The Republican presidential nomination process has officially begun! It began in Milwaukee with the first debate, and will end in Milwaukee with the Convention! pic.twitter.com/Mpu5soLAd3

— GOP (@GOP) August 27, 2023

The GOP was citing on Twitter earlier today that the Republican Presidential Nomination process is underway, which will ultimately culminate in the 2024 convention held to be held in Milwaukee Wisconsin, on July 15-18, 2024.

With the convention taking place in the Midwest, it’s likely to draw considerable interest from South Dakotans eager to attend, including myself.  But as someone who has attended two conventions, and was selected to go for a third, I’m wondering if there need to be some changes made in the process.

My last GOP National convention I’d been able to go to was supposed to be the 2020 Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Then it became Jacosonville, Fl. Which ended up even stranger as COVID canceled the main run of the convention that ended up being a bit of a sh*tshow for attendees. Attendees who had paid convention fees and made reservations found themselves canceled, and left with little else but a request for their proxies and a later note thanking them.

They did send states some COVID masks they made for convention, which the South Dakota GOP later distributed at the election night party in Sioux Falls in 2020, as you can see here.  They’re actually pretty nice, and the logo was weaved into the fabric. But, not really a substitute for attending the convention. However, facing COVID, it was not an ideal situation for anyone, so you make due.

With the first GOP Presidential Debate behind us, if I have any observation about the process how we as a party select our nominees, it is that changes in recent years puts South Dakota Republicans who want to participate at a distinct disadvantage, and we need to consider turning back the clock when it comes to how we select our delegates.

Suggestion Box item #1 – Think about an earlier Presidential Primary Date. 

Unfortunately, South Dakota is kneecapped in the Presidential Primary process because of the late date of our Presidential Primary.

With our voice in the Presidential Process coming in the first Tuesday in June, we are very, very late in the game. And even moreso with the conventions moving from September to next years’ convention taking place in mid-July, how on earth can you plan attending the darned thing?

If South Dakota wants to have a stronger voice in who we select as President, the only way to do so is to move our presidential primaries back to where we had them from 1988-1996.

When we first had the early primary in 1988, I can tell you that South Dakota actually received a bit of attention. As a Legislative Intern at the time, I can personally relate that we had a number of speakers in Pierre – including Bob Dole (I got to shake his hand), and Vice-President George Bush, who our Intern group got to eat lunch with.  Phil Gramm who later won the state that year, was in South Dakota several times, and also spoke to the Legislature.

I believe that an earlier primary makes South Dakota a greater part of the national conversation.  And that’s not a bad thing.

But there’s another item in the Presidential Primary conversation that should be looked at – how we choose the people who choose the nominee.

Suggestion Box item #2 – We need to go back to electing candidate slates. 

As a result of changes made by the state for accommodating the national convention, over the last 2 convention cycles, South Dakota Republicans have been forced to be homogenous in our thought.  What am I referring to?  If you look at the SDGOP’s bylaws, they note as follows:

SECTION VI
SELECTION OF NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES

1. All delegates and alternates to which South Dakota may be entitled under the National Convention membership formula shall be elected at large. All elected delegates and alternates shall be bound to support the winner of the primary election as provided in this section.

You can read that here.

The key point in that passage are that “All delegates and alternates….shall be elected at large.”  And that has been the case for the last two Presidential elections, where delegates are not selected in the primary by their actual candidates’ slate winning the election, but by another process. It was different in 2016, but as it sits currently, if you want to go to convention, you’re selected as follows:

Applications will include information detailing the applicant’s activities and contributions to the party, including, but not limited to, time commitments and financial donations to national, state and county Republican parties, and to official Republican national, state, county and local candidates. Applications may include a checklist and/or a written summary of the applicant’s activities in support of the Republican Party. Applications may include a statement regarding the applicant’s interest, qualifications, and ability to serve on one or more of the national convention committees.

Again, read that here.

In years gone by, South Dakota Republicans would caucus in Pierre, and after caucusing at a county party gathering, where supporters of each candidate would organize themselves, the winners from the counties would meet in Pierre, and from there you would see considerable horse trading based on your county’s weighted vote.  I went through this process and horse trading several times under the tutelage of Gordon Pederson and Lee Schoenbeck, both of whom have attended a number of national conventions.

The distinct difference under the prior system, even after the primary was pushed back to the regular June primary, was that you as a convention delegate/alternate were able to run to support the candidate of your choosing, as opposed to being lumped together in the “at large” category, where you have no affiliation or specific allegiance.  Under the current system, there is no incentive, advantage or disadvantage to promote one candidate over the other. You’re literally just a blank vote.

