Remember the Scott Hoy law office commercial that got the attention of the national zeitgeist because it was kind of confusing? Where there was a dialog between him and the camera about video games where you were supposed to know what he was talking about?  The postcard I just received from D7 Candidate Dennis Willert is just like that.  Because I don’t know what in the hell he’s talking about.

Dennis at one time was a Daschle Democrat working for the Senator, at some point later changed to Independent where he remained up until a month or two ago, and is now a Republican Jon Hansen follower running to the right of the current incumbent State Representatives Roger DeGroot and Mellissa Heermann.

Confused yet? Here – let me confuse you more:

“You feel it. Something needs to change.”  “Costs are rising. Our morals and values are being diminished. Property tax feels harder. Family businesses are under pressure.”   “GRIT • GUTS • GRACE”

I’m very confused. Like in the Scott Hoy commercial, I have no idea what he’s trying to say. There are so many mixed messages here, like a string of incomplete catch phrases.

It’s like there’s an anti-incumbent economic message contemplated here, but what does the legislature have to do with things costing more, a.k.a. inflation? Is he talking about the Republican Governor doing something bad to the economy triggering inflation, or President Trump?

Costs are rising? Economic message. Family businesses under pressure.. along those lines. Then, “property tax feels harder,” which is kind of an economic message. Or someone must be doing something with the notice from the equalization office that I don’t want to know about.

Then we veer to a hard right with the random line about our morals and values being diminished… so.. It’s not just economic? It’s about people in our geographically tiny Brookings district being immoral?  Maybe during the pub crawl, but trust me. I’m an SDSU grad. It used to be a lot wilder around here – even back when you couldn’t get beer on Sunday. Brookings is the least immoral town I know, to the point you can’t even shoot fireworks on the 4th of July!

Then we have a tagline of GRIT • GUTS • GRACE? Is that like Faith • Family • Freedom, except too many are using that already overused tagline, or Hobby Lobby sold out of the faith • family • freedom signs, so an alternative was needed?

That phrase seems to be well liked by female podcasters talking about their personal journeys.. and not so much about politicians. Although at least one person was using it in 2024 politically.

Are you even more confused now? Now you get where I’m coming from.  And why candidates need to read through – and maybe bounce what they’re doing off of someone – before they hit print.

Authenticity is key. What’s authentic about declaring one’e self to embody grit, guts and grace in a political campaign? I just finished working on a postcard for a candidate who was deployed in the gulf war, and I’ve done work for candidates who are cancer survivors. Certainly people who you would consider to have guts and grace. And yet they manage to not need silly throwaway taglines.  Campaign communications should strive to be clear and concise. Don’t try to be everything to everyone.  

Or else your message may get a little muddled in the translation.

• Strong: The largest property tax cut in South Dakota history, the lowest unemployment rate in America, the 2nd fastest-growing GDP in America, the 3rd fastest-growing incomes in America, and strong investments in education and rural healthcare;
• Safe: Decreasing crime rates and banning sanctuary cities – not to mention the success of Operation: Prairie Thunder and getting the prison across the finish line; and
• Free: The most pro-life state in America, the most pro-2nd Amendment state in America, and the 2nd lowest taxes in the nation.

I’ve got filming from the Rhoden event here the other day that I managed to get on to my computer for cleaning up… and that’s where it sits, because it has been so completely crazy.

Spent yesterday as yet another day in a row dropping off signs, picking up signs.. and then my pickup breaks down putting a hard stop in that process for a few days, until I can get a repair done.  Last week it was needing 4 new tires. And we’re just getting started. Ugh.

In the middle of all my woes, the political scene has continued to increase in temperature.

Senator Arch Beal, who had taken ill before session due to a stroke, has withdrawn his bid to return to the State Senate while he recovers, leaving a free run on the GOP side for Kari Shanard-Koenders, facing a democrat running in the fall. Shanard, is the daughter of former State Senator George Shanard who served 18 years in Pierre; from 1975-1992.

Former legislator Patricia Shiery who was attempting to make a comeback against Senator Casey Crabtree fell flat on her face as her petitions were decertified.  Crabtree now has no current opponent for the fall.  I’m sure Casey is heartbroken over the matter.. Thoughts and prayers.

