Better get them while they’re hot.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has released a limited edition bobblehead commemorating South Dakota State University’s championship win last year in Football.

According to the sale listing:

This bobblehead celebrates the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 2022 FCS National Championship. It features Jack the Jackrabbit, the official mascot of South Dakota State University. On Sunday, January 8th, 2023, the Jackrabbits captured their first National Championship in program history when they defeated NDSU 45-21 in Frisco, Texas. The bobblehead is officially licensed by SDSU.

• • In stock and ships now
  • Bobblehead is high quality and produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
  • 8 inches tall
  • Individually numbered to 2,023

You can purchase the exclusive bobblehead here for $40 each. (While supplies last.)

JOIN US and become a Campaign Cowboy at our SDGOP x @GOP training Friday, September 8th at the Courtyard Marriott in Box Elder, SD.

Register at the link below and we’ll see you at 9AM sharp!

➡️ https://t.co/dwskpF2CX9 pic.twitter.com/CGxUPfOy6J

— South Dakota GOP (@SDGOP) August 29, 2023

Attorney General Jackley Announces Availability Of New Consumer Alert System

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the public can now receive Consumer Alerts via email from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. The new system became operational Wednesday.

“This new alert system is another way that the Attorney General’s Office and its Consumer Protection Division are working to keep people aware of the most recent scams that affect them or their loved ones,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This alert system will provide the subscribers with information about consumer scams as well as tips on how to protect against scams.”

People can register for the alerts at the Consumer Protection Division’s website at www.consumer.sd.gov or at by stopping at the Division’s booth in the Expo Building at the State Fair this week in Huron. No email addresses will be shared or sold to a third party.

People are reminded to contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us if they have any information about a possible consumer scam or fraud.

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Let’s mark this one down in the useless exercise column as the unanimously ousted State Democrat Party Chair Jennifer Slaight-Hansen is trying to appeal being thrown out of office to many of the people who tossed her out on her tail:

The committee, approved Tuesday morning by the state party’s executive board, will have 13 days to either approve or reject the appeal of Jennifer Slaight-Hansen. If rejected, an election for a new chair would be held Sept. 16 during the Democratic Roundup in Rapid City.

Slaight-Hansen was recalled from her position Aug. 19 by a vote of 57 ayes and two abstentions a few months after she began her role in April.

Read the entire story here in the Argus Leader.

I just don’t think this dog is going to hunt.

Senator Sydney R. Davis completes regional leadership institute

(Lombard, Ill.) August 22, 2023 — State Senator Sydney R. Davis of Burbank was among 37 select lawmakers to complete a leadership training program that identifies and assists emerging state and provincial leaders in the Midwest.

Senator Davis met with fellow lawmakers from South Dakota, 10 other Midwestern states and two Canadian provinces on August 18-22, in Madison, Wis., for The Council of State Governments’ 28^th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD).

“The Bowhay Institute is one of the premier leadership training programs in the nation,” says Iowa Sen. Amy Sinclair, who serves as co-chair of the institute’s steering committee. “The legislatures in the region have benefited greatly from the skills their members have gained through this unique educational experience. Many of the graduates now hold leadership positions in their states.”

Since 1995, more than 900 lawmakers have graduated from the Bowhay Institute. State legislators from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin are chosen to participate through a competitive, nonpartisan selection process. Members of the Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan legislative assemblies are selected by their caucuses to take part in the program.

BILLD was founded in 1995 to help new legislators meet the demands of increased policy responsibility being shifted to the states and, in many states, term limits and high legislative turnover. These continued forces highlight the shortage of training available for state legislators – a void that BILLD aims to fill.

A program of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office, the 2023 BILLD program included courses and seminars conducted by policy experts, Midwestern legislative leaders, and professional development trainers. In addition to curriculum designed to develop leadership skills, the program analyzed a variety of public policy issues, including the economy, trade, and energy policy.

The program is funded through grants from foundations, organizations and corporate sponsors, as well as in kind contributions provided by The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office.

The Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development is named in honor of the late James Bowhay, longtime director of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office. Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments has national headquarters in Lexington, Ky., and regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago (Lombard, Ill.), New York City and Sacramento, Calif. The goal of the national, nonpartisan organization is to assist and advance state government.

