From the Argus Leader, a new legislative measure – House Bill 1198 – to move three of the races being selected at political party conventions to a statewide ballot moved forward on the testimony of legislators and former candidates for office arguing that nominating for some of the offices was bigger than just who could be convinced to go to the convention, according to the Argus Leader:

“I also believe that these positions are still too important to just let a couple hundred people decide and looking at our state motto that ‘under God, people rule,’ should guide us in this decision,” Tordsen said.

Former Attorney General Mark Barnett said while he had benefited from the convention nomination process, he felt that the fairest election was the one he lost when he ran in a primary against Mike Rounds in 2002 for governor.

“The reason I say it was the fairest was because it was a primary and it was all voting Republicans, not just a sum of the Republicans that I could convince to run for delegate,” he said.

Read the entire story here.

Gov. Noem Responds to President Star Comes Out

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out’s comments:

”In my first year serving as Governor, I repeatedly visited Pine Ridge to work on relationships between the State of South Dakota and the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I wanted to work with them on a number of issues – I still do. In my last visit to Pine Ridge, as I was speaking before an assembly, one gentleman said to me, ‘Governor Noem, I hear lots of bad things about you. And I believe them. But you’re coming here so much now, I’m starting to think that you care.’ Shortly after that meeting, I was banned from the tribe.

“It is unfortunate that President Star Comes Out chose to bring politics into a discussion regarding the effects of our federal government’s failure to enforce federal laws at the southern border and on tribal lands. My focus continues to be on working together to solve those problems.

“I have been working for years to build relationships with our tribes. My state agencies and departments have worked with tribal leaders on a daily basis to deliver services to tribal communities including healthcare, economic development, social services, housing, food programs, suicide prevention, drug addiction treatment, infrastructure costs, and emergency response.

“I am grateful to have celebrated the hanging of two tribal flags in honor in the Capitol Rotunda last month – we are close to having more flags and look forward to holding the next ceremony soon. We have signed gaming compacts, and the first two bills that I signed this legislative session prioritize relationships between the State and our tribes.

“These relationships are by no means perfect; there is still disagreement at times. Any relationship takes work and consistent effort.

“In my speech to the legislature earlier this week, I told the truth of the devastation that drugs and human trafficking have on our state and our people. The Mexican cartels are not only impacting our tribal reservations; they are impacting every community, from our big cities to our small towns. But our tribal reservations are bearing the worst of that in South Dakota. Speaking this fact is not meant to blame the tribes in any way – they are the victim here. They are the victim of cartel-driven criminal activity, and they are the victim of inaction by the federal government.

“I also recognize and said in my border address that issues with tribal law enforcement predate the Biden Administration. I had conversations about these issues with former Attorneys General Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr. In my experience, unlike the current administration, the previous administration was willing to have conversations about how we can work together to address these challenges.

“I thank President Star Comes out for his service in our nation’s military. As I told bipartisan Native American legislators earlier this week, ‘I am not the one with a stiff arm, here. You can’t build relationships if you don’t spend time together.’ I stand ready to work with any of our state’s Native American tribes to build such a relationship.”

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Out in Spearfish hauling more stuff to my bride this weekend, so taking the opportunity to tag along to today’s crackerbarrel with her.

Good attendance. Lots of talk about the budget, and specific issue on forest health, as well as whether air b&b’s are pushing out home ownership opportunities.

Good Neighbors

By House Majority Leader Will Mortenson and Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree
February 3, 2024

South Dakota is a special place. We are blessed with natural wonders, fertile soil, room to roam, and freedoms that most people in the world envy. What makes South Dakota exceptional are the people and how we treat one another. Here in South Dakota, we embody the value of being a good neighbor. From helping with ranch chores, harvest, child care, or an emergency, South Dakotans are always stepping up to help others.

Just like any family, there are times we may disagree. Today, we are faced with strong feelings on both sides of the land use debate related to carbon dioxide pipelines. The proposed project has led to emotional conversations in the Legislature, at county commission meetings, and around dining room tables.

Going into the 2024 Session, both of us as Republican Majority Leaders are committed to finding a path forward that benefits landowners and sets clear expectations of regulatory and procedural requirements for those who want to do business in South Dakota. For those who want to become our neighbors and do business here, they will need to do so the South Dakota way, as good neighbors.