I might have mentioned before that the legislature’s church lady, Representative Bethany Soye, has withdrawn from the race, & is out and done trying to put librarians in jail. (for the moment.) At least until they cast themselves back into sin.

Both Bill Shorma and Les Heinemann are out, having ran interference so others could get their petitions in.

Plus those last minute petitions have been certified; carpetbagger Justin McNeal for Senate, James Bialota for the position of lunatic running for congress who you shouldn’t ever think of voting for, and angry Aberdonian Toby Doeden all made it on the ballot. Which goes to show you how easy it is to get on the ballot in our state.

Racers, you can start your engines – because the sprint to June 2nd is on!

Stephen Saint Launches District 30 Bid: “I’m Not Here to Sit Quietly”

CUSTER, S.D. Stephen Saint, a Black Hills businessman and Army veteran, is officially in the race for State Representative in District 30, and he’s launching with a message that’s likely to resonate with voters who are tired of talk and looking for results.

Saint, owner of Fort Welikit Campground, says his campaign is grounded in real world experience, not political theory, and he’s not shy about saying it.

“I don’t talk about policy like it’s an idea on paper,” Saint said. “I deal with the consequences of it every single day. When government gets it wrong, I feel it immediately, in payroll, in costs, and in whether my business can grow or not.”

A former U.S. Army serviceman and deputy sheriff, Saint says accountability isn’t optional, it’s expected.

“I’m not running to be quiet or to go along with anything,” he said. “I’m running to speak up, push back when needed, and make sure District 30 actually has a voice in Pierre.”

Saint is running on a platform centered on property rights, real tax relief, and strong support for local law enforcement, search and rescue, fire departments, and ambulance services, saying those on the front lines of public safety deserve consistent backing, not just words during campaign season. He also emphasizes ensuring rural communities aren’t sidelined when decisions are made at the state level.

He’s also putting a spotlight on protecting the VA in Hot Springs, calling it a priority that requires more than words.

“We don’t need more promises, we need follow through,” Saint said. “If something matters, then you fight for it. If something’s broken, you fix it. That’s how I’ve run my business, and that’s how I’ll serve.”

With deep roots in the Black Hills and a reputation for being direct and results oriented, Saint is making it clear early he’s not easing into this race.

“I’ve spent my life stepping up when it counts,” he said. “This is no different.”

District 30 just got a candidate who isn’t interested in waiting his turn.

And it won’t take long to see who’s ready for that and who’s not.

###

Remember Terry Gleason, who had announced earlier that he was running for Governor as an independent?  (He was the one on the sex offender registry.)

Tonight it appears he might be pursuing other dreams. Because this week he filed paperwork to run to become president of the United States.

On Facebook, a page claiming to be set up for the race gives the impression he is also abandoning being registered as a republican and is choosing to run as a democrat, as per this Facebook page with three followers:

Well, good luck there.

Jason Fleming Announces Campaign for South Dakota House, District 35

BOX ELDER, S.D. — Jason Fleming has officially announced his campaign for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 35, bringing with him a lifetime of service, leadership, and deep commitment to the communities of Box Elder and the greater Black Hills region.

Fleming’s story is rooted in service. After dedicating 21 years to the United States Air Force, he returned home with the same sense of discipline, responsibility, and mission-focused leadership that defined his military career. Those values carried directly into civilian life, where he built Veteran Roofing and Veteran Painting into trusted local businesses known for hard work, integrity, and dependable service.

His path has always extended beyond business. Over the years, Fleming has remained deeply involved in the growth and well-being of the community through leadership roles with the Box Elder Fire District Board, the Rapid City Summer Nights Board, the Box Elder Economic Development Board, and the Douglas School System’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative. His involvement across public safety, education, economic development, and civic engagement reflects a long-standing belief that strong communities are built by people willing to step forward and serve.

As District 35 continues to grow around Box Elder, Rapid Valley, and the Ellsworth Air Force Base region, Fleming’s campaign is centered on ensuring that growth is guided responsibly and with local families in mind. His priorities include property tax relief, support for first responders and law enforcement, protection of parental rights, advocacy for military families, and policies that keep housing and community growth affordable.

At the heart of Fleming’s campaign is family. He and his wife, Andrea, are raising their three children — Isiah, Ian, and Lena — in the Black Hills, where they have built their life around faith, service, and community involvement. That personal investment in the future of the region continues to shape his vision for District 35 and his belief that South Dakota values must remain strong as the area expands.

