If only I had a million dollars....  Well, I can guarantee you I wouldn’t be throwing it away on running for South Dakota Governor to feed my ego like Toby Doeden is.

Because in the latest campaign finance report filed today, Toby disclosed that he’s thrown another $2 million dollars on the bonfire of his vanities as he pursues trying to pretend he’s capable of being in charge of the state:

Toby Doeden Pre-primary Report by Pat Powers

This comes at the same time as from all of his supporters all across the state, he’s only managed to raise $10,856.56.

I haven’t seen the other reports yet, but I feel pretty safe if I wagered that’s going to be even worse than Jon Hansen’s fundraising total.

But I suppose you don’t need people to support you when you feel you can just buy the job.

This is an interesting item in District 9 Primary Candidate Megan Tschetter’s campaign finance report:

No, not the $1000 from Majority Leader Scott Odenbach and his Liberty Tree PAC, as he tries to pick his membership.. But the $250 from the Davison County Republicans Central Committee. They absolutely should not be playing in primaries.

That’s what the former 32-year Democrat in charge of the Republican Party said. (not that he follows his own rule):

 

“not appropriate for the party to influence the election process.”  I would certainly think that would include donating to candidates.

UPDATE: 

Here’s another instance where they donated $250 to a candidate in the primary – Tim Begalka, running in a contested primary in District 4 – a district no where near their own..

Gov. Rhoden Announces Expansion and Results of ICE Partnerships

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the Rhoden Administration is expanding on its partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of the public safety efforts announced last July.

“My administration’s number one responsibility is keeping South Dakotans safe,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We’ve been working hard to get illegal alien criminals off our streets, out of our prison, and out of our country. I am proud of the results our officers have delivered – they are keeping our state strong, safe, and free for generations to come – and now there’s more work to do.”

The South Dakota Highway Patrol has enrolled more troopers in ICE training, increasing the number of troopers trained under 287(g) agreements eight-fold. Originally, five troopers were trained in July 2025, and 17 troopers are currently trained. With this third addition in force, that number will increase to 41 troopers.

“This partnership is showing strong results” said Secretary of Public Safety Bob Perry. “In the last twelve months the SD Highway Patrol has conducted 150 arrests of illegal alien criminals.”

The expansion is also supported by the Department of Homeland Security. South Dakota is anticipating a federal reimbursement of approximately $165,000.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) and the South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) have continued to work with ICE as part of two other components of this state-federal partnership.

DOC submitted additional inmates for parole to federal custody and deportation. So far, 24 inmates have been paroled directly to ICE custody. DOC and ICE have identified an additional 14 inmates that will be considered for federal custody and deportation. Getting removable illegal aliens out of the state prison system saves South Dakota taxpayers an average of $34,039.33 in annual cost per inmate. DOC is also implementing enhanced training of officers to serve warrants and assist ICE with deportations.

The SDNG deployment of seven guardsmen has continued since last fall. These active-duty soldiers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City are helping process deportations, acting as a force multiplier for South Dakota ICE officers. Through May 15, the SDNG has assisted directly in processing 664 illegal immigrants who have been deported out of South Dakota.

Governor Rhoden previously activated the SDNG and sent letters of intent to establish the 287(g) agreements. You can find the DOC letter here and the SDHP letter here.

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You saw the report from the Dusty Johnson for Governor committee – now here’s the Political Action Committee supporting the campaign. Who happens to have over a million in the account:

Dusty PAC Disclosure by Pat Powers

Dusty Johnson has raised a lot of money, and spent a lot of money. And he still has cash reserves to go in his campaign to become the next South Dakota Governor:

Dusty Johnson State Report by Pat Powers

 

Christine Erickson Earns Endorsement of Sioux Falls Police Labor Council and Leading Law Enforcement Officials

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Christine Erickson announced today that she has earned the endorsement of the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council, along with several respected law enforcement leaders and public safety experts from across South Dakota.

Representing Sioux Falls police officers and sergeants, the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council is the leading advocacy organization for the city’s law enforcement personnel, working to support officers, strengthen public safety, and promote effective communication between officers and city leadership. The endorsements come as public safety continues to rank as the top concern among Sioux Falls residents and remains the number one priority of Erickson’s campaign for mayor.

In their endorsement of Erickson, the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council stated, “Christine Erickson has demonstrated a strong understanding of the issues facing law enforcement and a dedication to supporting those who protect the community every day. Her commitment to the Officers and Sergeants of our Council is genuine. As mayor, we believe Erickson will continue to advance and build upon our established relationship with City Hall.”

Joining the Sioux Falls Police Labor Council in endorsing Erickson are:

• Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Swenson
• Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman
• Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar
• Former Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel
• Former South Dakota Director of Public Safety Trevor Jones

“Public safety is the foundation of our city’s future,” Erickson said. “Nothing else matters if the people of Sioux Falls do not feel safe in their neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and parks. I’m honored to have the support of so many respected law enforcement professionals who understand the challenges our city faces.”

