective action, we find resilience.

Frankly, great changes cannot be made in a minute. Every rational conservative South Dakotan needs to rise against this challenge, protect our cherished political system, and ensure that South Dakota remains a beacon of individual rights and conservative values.

Mark my words, theses rebels are jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. As President Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Sam Kephart is a former primary candidate for U.S.Senate. He’s a Spearfish-based marketing and media consultant.

Submitted by:

Samuel R. Kephart (73)
Spearfish, SD

South Dakota Attorney General Jackley Files Lawsuit Against Live Nation-Ticketmaster

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that he has joined a civil antitrust lawsuit with the U.S. Justice Department and 40 other Attorneys General against Live Nation-Ticketmaster for monopolization and other unlawful conduct in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act.

“Live Nation-Ticketmaster is monopolizing live concert markets across the nation,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This anti-competitive conduct increases ticket prices for South Dakotans and makes it more challenging for music goers to attend live performances.”

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Southern New York. The lawsuit can be read here:

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Attorney General Jackley Praises 8^th Circuit Court Decision Overruling ATF Ban 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley praises a recent U.S. 8^thCircuit Court reversal on a federal ATF rule banning pistol braces.

The 8^th Circuit Court overruled a U.S. District Court of North Dakota Judge who had earlier denied a preliminary injunction against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule on pistol stabilizing braces. A coalition of 24 states, including South Dakota, had filed a lawsuit in 2023 against that ATF rule.

“This is another victory against a federal bureaucracy that tries to take away individual rights,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Our Second Amendment is a very significant and recognizable individual right.”

The proposed ATF rule also was rejected earlier by a Texas federal court.

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It does not look like Representative Brandei Schaefbauer had a good July. First she paid a speeding ticket she received in Potter County. And then she filed for divorce.

The filing, dated July 9th, cites “irreconcilable differences” and states further grounds exist under SDCL 25-4-2 (1) and (2). Those sections are regarding (1) Adultery; and (2) Extreme cruelty.

The filing also requests that alimony be provided for the District 3 State Representative.

No response has been filed in the civil action at this time.

The Biden-Harris Economy Leaves Too Many Americans Falling Behind

By Sen. John Thune

America has always been a place where if you work hard, you can get ahead. But it’s gotten a lot more challenging in the Biden-Harris economy. Inflation has dealt working families a series of setbacks that have made it harder to get ahead. And it’s in large part due to this administration’s reckless spending.

Three and a half years ago Vice President Harris cast her first tie-breaking votes in the U.S. Senate to advance $1.9 trillion in spending under the guise of pandemic relief. She and Democrats in Congress had been warned that that level of spending risked setting off inflation unlike any we had seen in a generation. But they passed it anyway. And inflation began to take off almost immediately.

For many Americans, life in the Biden-Harris economy feels like a downgrade. All told, it costs a typical family $13,000 more per year just to maintain the same standard of living it enjoyed when President Biden took office, and nearly every aspect of daily life is more expensive in the Biden-Harris economy. More than one-third of Americans are worried about paying their bills.  People are pulling back on their spending and putting more on their credit cards. Some people are even taking on extra work just to get by. But sometimes, it’s still not enough.

And it’s not just higher prices. Measures to tame inflation have also added to Americans’ financial pain. To fight inflation, the Federal Reserve has been forced to keep interest rates high, which affects Americans’ finances in a variety of ways. Higher interest rates, in part the result of the Fed’s actions, are making credit card bills harder to pay down. The same is true for car payments. And Americans looking to own their own home are facing what one housing expert called “the most challenging home buying market we’ve ever seen.”

The White House has spent a lot of time trying to spin this economy as strong. But the American people aren’t buying it. An economy where people are working harder and still struggling to get by isn’t what most Americans consider a strong economy. And it can’t be America’s future.

Inflation began accelerating as a result of Democrats’ reckless spending. Yet the Biden-Harris administration and congressional Democrats show no signs of backing off their reckless tax and spending agenda. In fact, it’s clear they envision a lot more of the same. The administration’s latest budget request is filled with burdensome new taxes and trillions in new spending. They want to see the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire, which would mean more tax increases on American families and businesses. And Democrats still have plenty of other tax and spending ideas they would like to implement.

The American people have suffered enough. I don’t want to think about what kind of economic pain we could see from another four years of Democrats’ reckless spending. And I hope the American people will not have to experience it.

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