Now, I’m not saying that a person’s activity with the party (under the current system) isn’t important. To the contrary. But I think that’s reflected in how successful you are in the process, and how well you’re known at the time of the caucusing.

But getting back to the larger point, it’s no shock thar South Dakotans in the political process have definite opinions on the candidates they prefer. Why not let potential delegates – as they did for decades – line up behind their candidates of choice?

Because people representing our state should be more than jut a vote. They should be allowed to be the face of their candidate.

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At least, those are my thoughts on how we can improve the presidential primary and the associated GOP National Convention delegate process. Any other suggestions?

Summer is in full swing in South Dakota. Fair season is ramping up. The weather is great for a hike in the Black Hills or a day at the lake. And visitors from all over are flocking to South Dakota’s unique sites and natural wonders. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that South Dakota is a popular tourist destination each year.

The tourism season is an important contributor to South Dakota’s economy. Tourism supports countless jobs and small businesses around the state. Last year, 14.4 million people visited our communities and spent $4.7 billion while they traveled from town to town. Growing up in Murdo, at the intersection of Highway 83 and I-90, I saw firsthand the impact of tourism on our small town. Everyone in my family worked a job related to the travel industry. From my job at the Star Family Restaurant, I saw families from across the country coming through Murdo on their way out west to visit the Black Hills and make a pilgrimage to Mount Rushmore.

Tourism is not the only thing that’s contributing to our state’s strong economy. Today, South Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country. While this is great news, it can also pose challenges to job creators who need workers to staff and grow their business. I recently met with business leaders in Yankton who expressed a frustration I hear often from businesspeople around South Dakota in nearly every sector: They need more workers.

With South Dakota’s unemployment rate under 2 percent, it can be hard to find workers to fill openings. And when there aren’t enough workers on the payroll, it can hold back businesses’ operations and growth. To help fill this gap, many South Dakota businesses rely on the H-2B visa program, which allows businesses to hire nonimmigrant foreign workers for temporary, nonagricultural jobs. Employers in the tourism, hospitality, construction, and forestry industries have benefited from an additional pool of workers when they have struggled to find domestic labor to hire. I’ve made it a priority to ensure South Dakota’s businesses aren’t held back by labor shortages.

I recently introduced legislation to empower states to alleviate workforce shortages through the H-2B visa program. The State Executive Authority for Seasonal Occupations Needing Additional Labor (SEASONAL) Act would allow governors to request a specific number of additional visa slots when their states have experienced persistently low unemployment. Visa recipients would still be subject to existing program requirements that protect the domestic workforce, ensuring that states can fill open jobs without negatively impacting hardworking Americans or their wages. Governors could request supplemental visas for specific occupations or economic regions, while state legislatures would be able to impose limitations on the program. And while the federal government continues to balk at reforming our broken immigration system, my bill would ensure that Washington’s inaction doesn’t prevent state leaders from strengthening their states’ economies and supporting local businesses.

Summertime is a great time to experience the best of South Dakota, and more workers could amplify the economic success of our businesses. Whether you’re at a local fair or going down Main Street, I encourage you to support our local businesses and the products that are made right here in South Dakota. And I hope to see you there.

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When I was a teenager, I was eager to start my first job. When I wasn’t doing homework or running track, I wanted something else to do – I didn’t like to sit around. A part-time job was a great option for me. Plus, I really needed the extra cash if I wanted to go on dates or have gas money.

At the time, a part-time job was something to keep me busy, but looking back, I learned what it meant to work hard from a young age. That’s a value that can’t be understated, especially in this day and age. Work is not punishment, but it’s an opportunity to solve problems, sharpen our skillsets, and help others.

These skills don’t just happen overnight – they take time to develop with hours and days of applying yourself to learn and improve. Unfortunately for our teens, the hours they’re allowed to spend in the workplace are limited. Currently, 14- and 15-year-olds can only work 18 hours per week during the school year. That’s not even two and a half traditional 8-hour shifts. Current regulations don’t allow teens to work past 9:00PM year-round – including summer break – or past 7:00PM during the school year. They’re not allowed to work even if they wanted to, but they can make the decision to play in football games until 9:30PM or play video games through the night.

I introduced a bill to alleviate these restrictions to give teenagers the option to work a little bit more if they want to. Hear me out. I’m not saying all kids need to work 40-hour weeks or slack off on schoolwork or extra curriculars. What I am saying is if teenagers want to work a couple extra hours in a week and make investments in their future, they should have the flexibility to make that choice.