We know this is a contentious issue, but we also know South Dakotans can come together to enact good public policy. Both of us have talked to landowners opposed to the project as well as landowners willing to work on easements. Based on those conversations, it is clear that the time is now for impactful change related to the planning, siting, surveying, permitting, and safety mitigation regarding CO2 infrastructure projects while also reaffirming protections to landowners.

Last year, the two of us and our respective chambers were on the opposite side of this issue, and we left Pierre in a stalemate. After lengthy discussions with landowners, ag producers, landowner-rights groups, county commissioners, and our colleagues in the Legislature, it became clear that we all agreed far more than we disagreed. Together, we have worked on proposals that focus on a project development process; one that promotes respect, fairness, and certainty for everyone involved.

There is widespread agreement that South Dakota needs to be forward thinking. As a state dependent upon agriculture, our prosperity depends on national and global markets, and we must embrace emerging industries that leverage our commodities. Doing so creates jobs, feeds families, pays off loans, puts dollars into local economies, and, most importantly, helps create a brighter future for our state and its next generation. This is another way we are focused on helping people because a rising tide lifts all boats. A strong ag economy in South Dakota helps everyone.

Policy reform is needed, and that will require good-faith discussions based on facts among everyone willing to have a serious discussion on protecting property rights while also setting in place a process for projects with tremendous public benefit. With that as our starting point, we have introduced legislation to keep our state open for business while reaffirming our commitment to protecting the people of South Dakota.

We have introduced three bills this year that we are asking our fellow legislators to support–HB 1185, HB 1186, and SB 201. As a package, these bills address many of the concerns we have heard since the CO2 pipeline projects began. These landowner protections include:

1. Additional compensation to landowners when building for-profit infrastructure projects.

2. Safety enhancements, including additional minimum depth to 4 feet and required release of all dispersion and impact models.

3. Liability protection, including lifetime repair of drain tile, indemnification for harm done to land, livestock, and residents.

4. Improved land surveying process. For survey and siting, planners must provide a description of the area, anticipated date(s) and time(s), length of time needed, work description, and contact information for the company. Landowners may challenge the request within 30 days.

5. Project planners must provide additional safety and land-use studies to justify the project need, their ability to protect landowners, and ability to follow through on their commitments.

6. Land agents for CO2 pipeline projects must be South Dakota-based.

7. Easements for CO2 pipeline projects expire after five years if the developer is unable to construct the project.

This is truly a consequential year for lawmakers in Pierre. We can come together and support common sense reforms that protect landowners, we can fight to squander economic development that benefits the state as a whole, or we can leave session in a stalemate once again.

Together, we’re committed to continuing the South Dakota tradition of being good neighbors and right-sizing the issues that have emerged to forge a path forward that respects landowners, creates fairness for landowners and developers, and provides certainty for all parties on the process to be followed for infrastructure projects in our state.

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I can’t just put my finger on it, but from reading the Internet, I’m getting the impression that goofball election truther county auditors might not be fans of this website.

Maybe it’s just me?

I just caught this story from a few days back over at SD Standard where it appears that the South Dakota Democrat Party has canceled Sheldon Osborn, one of their visible & long-time party activists for apparently having the temerity to speak his mind. Unfortunately for some Democrats, the fact that people listened to him was problematic enough that they felt the need to strip him of party office:

On Saturday, he was told his efforts were no longer needed. Osborn was recalled as Region 3 representative during a South Dakota Region 3 State Central Committee meeting on Saturday. Region 3 includes legislative districts 9, 10, 11, 14 and 15, covers Minnehaha County and includes Sioux Falls and a section of Hartford.

and..

In a notice of the Zoom meeting to decide his status, Region 3 officials said Osborn, a 76-year-old accountant and commercial property manager with a lengthy history of party activism, actually posed a risk.

“Our party, especially at a local level, faces many threats, but the continuous presence and undermining behavior of Sheldon Osborn is the most dangerous threat to the success of party efforts in our state’s largest county,” it states. “For these reasons and more, a majority of Region 3 SCC members seek an expeditious process to recall and replace Sheldon Osborn.”

and..