Governor Noem Leads Governors Urging Congress to Address Nationwide Prescription Drug Shortage 

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem led ten of her fellow Republican governors in urging Congress to address the nationwide shortage of prescription drugs. Governor Noem and her colleagues submitted a letter to leadership in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The letter was addressed to Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

“A widespread and long-lasting shortage of critical drugs has been impacting the United States of America for years,” wrote Governor Noem and her colleagues. “Many of the most used prescription drugs in the country are facing extensive shortages – drugs like albuterol, amoxicillin, and chemotherapy drugs…To create real change, the states need Washington to take action.”

Governor Noem and her fellow Republican governors call on Congress to consider adding the following important policy solutions to any upcoming legislation aimed at addressing drug shortages:

• Transparency in the pharmaceutical manufacturing chain from sourcing raw materials to the finished product, including country of origin labeling;
• Increased diversity in the manufacturing of generic medications with regards to both raw materials and final manufacturing;
• Require transparency from the FDA related to shortages and events that cause supply disruption;
• Extending useful life of medications when appropriate by re-examining FDA guidance related to expiration dates;
• Waivers to allow purchasing of medications from Canada to expand our supply chain capability quickly;
• Creation of a regulatory environment that is more favorable to U.S. manufacturing to include instituting shorter “cure periods” for U.S. manufacturing plants; and,
• Requiring a risk assessment of foreign source active pharmaceutical ingredients.

“Congress needs to improve the inspection process for manufacturers to decrease the risk that everyday Americans are currently facing,” continued Governor Noem and her colleagues. “These practical steps toward greater transparency and flexibility will ensure safety and dependability in our pharmaceutical supply chain.”

Governor Noem has been a leader in combatting the shortage of prescription drugs. In May, Governor Noem signed Executive Order 2023-07, which required the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) to investigate the cause of the prescription drug shortage and recommend action to be taken back to the governor. With the results of that study,  Governor Noem announced that DOH will be expanding its medical caches to help combat the shortage of prescription drugs in July.

The following Republican governors joined Governor Noem in signing the letter: Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

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That didn’t take long.  In previous posts where I noted there were accusations of former D14 House candidate Brad Lindwurm district shopping in his announced race for State House… Lindwurm apparently confirmed it himself this afternoon:

“I’ve been temporarily living with my twin brother in District 10 but will announce my district soon.”   So, Lindwurm, who announced he is buying a billboard that starts on 9/11 is apparently worrying more about establishing his campaign than his housing situation (with or without his twin brother)?

Yep. Definately pulling a Heisey.

I guess we know which twin is the evil one.

If you recall, I had reported about a month ago that former District 14 Legislative Candidate Brad Lindwurm had declared his candidacy for the State House..

The only problem, is that he hasn’t mentioned where, or in what District. And the rumor mill was that he was rumored to be pulling a “Cole Heisey” and move elsewhere – other than his current District 10 –  referring to the District shopping that the former Minnehaha County candidate Cole Heisey was doing after re-districting in 2021 to find his best opportunity to run in 2022.  The official registration on file still has him at his old address in D10, where he would face D10 Democrats Erin Healy and Kameron Nelson.  It’s a Dem District, so Healy will be fairly tough, and Nelson is going to need the right candidate running against him.

As was sent to me a short time ago by a correspondent, it appears that Lindwurm is continuing down this path of running and spending some bigger money… but still without noting where:

And, I guess that’s ok to spend it if you’ve got it. Might be a little early, but whatever.

However, in looking at his disclaimer, I was still curious to see if he’s landed on a district where he claims to be running from. That’s where I found something that caught my attention:

The last filing he’s made with the Secretary of State was back in 2020, and that was to terminate his D14 campaign committee of the same name.

So, how exactly is he opening his checkbook without that information being current?

SDCL 12-27-3 lays out the ground rules:

12-27-3. Statements of organization to be filed for political action committee, candidate campaign committee, and ballot question committee–Violation as misdemeanor.

A statement of organization shall be filed as follows:

(1)    The treasurer for a political action committee shall file a statement of organization with the secretary of state not later than fifteen days after the date upon which the committee made contributions, received contributions, or paid expenses in excess of five hundred dollars. However, if such activity falls within thirty days of any statewide election, the statement of organization shall be filed within forty-eight hours;

(2)    A candidate shall file a statement of organization for a candidate campaign committee with the secretary of state not later than fifteen days after becoming a candidate pursuant to this chapter; and

(3)    If the treasurer for a ballot question committee does not file a statement of organization pursuant to chapter 2-1, the treasurer shall file a statement of organization with the secretary of state not later than fifteen days after the date which the committee made contributions, received contributions, or paid expenses in excess of five hundred dollars. However, if such activity falls within thirty days of any statewide election, the statement of organization shall be filed within forty-eight hours.