Fleming’s campaign reflects a natural continuation of the life he has already lived — one defined by service to country, dedication to community, and a commitment to leaving the next generation with something stronger than what came before.

Voters can learn more, volunteer, or contribute to the campaign by visiting VoteJasonFleming.com.

Wyatt DeJong Announces Candidacy for South Dakota House of Representatives in District 21

(Hamill, S.D.) – Rancher and educator Wyatt DeJong announces his Republican candidacy for District 21 South Dakota House of Representatives.

District 21 includes the counties of Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory and Tripp.

“I’m running for the House because I believe in honoring the people who built South Dakota while making sure the state’s values continue for future generations,” said DeJong. ”My priorities include using education to grow leaders, strengthen the state’s ag industry and promote new ideas that support local communities, service and family values.”

DeJong and his wife Zana are the parents of two young boys and ranch with his family near Hamill, S.D. The graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU) brings experience as a rancher, educator and leader in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization as he prepares to represent constituents of District 21.

Today, DeJong is part of his family’s operation, DeJong Ranch, established in 1948. He credits his faith, family and upbringing for shaping his commitment to service.

“With deep roots in agriculture and a passion for developing future leaders, I’m running to ensure South Dakota remains a place where families can thrive, communities can grow and the next generation is prepared to lead,” said DeJong.

The Republican Primary Election is June 2, 2026.

For more information, please contact Wyatt DeJong’s campaign at www.wyattdejong.com or follow him on social media.

###

Johnson Announces Safer South Dakota

• Offender Accountability: On Day 1, Johnson will create the Supervision and Release Task Force, with representatives from law enforcement, the judicial branch, and the Board of Pardons and Paroles to improve probation and parole supervision of offenders. The task force will also aim to reform the commutation and clemency process in South Dakota to help ensure violent criminals are prevented from repeatedly harming the public. This task force will be co-chaired by Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar and former Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom. The South Dakota State Fraternal Order of Police was consulted and will have a member on the task force.
• Consequences for Drug Dealers: As Governor, Johnson will introduce legislation to create real consequences for dealers of fentanyl and methamphetamine by creating a presumption of distribution for offenders possessing large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
• Parental Notification: Johnson will introduce legislation to explicitly require schools to provide parental notification when a minor has an overdose or drug-related emergency. Other states, including Virginia, have implemented similar steps to make sure parents are notified when their child needs help.
• Real-Time Tracking for Overdose Data: As Governor, Johnson will commit to providing real-time tracking for overdose data and providing yearly updates to the state legislature. This will ensure community advocates and elected officials can better identify gaps that can be addressed in real time. Thanks to the leadership of Republicans in Congress and President Trump, national overdose deaths are down 19.7%. But in South Dakota, these rates are only down 11.7% and opioid-related deaths are on the rise.

Looks like the C-listers are even getting on the ballot this year.

Justin McNeal, who TWICE failed to get on the ballot last election – both as a Republican and an Independent – managed to get petitions in to run for US Senate against incumbent Senator Mike Rounds in the primary.

Also joining him on the ballot at the moment is Congressional wannabe James Bialota Jr, who championed exercising stand your ground laws against a 12 year old, and currently has a jury trial set for 4/16 on a 5/12/25 charge of ENTERING OR REFUSING TO LEAVE PROPERTY AFTER NOTICE, and DISORDERLY CONDUCT.  On a separate charge from October 21, 2025, for ENTERING OR REFUSING TO LEAVE PROPERTY AFTER NOTICE, there’s an evidentiary hearing set for May 9.  Or, have the hearings become a big maybe?

In the past, criminal charges have been pended while candidates have been running for office (remember Annette Bosworth?) because courts do not want to be seen interfering in elections.  So we’ll see if these court cases find justice frozen while the election plays out for the brief period until Bialota loses.

The not-ready for prime time candidates are on deck. Get ready for the election’s sideshow to begin!

Here’s the state of the primary elections for the state legislature, so far.  If the candidates are in Red (or the one in Blue) there is a primary.

At the moment, there are only 3 districts without a legislative primary of one sort or another at the moment. Three. Than means, in 32 other districts, there will be legislative primaries in June. WOW.