My bill, the Teenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act, increases the number of workable hours per week from 18 to 24, and allows teens to work from 7:00AM to 9:00PM year-round. We want to raise kids who make wise choices. Many teens love their summer jobs. We should encourage them to continue those jobs if they want to, not restrict their ability to do so.

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The World’s Best Hope
By: Governor Kristi Noem
August 25, 2023

The Great Seal of the Unites States contains a phrase – “E Pluribus Unum,” “out of many, one.” Out of a nation filled with many different people of many different backgrounds comes one government that is elected “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

This is an ideal that has been intertwined with the very soul of our nation since July 4^th, 1776: we have the God-given right to self-governance. It was a radical idea, a hope, that our founders risked “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” to actualize.

Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America has become hope itself. In his first inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson called America “the world’s best hope.” In an 1862 address to Congress, Abraham Lincoln called America “the last best hope of earth.”

Today, that hope is dwindling. It feels like America is breaking.

In the last few years, some politicians have locked down entire states, told businesses that they were not essential, and took Americans’ individual Freedoms away. In schools across the country, young Americans are being taught that our history is something to be ashamed of rather than something to be proud of.

The breaking of America is being accelerated – even driven – by the radical policies of the Biden Administration. President Biden has crashed America’s once-proud economy into the ground, driving down wages while propelling inflation and the national debt to unheard-of heights. Under his watch, our Southern border has become a warzone. And America – the great hope of nations around the world – looks weak on the global stage because he has refused to lead.

My goal, and what I believe should be the goal of every American, is to live a life of significance. I get up every single day and do what I can to protect this great experiment – to guarantee that our Freedoms survive for my kids and grandkids.

And I will continue to tell South Dakota’s story because it has become a story of hope to the country – just as America is a story of hope to the world.

Today, it is the job of every American to fight to put this country back on its foundation. America has stood the test of time because we have not given up on the ideals upon which we were founded. That has been the job of every American in history – to not drop the ball on our watch.

The Freedom that we enjoy is not a guarantee. It’s something that has been fought for by generations before us. Our duty is to defend it for generations yet to come.

Over a decade before he became president, Ronald Reagan said this: “You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We’ll preserve for our children this, the last great hope of man on earth, or we’ll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness.”

Our founders gave us an incredible gift. What matters now is what we choose to do with that gift. We can either ignore it, take it for granted, or we can use it to ensure that America will continue to be the greatest nation to ever exist for our kids, our grandkids, and their grandkids.

“E Pluribus Unum.”

Out of many generations, out of many elections, out of many leaders, out of many tribulations, out of many triumphs, comes one great nation.

The United States of America – the world’s best hope.

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There was a press release from the so-called Freedom Caucus earlier this week that didn’t really seem related to freedom as I’ve heard it defined.

What they were seeking attention for was about going after South Dakota Libraries, because the national library association is pushing some ideas they don’t like, so they want to stop “collaboration with organizations deemed inappropriate.”  Or at least, collaboration with organizations that they deem inappropriate, as they believe themselves to be the umpires of what’s acceptable and not acceptable in society.

In their release, the Free-dumbers are going after South Dakota libraries in collaboration with several groups/co-conspirators that they identify in a letter including street evangelist Matthew Monfore, “Toni” Weaver with Citizens for Liberty (who needs little introduction), and Elkton election conspiracist Rick Weible.

Seriously? These nanny-staters think they are qualified to be the arbiters of what people should be reading in our libraries and want to be the censors what people should expose themselves to?  Are they kidding? When he’s not getting kicked off the rez for distributing hate materials, Matthew Monfore’s sense of oppressive and smothering evangelism has had him in the past harassing women in bathing suits in public beaches as being immoral.

And with Elkton resident Rick Weible, his latest cause has ginned up some opposition locally here in Brookings as he leads a book burning movement as described in this flyer making the rounds on Facebook:

The group behind this anonymous flyer opposing Weible’s book burning effort seems to have drawn their line in the sand at the September 11 Brookings School Board meeting, and is encouraging Brookings residents to show up en masse to oppose the group pushing for the book bans.  While both sides are given to hyperbolae, the group opposing book bans does have a point.

When people such as Weible wants to organize the removal of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “the Diary of Anne Frank” (yes, they are on his list) from school libraries, people should be concerned.  Because they are substituting their own judgment for ours as parents. Maybe, as in To Kill a Mockingbird, it’s a proper lesson to teaching good versus evil, and the value of justice.  Or as is found in the Diary of Anne Frank, living and hiding under an oppressive regime (who also burned books), that the Director of the Holocaust Museum cited the lesson as tracing the author’s “emotional growth amid adversity.”