He said Erik Muckey, the chair of the Minnehaha County Democratic Party, was especially sensitive to any criticism. Muckey is the CEO of Lost&Found, which describes itself as “the region’s largest youth and young adult-focused (ages 10-34) suicide prevention and postvention nonprofit.”

In addition, he is the founder and managing partner of Pasq, a Sioux Falls consulting firm. Former SDDP Executive Director Berk Ehrmantraut is Pasq’s director of operations and Jessica Meyers, the former party vice chair, is a managing partner.

Muckey circulated a petition to recall Osborn. Among the signers were state Sen. Reynold Nesiba and 2020 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith, who is running to replace the term-limited Nesiba in the state Senate. Ehrmantraut notarized the petition.

Read the entire story here.

For quite a few years, Osborne’s regular commentary as part of his “Drinking Liberally” website was the only place to get an honest opinion on the inner happenings at the South Dakota Democrat party coming from a member of the rank & file. And from the sounds of it, there are those in the new woke leadership team who doesn’t really like those dissenting views.

I mean, writing this website, I get Sheldon’s dilemma. Do you consent to that with which you disagree by silence, or do you shine the light of day?  There have been plenty of occasions where a few past members of House legislative leadership would make backbiting efforts to try to cancel me with the Republican party. Thankfully, those that are elected to lead the Republican party are made of sterner stuff.

In a few written interactions I’ve had with Sheldon, and in reading his commentary about the innerworkings of the SDDP with interest, Sheldon never struck me as a person who sought to sow chaos as much as have a viewpoint that came with a different set of tools and experiences, such as when the Democrat Party managed to experience success in their goals.

If the house that State Democrats have built isn’t strong enough to withstand a few contrary words, they probably deserve what they have coming down the line.

I’m sure Sheldon will be happy having a beer on the patio, and I’m sure others will be happy to join as he watches.

SD Ag Alliance Applauds Legislative Leadership’s “Good Neighbor Policy” to Regulate Carbon Pipelines

(Pierre, SD) Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree and House Majority Leader Will Mortenson have announced a “Good Neighbor” legislative package that will establish protections for landowners and funding for counties.

“The SD Ag Alliance supports the legislative package because it creates significant protections for landowners,” said Rob Skjonsberg, founding member. “Like any significant proposal, details will continue to be worked out. Senator Crabtree and Representative Mortenson are to be commended for tackling such an important issue.”

“The legislative package is good for landowners and creates regulatory certainty for pipelines which is a win-win for South Dakota,” said Jason Glodt, founding member.

The legislative package is comprised of three bills (Senate Bill 201 and House Bills 1185 and 1186) and provides protections for landowners, funding for counties and regulatory certainty for businesses.

Protections for Landowners: The legislative package established protections for landowners, including 1) land survey reform; 2) liability protection; 3) minimum depth of carbon-capture pipelines of four feet; 4) lifetime repair of drain-tile, 5) release of dispersion models; and 6) additional compensation for landowners.

Funding for Counties and Townships: The legislative package also includes funding for counties and townships, including funds to maintain roads. The legislation will also create an extraordinary expenses fund which will be paid for by carbon pipelines. The state, counties, and townships will be able to access the funds to cover costs incurred for emergency response training and to purchase equipment.

Open for Business: In addition, the legislation will keep South Dakota open for business by creating legal and regulatory certainty for businesses.

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Supporting American Families
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
February 2, 2024

BIG Update

The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are disrupting global shipping routes, threatening supply chains, and endangering human life. Twenty percent of all container shipping passes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, but due to the conflict they must be rerouted. The detour is costly, to the tune of an additional $1 million in fuel costs and an additional ten days of travel time. Shipping rates from Asia to Europe have nearly doubled and freight rates for U.S.-bound cargo have also spiked.

This week, I urged the Biden Administration to secure the Red Sea and restore the safe passage of trade in the region. We may not be able to part the Red Sea like Moses, but if we can’t restore the normal flow of trade, Americans and consumers around the world will pay the cost.

BIG Idea

School nurses are often the first in line to care for our kids when they are at school. Carrie has been a school nurse for 25 years and is well aware of the needs of students and staff. As the South Dakota Director for the National Association of School Nurses, she advocates for school nurses and works to equip them with the tools and skills to keep our students safe and healthy.

