Rob Port with InForum newspapers in North Dakota has a new article out this afternoon about the North Dakota Republican Party’s new Executive Director, and ex-chair of the Minnehaha County GOP, Dave Roetman. And it’s a doozy.
Apparently Rob went through Roetman’s twitter account, and found the type of things that a person really does not want to have come out about their conduct on Twitter.
On X (formerly twitter), Mr. Roetman was a frequent commenter on photos of women in various states of undress, often commenting, “she seems nice.”
In other posts, Roetman was openly disparaging of women.
“Here’s a quarter, keep it between your knees,” he said in response to a post about a woman seeking relationship advice. He endorsed groping women, and in response to another user’s post about whether an attractive woman in a photograph could make sandwiches, made a crude quip about making pies.
and..
Roetman also made bigoted comments about race. In response to a news article about Black Americans leaving the country, he posted a meme saying, “Well…bye.”
and..
You can view the nearly 100 images I captured from his account here. I’ll warn you, again, that these images are offensive and often quite risque.
When I reached him for comment about these posts, asking if he felt they represented appropriate behavior for a party leader, Roetman was unapologetic. “I am a man who stands by his words,” he said in an emailed reply.
Rounds, Scott Introduce Bill to Strengthen CFIUS Review Process, Protect American Land
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, joined Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) to introduce the Protect Our Bases Act. This legislation would make certain the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites by requiring member agencies to annually update and review their lists of these sites.
“Protecting American land is critical to maintaining our national security,” said Rounds. “Our near-peer adversaries, like China, only wish to gain advantage and opportunities to surveil our nation’s capabilities and resources. I am pleased to join Ranking Member Scott on this legislation to make our homeland more secure.”
“The Chinese Communist Party can’t be allowed to compromise the security of military and government facilities on our home turf,” said Scott. “By enhancing the review of foreign real estate transactions near sites that are vital to U.S. national security, this legislation will increase accountability to help ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States can take proper action to push back on Communist China and keep our nation safe.”
In addition to Rounds and Scott, this legislation was introduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.)
BACKGROUND:
In 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. CFIUS determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes. Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases. CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated information on sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites in order to properly assess the security risk of foreign investment in our country. If CFIUS member agencies do not appropriately update their site lists, CFIUS cannot guarantee an accurate review.
The senators’ bill requires agencies represented on CFIUS to provide updated records of the military, intelligence and national laboratory facilities that should be sensitive sites for national security purposes to CFIUS on an annual basis. Additionally, the legislation requires CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.
The Protect Our Bases Act builds on Rounds’ existing legislative work to safeguard America from malign foreign investments that pose national security concerns. Earlier this year,the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA) by a vote of 86-11 The FY24 NDAA included an amendment offered by Rounds that bans foreign adversaries from purchasing American farmland and agricultural businesses. Additionally, it would add the Secretary of Agriculture as an ex officio member of CFIUS to consider agriculture needs when making determinations affecting our national security and require the president to submit a report to Congress on any waiver granted to a prohibited country
Gov. Noem to Host Trick-or-Treat Festivities at Governor’s Residence
Happy Halloween! We enjoyed seeing all of you at the Governor’s residence tonight for trick or treating! Our family dressed as the four Presidents on Mt Rushmore and had some pretty fantastic mascots too! pic.twitter.com/kkKx3D8UDD
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and First Gentleman Bryon Noem will host the annual tick-or-treat festivities at the Governor’s Residence in Pierre on Tuesday, October 31st from 5:30 to 7pm CT.
“This is one of my favorite events every year. Bryon and I always love to see all of the children dressed up in their Halloween costumes. You’ll have to come see what we’re dressing up as this year,” said Governor Noem. “We can’t wait to welcome all of our South Dakota families to the Governor’s Residence for our annual Halloween tradition!”
Governor Noem asks children and parents across South Dakota to observe the following Halloween safety tips:
Trick-or-treat during daylight hours or take a flashlight if going out after dark;
Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags;
Make sure vision is clear when wearing masks or other head garb;
Adults should accompany young children; unaccompanied children should trick-or-treat in groups; and,
Inspect candy before consuming; discard anything suspicious.
“If Hamas and its reign of terror is allowed to continue, no nation in the region or beyond will be able to live in peace and security.”
WASHINGTON —U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) this week spoke on the Senate floor about his visit to the Middle East as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Yesterday, Thune spoke about the need for the United States to support Israel as it works to eliminate Hamas terrorists in Gaza, and he called on the Biden administration to prioritize freeing American hostages. Thune also joined Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News and Stuart Varney on Fox Business to discuss Iran’s blatant role in fostering and supporting terrorism in the Middle East.
Johnson Votes to Restore Order to House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to elect Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as Speaker of the House to restore order in the House of Representatives.
“I’m proud to vote for Rep. Mike Johnson for Speaker,” said Johnson. “Now we can put these unfortunate three weeks behind us and get back to work to address the southern border, $33 trillion of national debt, and a looming government shutdown.”
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to express unconditional support for Israel and condemn Hamas in response to Hamas’ acts of terror on Israel.
“Hamas is evil. America can’t allow terrorists to grow in strength,” said Johnson. “Israel has the right to fight back, and they have the wide support of Congress in that endeavor.”