Ultimately, as the parent of a child in the school, if there is something I object to, I consider it MY JOB to determine what might be appropriate or inappropriate for my child. It’s called being a parent. And guess what? I refuse to abdicate that role to a group of nanny-state zealots any more than I would abdicate that role to the school.

Having the ability to determine myself what is appropriate for my child.  That seems to be a lot closer to the definition of freedom as it has been taught to me than the “big government freedom” some want to impose on South Dakotans.

If these groups claim to be actual advocates for Freedom, maybe they should actually trust people to judge for themselves, and for parents to be parents.

Unless they’re not about freedom, and just want to tell people what to do.

The Dakota Scout is reporting today that former Speaker of the House Spencer Gosch is actually considering a run for State Senate.

..former House Speaker Spencer Gosch, is mulling another run at District 23’s Senate seat, a pursuit he also made in 2022 before coming up short in a primary against incumbent Sen. Bryan Breitling.

and..

“I am still considering it,” Gosch said.

Read that here (subscription required).

So, let me get this.. The same Speaker Gosch who, among other things, was an obstacle to the impeachment investigation, and held a secret vote on a special session for impeachment, and got blasted for it during the last campaign…

And who followed up his loss with a taxpayer paid Hawaiian vacation..

Gosch, as well as Rep. Jamie Smith, both went on a trip to Hawaii to attend the Council of State Governments’ national conference in Honolulu. They were among a dozen South Dakota lawmakers to attend.

But neither Gosch nor Smith are returning to the Legislature in January. Both are lame-duck lawmakers.

And..

“As God is my witness, I can think of no justifiable reason for the outgoing House speaker, with less than 30 days left in his term, to be at a taxpayer-funded legislative conference in Hawaii,” Hoffman said. “My constituents will not be pleased to hear of it.”

Read the entire story here (subscription required).

..a Hawaiian vacation where he was injured cliff-diving during this important taxpayer-funded conference.

And he is looking at running for the legislature again?

I’d ask if someone was kidding, but Spencer was just that tone-deaf during his tenure.

Do taxpayers have that short an attention span? Who knows.

Maybe he’s planning his next vacation.

“Freedom Works Here” Ad Airs during Republican Presidential Debate

PIERRE, S.D. – On Wednesday night, the “Bright Side” ad aired during the first Republican presidential primary debate on Fox News. The debate generated 35.7 million impressions for Governor Kristi Noem’s national “Freedom Works Here” workforce recruitment campaign.

“People love the new ad! I have heard time and time again that ‘Bright Side’ is their favorite, so we aimed it at the Freedom-loving debate viewers,” said Governor Noem. “Americans are taking action to move to South Dakota. We have open jobs that need to be filled, and we are showing the nation why this is the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”

Last Friday, in the 24 hours after Governor Noem launched the “Bright Side” ad, the “Freedom Works Here” campaign received 386 applications – a new daily high. Governor Noem unveiled the ad last Thursday night on Hannity.

 “Freedom Works Here” will advertise in the November issue of Stars & Stripes, a publication targeted at 350,000 military personnel who are leaving the service and seeking job opportunities. This is an opportunity for South Dakota to connect with military personnel and veterans.  

The “Freedom Works Here” ads have been viewed over 558 million times. Since the beginning of the campaign, 5,674 people have submitted applications. 1,100 individuals are in the final stages of moving to South Dakota.

The most applications have come from California (917), Texas (423), Florida (418), Minnesota (328), and New York (255). 163 South Dakotans have also used the campaign as a tool to get plugged into career opportunities. A map showing where applicants are from can be found here.

These numbers represent those working directly through the “Freedom Works Here” program. Even more people are finding jobs and moving to South Dakota of their own accord after seeing the ads.

More information about the Freedom Works Here campaign can be found here.

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In the District 25 Senate race, elect a candidate with an action plan
by District 25 State Senate candidate Jordan Youngberg

Actions speak louder than words.

That’s the first lesson that I taught my two boys, and it’s the way I’ve always seen things in all areas of life. Anyone can talk about doing something. It takes true leadership to hear all sides of an issue, create strong legislation, and have the relationships that it takes to get positive change over the finish line. Next year, District 25 voters will have the chance to choose who will continue to represent them starting in 2025.

My message to the people of District 25 is simple: elect the candidate with a plan for action.

Bringing a plan for action to Pierre isn’t just a campaign slogan – it’s something I have a proven track record of doing. During my first race in 2016, I beat a democrat incumbent that very few people thought I had a shot at beating. However, with the support of my family, friends, and community, we got the job done.