We discussed fentanyl use among teens and the necessity to equip school nurses with Narcan to prevent overdose deaths. It’s unfortunate, but fentanyl is leading cause of death for teens. One pill can kill.

BIG News

The House passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act this week to restore many Trump-era tax cuts. This pro-growth, pro-family, pro-small business tax policy will boost U.S. competitiveness on the global stage. Should the bill be signed into law, the Child Tax Credit will be increased to keep up with inflation and the penalty for large families would be eliminated to ensure child tax credit work incentives apply equally to all families. I was proud to support the bill to bring relief to American families and Main Street businesses who have struggled to keep up with inflation.

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Matters of State: Why the Invasion at the Southern Border is a Threat to States’ Rights
By: Governor Kristi Noem
February 2, 2024

For almost 250 years America has been the standard of a government of, by, and for the people. But today, the American people are not secure. We have a national security crisis at our Southern Border because the federal government is facilitating the violation of federal law. 

A nation without borders is not a nation at all. A government that does not value the security of its people is not only negligent but inhumane.

When the federal government fails to uphold its duty to the people, the responsibility falls to the states. But Democrat politicians are urging President Biden to federalize the Texas National Guard. If he were to do that, it would be the first time in American history that a president activated American armed forces explicitly to stand down, to make us less safe, to not protect the United States of America. And if President Biden can do that to Texas, he can do it to South Dakota – or any other state.

Governors are Commanders in Chief of our National Guards. These soldiers report to us, not the federal government. We understand our unique situations better than a distant federal authority can. I trust Governor Abbott to make the best decisions for his National Guard, just as I make the best decisions for ours here in South Dakota.

South Dakota is directly affected by this invasion. We are affected by cartel presence on our tribal reservations; by the spread of drugs and human trafficking throughout our communities; and by the drain on our resources at the local, state, and federal level. 

South Dakota was the first state in the nation to send National Guard soldiers to help. We later deployed our Lakota helicopters on a federal mission when the Biden Administration needed help with surveillance of drug traffickers. Last summer, when Governor Abbott again asked for assistance, we sent more troops.

And now, the sheer number of illegal migrants coming into the country has made it so that every state is now a border state. This isn’t just an issue for Texas and other states along the border. This is an issue for every American. And this issue is about preserving this great nation for our kids and our grandkids.

This war is primarily being fought at the southern border, but it affects us here in South Dakota, too. We might see the effects differently than Texas, but make no mistake – the open border affects everyone. It is South Dakota’s duty to protect our people.

We need to be prepared to stand united to protect our state’s constitutional right to defend ourselves. I am proud to support what Texas is doing to defend itself because I realize the consequences of what will happen if they don’t. The cartels are here in South Dakota, and they are perpetuating violence and criminal activity daily on South Dakota families. They are killing our children with their drugs and trafficking. These cartels are being fed from over the open southern border where more dangerous individuals are entering the country to destroy America from within.

It’s time to stand strong together.

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I had better things to do as I begin my workday here at South Dakota’s happiest political website – celebrating 19 years, and based in the lower level of my home in Brookings, when I checked Facebook… and noticed that Congressional Explorer Toby Doeden must still be butt hurt over how I pointed out he has never voted in a Republican Primary during the course of the last 20 years.   

Why? Because he’s paying to run advertisements on facebook for the video he made attacking me after my pointing this out. (I’ll put up the graphic again, since it seems to have vexed him so.)

For Republicans, that’s a bad voting record. Toby, bad voting record. Bad, bad voting record!

Ultimately, it was his choice whether to participate in the Republican elections across the last 20 years, so I’m not sure why he feels the need to shoot the messenger. But, I’m guessing self-reflection to be a better person is not a tool in his toolbox.  

Speaking of shooting the messenger, what’s Toby spending to attack me?

So far, there appears to be 2 flights of the amateurish ads that he started running yesterday to the tune of $900 total, which he’s targeted to an audience of 500,000 – 1,000,000 people.

That’s nearly $1000 he’s not spending to increase his name identification. He’s not using it to hire campaign staff. Not spending on stickers or flyers. Not even using it to reduce some poor single mother’s rent after he raised it by 48% this last year.  Nope.

All that time, energy, and money are going towards calling me a poopy-head like a 12 year old girl on tik tok?

This campaign is over before it ever began.