After weeks of stalemate, the first act of the House showed strong, bipartisan support for America’s ally, Israel. Johnson recently cosponsored legislation to condemn the Hamas terror attacks. Read full bill text here.
Senate Mike Rounds – WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: OCTOBER 16-22, 2023
After a great in-state work period spent in South Dakota, we’re back in action for another Senate work period. I had the opportunity to visit Sioux Falls to speak at the South Dakota Biotech Association’s annual meeting on a panel with Dakota State President José-Marie Griffiths. I visited Brookings during Hobo Week for a groundbreaking for 3M’s new expansion. While in town, I had to make a stop on South Dakota State University’s campus to chat with students over donuts, visit with the Collegian newspaper and celebrate homecoming. Great memories of my time as a student there. As we alumni look ahead to this weekend, we’re hoping for a Jackrabbit win against the powerful Yotes in Vermillion. Here’s my Weekly Round[s] Up:
South Dakotans I visited with: This past week, I met with Michael Bockorny, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation. I also presented an Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal to Navy Veteran Darrell Lee Witte from Pierre. Mr. Witte was a member of the USS Walton that took part in Operation RedWing, a nuclear weapon test series that took place in 1956. My office works with veterans to get them the medals they have earned. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran needing assistance with this, please contact my office.
Meetings this past week: Tanya Otsuka, nominee for the National Credit Union Administration board; Erik Fyrwald, CEO of Syngenta; The Real Estate Roundtable; and Martin O’Malley, nominee for Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. I also had a meeting with Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman for an update on the B-21 Raider stealth bomber coming to Ellsworth AFB.
We also had our Senate Prayer Breakfast, where Senator Ted Cruz of Texas was our speaker this week.
Panel hosted: This past week, I hosted a panel for fellow senators and their staff members on artificial intelligence and cancer research. The panel featured academic and industry experts who work at the intersection of these two fields. We had an excellent conversation on how AI is transforming health care. You can read more about the panel here.
Cancer research is an issue that’s particularly personal to me. As many of you know, I lost my wife Jean to cancer on November 2, 2021. We were already seeing encouraging progress in the development of new treatments during her battle a few years ago. Now, there is a real opportunity to utilize AI in ways never thought possible that will help save lives.
Votes taken: 8 – most notably was the Senate’s unanimous passage of a resolution standing with our ally Israel against terrorism.
Hearings: I attended 4 hearings this past week: one in the Select Committee on Intelligence, one in the Banking committee, one in the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and one joint hearing between SASC and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Our Banking committee hearing was on nominations, where we heard from six individual nominees to executive positions. I had the opportunity to serve as Ranking Member and give the opening statement. You can watch a clip of that here.
Classified briefings: I had 2 classified briefings this past week: one was on the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. One was a briefing for all senators on the war in Israel. I talked more about that on CNN last Thursday morning. You can watch the clip of that at the end of the Round[s] Up.
My staff in South Dakota visited: Aberdeen, Madison, Mobridge and Roscoe.
Steps taken this past week: 56,514 steps or 28.06 miles
Video of the Week: I joined CNN This Morning to talk more about the war in Israel:
This is a particularly interesting development landing in my mailbox – pp
Rounds Announces New Leadership in Sioux Falls Office
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Keith Moore will serve as the Southeast Regional Director and State Director of Tribal Relations. Moore will be based out of Rounds’ Sioux Falls office, starting on November 6, 2023.
“Keith is a committed and respected public servant who will be a great asset to our team,” said Rounds. “His years of experience, both in South Dakota and in D.C., will serve our state well. I am pleased to have Keith in this role, and I have confidence in his ability to make a meaningful impact for the good of South Dakotans.”
“I’m excited to get started serving the citizens and tribal members of South Dakota,” said Moore. “Senator Rounds has worked tirelessly for all people of our great state, and I intend to do the same as we take on the multitude of issues that are in front of us.”
Originally from Mission, Moore grew up in Kennebec and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. After graduating from Lyman High School, he earned a scholarship to play basketball at Northern State University, majoring in education. He later received a master’s degree in educational administration from South Dakota State University and specialist degree in educational leadership from Montana State University. Moore most recently worked as the South Dakota Director of Americans for Prosperity. He has previous experience as the Director of South Dakota Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of South Dakota and Indian Education Director at the South Dakota Department of Education. Moore also served as the SES Director of the Bureau of Indian Education in Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Kristie, have five daughters and reside in Sioux Falls.
Oh… Sorry. That’s actually a candidate announcement.
Jordan Deffenbaugh Announces Candidacy for City Council, Pledges to Engage Neighborhoods and Repeal Ineffective Ordinances
[Sioux Falls, SD] — Jordan Deffenbaugh, a community organizer in the Whittier neighborhood and Sioux Falls native, announces his candidacy for the At-Large seat in the upcoming Sioux Falls City Council election. With a background firmly rooted in Sioux Falls and a vision for a more vibrant, neighborhood-focused community, Deffenbaugh seeks to revitalize the city and put power back into the hands of core neighborhoods.
The son of a local home builder who played a pivotal role in shaping Sioux Falls, Deffenbaugh combines a deep understanding of Sioux Falls’ history and urban planning with a forward-looking vision for progress.
WASHINGTON – 