Once in the Senate, I passed strong legislation that everyone can be proud of. I sponsored legislation to train tribal law enforcement at the state law enforcement center, set the groundwork for regulating industrial hemp, support victims of human trafficking, and strengthen our education system. I was also fortunate to be elected to serve as a whip in Senate leadership.

These bills were not made to make headlines – they were made to bring real improvement to the lives of South Dakotans.

If elected to the Senate next year, I’ll go to Pierre with a plan for action that will continue to benefit South Dakotans, and never give up until the job is done. I hope to bring legislation to lower our taxes even further, increase scholarships for college students, keep the cost of living low, and ensure that South Dakota remains a safe place for our families to call home.

These are the types of bills that the people of District 25 deserve, but they require someone to bring them who is serious about getting things done.

This coming June, elected a leader with a plan for action that will make life for you, your family, and all South Dakotans better, and vote Youngberg for District 25 Senate. To learn more about my campaign, follow me on facebook at Jordan Youngberg for South Dakota.

Attorney General Jackley Announces Charges Against Prison Inmates for Assault on Correctional Officers

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault Against A Law Enforcement Officer charges are being filed against two inmates for a Thursday morning assault against a state correctional officer at the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

Inmates Lester M. Monroe and Kyle L. Jones were arrested after assaulting the correctional officer at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in Unit D of the Jameson Annex. The officer was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

The inmates also will be charged with a second Aggravated Assault Against A Law Enforcement Officer for an attack on a second correctional officer who arrived to help their colleague. That second officer was treated at a local hospital and later released.

“This was a violent incident where officers were assaulted,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Department of Corrections staff responded quickly and took control of the situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families.”

Monroe, 48, is serving time for Simple Assault on Law Enforcement out of Minnehaha County and Receiving/Transferring a Stolen Vehicle out of Bennett County. Jones, 30, is serving time for First Degree Manslaughter, Eluding a Police Officer and Unauthorized Ingestion of a Controlled Substance, all out of Minnehaha County.

The State Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident. The Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution. Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said, “I applaud the swift actions of security staff to get control of this situation. The Governor has been fully briefed and engaged. The Warden and I wish the officer a full recovery. Please refer all additional questions on this matter to the Attorney General’s Office.”

Inmates Monroe and Jones are being held at the State Penitentiary. They are presumed innocent under the U. S. Constitution.

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SDBA Bringing Legislation to Reject CBDCs and Protect Financial Privacy

 PIERRE, SD – Aug. 23, 2023– The South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA) announced today that it will bring forward proposals opposing and rejecting the adoption of central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the 99th Session of the South Dakota Legislature. SDBA, through its alignment with the American Bankers Association, has helped to craft model policy circulated through the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) processes this summer. The model policy will be voted upon by the ALEC board this coming Saturday, August 26, and if passed, SDBA will offer it to the upcoming South Dakota legislative session for consideration.

“During the 2023 South Dakota Legislature, the opposition to HB 1193 ‘An Act to Amend Provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC),’ disseminated a lot of misinformation. As a result, Gov. Kristi Noem vetoed the HB 1193, in part because there was concern the federal government would adopt a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The veto message specified potential ‘overreach by the federal government,’ but connecting that claim to 1193 is simply unfounded,” said SDBA president, Karl Adam. “While HB 1193 did nothing to create a CBDC, rejection of CBDC is a policy goal we share with those opponents. We can find no upside to the adoption of a CBDC in this free nation. Therefore, we are pleased to see that ALEC’s proposed model policy does exactly that. That’s why we plan to bring forward similar policy proposals during the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session.”

“HB 1193 was and will be good law for South Dakotans. Although it did not become law in 2023, we’re hopeful that during the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session, the model policy ABA and ALEC have created will settle some of the confusion and fears that became part of the discussion around HB 1193,” said SDBA Board Chair, David Nelson, President/CEO of First Fidelity Bank in Burke, South Dakota. “We look forward to seeing continued engagement and support from our industry cohorts to ensure that South Dakotans have the benefit of up-to- date commercial law and maintain the freedom to take part in the economy as they see fit. We don’t need CBDC in this country.”

The SDBA has begun seeking sponsors and intends to proceed with its early filing of policy proposals as soon as possible. For additional context on HB 1193, go to https://www.sdba.com/latest-news-blog to read the SDBA’s op eds that were published in the spring supporting the measure.

About the South Dakota Bankers Association

The South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA) is the professional and trade association for South Dakota’s financial services industry. Established in 1884, the SDBA enhances the ability of its members to compete effectively and profitably in the financial services industry. The SDBA helps educate, advocate and grow a diverse mix of financial institutions throughout the state. For more information about the SDBA, visit www.sdba.com.

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