Any statement of organization may be filed electronically pursuant to § 12-27-41. A political committee that regularly files a campaign finance disclosure statement with another state or the Federal Election Commission or a report of contributions and expenditures with the Internal Revenue Service is not required to file a statement of organization. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A subsequent offense within a calendar year is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Under the law, Lindwurm will officially has 15 days to fess up where he’s running after he spends the money, as I’m sure Lamar is like anyone else doing political business, requiring cash up front.

Stay tuned.

Chairman Wiik Announced Extra President Donald Trump Tickets

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA – Today, South Dakota Republican Party Chairman John Wiik announced extra tickets will be available for the Monumental Leaders Rally with President Donald J. Trump and special guest Governor Kristi Noem. After selling out in less than a week of ticket sales, with over 6,000 tickets sold, we have added an additional 900 seats!

“Our Monumental Leaders rally will be a record shattering event for the SDGOP, and we are proud to host President Donald J. Trump” said Chairman Wiik. “As the front runner in the Republican Presidential Primary, President Trump will be joining us in South Dakota with Governor Kristi Noem. We are overwhelmed by the excitement.”

The rally will be hosted at The Monument in Rapid City, SD on September 8th. Tickets will be available to those on the waitlist starting Tuesday August 29th at 10:00 AM MT and open to the general public on Thursday August 31st at 10:00 AM MT. Tickets will be sold on a first serve basis.

Visit SDGOP.com for more information and online ticket access to ticket sales.

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202Forward: building an even stronger South Dakota in the next legislative session.
by State Senator Erin Tobin

“Every day begins with new possibilities.”

This is one of my favorite quotes from Ronald Regan, especially because it brings about a strong frame of mind as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session. That being said, let me take a moment to update you on where we are now and where we can optimistically go, by continuing our work for the pro-life, pro-business, pro-family, and pro-farmer (and rancher) values that make South Dakota the great state it is.

Looking back to the 2023 session, there is a lot to be proud of.

First and foremost, I am most proud to say all the constituent bills I brought to Pierre were signed into law by Governor Noem. This is a true example of how Government should work for The People who rule.

For the first time in years, we saw the legislature raise reimbursement rates for long term care providers, to 100%. This move, which I expect to continue far into the future, proves South Dakota’s commitment to family and quality of life of our elderly. Also, within healthcare, we clarified and improved the code related to our medical cannabis program, ensuring access for conditions such as PTSD while making sure no one is cheating the system.

Your legislature also made the classroom a priority at all levels of education. I supported legislation to increase the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, freeze tuition increases at our public universities, and give our teachers a 7% raise.

We also renewed our commitment to fiscal responsibility, which was proven by our ability to make all these investments in our state while leaving a strong fiscal surplus, and delivering the largest tax cut in South Dakota history, putting $100 Million back into the pockets of South Dakotans.

In all areas of policy, last year was an enormous success. But the job is never finished, and I’m still working hard for District 21.

Next year and every year into our future, fighting for the lives of the unborn and the health of mothers will be a front and center issue. My belief on this issue is steady and focused on producing the best outcome for all South Dakota families. We will continue to fight for the lives of the unborn and the mothers that carry them. To do this, we need to clarify the 20-year-old abortion laws to ensure that there is never confusion during any medical crisis and allow families to work through these issues without feeling that their wife, sister, mother, or daughter’s life is less valued.

You can also expect me to remain focused on agriculture. Keeping our South Dakota farms strong means not only supporting farmers but making sure there are opportunities for value-added agricultural products across our state. Property rights are a constitutional given right that were high priority to our founders. Ag and economic development to support our communities, both rely on a healthy balance between industry and individual.

Looking locally, I intent to bring legislation to finally remove the Gregory Pump Storage project from the preferred water projects list. While the effort was unsuccessful last year, I have already been in touch with legislative leadership about this issue, and I am confident that this year we will get the job done.

Lastly, I have approximately the same number of constituent bills that I have been working on for the 2024 session. I am thankful for your trust in me to take on the issues that affect you. I have done and will continue to do my due diligence for The People of District 21.

As we get ready for next year, I want to hear your feedback. As a team, we can continue to keep bringing strong policy that we can all be proud of to support the future generations of District 21 and keep stopping bad policy that would hurt future generations. If we work together, the possibilities are endless.