Erickson said Sioux Falls must stay ahead of growing challenges related to crime, mental health, emergency response, and criminal justice reform, especially as discussions continue regarding the proposed new state prison in Sioux Falls.

“As mayor, I will ensure our police officers, deputies, firefighters, and first responders have the staffing, tools, training, and community support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Erickson said. “We also must strengthen community partnership focused on mental health response, crime prevention, youth engagement, and successful re-entry for individuals returning from incarceration.”

“We must make sure that Sioux Falls remains a safe community,” continued Erickson. “That will be my number one priority for your family, my family, and the future of this great city.”

###

Deb Peters’ PAC’n Heat group is continuing a series of facebook posts pointing out some of the problems with the current crew in charge in the South Dakota Legislature:

And the election continues to roll on…

State Representative (and Hillary Clinton donor) Liz May must still have her head scrambled from the ATV accident she suffered many months ago. Because she just went on a screeching tear after some of the District 3 State Legislative Candidates for serving as part of the Aberdeen Development Corporation:

According to Liz.. Katie Washnok, Spencer Sommers, and Tim Hanigan – none of whom are elected, but are currently running for office are bad for serving as part of the board.

But if memory serves.. I think there’s another candidate running for office in District 3. One who has actually benefitted from the Economic Development efforts that the Aberdeen Development Corporation board makes to serve their community:

In another sign that Senator Al Novstrup (R-3/Aberdeen) isn’t the free-market conservative he pretends to be, the Aberdeen American News reports that the go-kart impresario and his son needed the Aberdeen Development Corporation to get their two-million-dollar building permit for them.

(Read that here.).

So. This supposedly evil economic development panel that Liz is criticizing fronted 2 million to develop a project for the community? (*crickets on the Novstrup involvement here*) Darn them. And here’s an even more recent post…

Not seeing Liz May going after Al Novstrup here either.

So.. Sitting elected Senator Al Novstrup goes and gets a loan from the local economic development panel.. and Liz May is rendered mute.  But when Liz thinks that everyone else is conspiring as part of the evil Aberdeen economic-development network (her words) – then they’re on her facebook hit list?

Again. Liz Biden needs to give it a rest, and get off of facebook. Because she sounds like everyone else’s crazy aunt.

Wow. In the realm of politics, getting a former president is a pretty good get.. But when they were as unpopular as Biden was, and likely remains in South Dakota, Democrats should have read the room, and waited a few years on this one.

Oh, and it looks like any video from the press is banned. Not sure what they’re scared of, unless it’s Biden himself.  – pp

 

President Joe Biden to Keynote South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day Dinner

SIOUX FALLS, SD – The South Dakota Democratic Party and Chair Shane Merrill are proud to announce that President Joe Biden will serve as the keynote speaker for the McGovern Day Dinner on Friday, June 5, at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Exhibit Hall in Sioux Falls.

“It is an honor to welcome President Biden to South Dakota, especially during such a critical time for our country,” said Merrill.

At age 29, Biden became one of the youngest Americans ever elected to the U.S. Senate. Over 36 years representing Delaware, he played a leading role in addressing major domestic and international issues, including authoring the Violence Against Women Act.

In 2008, Biden was elected Vice President alongside President Barack Obama. Together, the Obama-Biden Administration passed the Affordable Care Act, helping millions of Americans gain access to affordable health insurance.

In 2020, Biden was elected the 46th President of the United States. During one of the most challenging moments in modern American history, his Administration led the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerated vaccine distribution, and helped drive an economic recovery that created more than 16 million jobs.

The Biden Administration also made historic investments in communities across the nation—urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal alike. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, roads, bridges, airports, railways, broadband infrastructure, and water systems were modernized and expanded. The CHIPS and Science Act helped revitalize American manufacturing and strengthen domestic semiconductor production.

“It is an absolute privilege to welcome President Biden to South Dakota and have him speak to people from across the state who want a brighter future,” Merrill said. “This is a historic moment for McGovern Day, and we are honored to host someone who knew and served alongside leaders like George McGovern, Tim Johnson, and Tom Daschle.”

“President Biden’s Administration played a crucial role in helping South Dakota recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Merrill continued. “His policies delivered millions of dollars in investments for rural housing, broadband expansion, infrastructure, and agriculture. As a farmer, I appreciate that President Biden prioritized rural communities, supported sustainable agricultural practices, and worked to strengthen our food supply. I’m excited for President Biden to share his perspective with Democratic candidates and supporters from across South Dakota. This will be an incredible evening as we celebrate the future of our state.”

Tickets for the McGovern Day Dinner are now on sale. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, May 25.

NOTE:There will be limited space for press.Pen and paper only. Press must RSVP with SDDP Communications Director Krista Burns, krista@sddp.org,  by May 25th.

Logan Manhart seems to be trying to appeal to Democrat voters in the primary with this sign that his campaign placed.  Or at the least, a much, much older demographic than we’re used to.

Although, if there are any in that graveyard from the 1800’s, one of them might share his world views.