Americans for Prosperity Hosts Noem, Jackley for Republican Gubernatorial Primary Forum
Grassroots group announces event to hear from South Dakota’s Republican primary candidates for Governor

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—Americans for Prosperity-South Dakota (AFP-SD) on Tuesday announced an event for South Dakotans to hear from Republican primary candidates for Governor U.S. Rep Kristi Noem and State Attorney General Marty Jackley. The Gubernatorial Forum will be held on May 1, 2018 at the Downtown Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux Falls.

“South Dakotans want to hear where the candidates for the highest office in the state stand on economic and regulatory issues,” said Don Haggar, AFP-SD State Director. “The goal of this event is to facilitate a lively, insightful, civil discussion around the most pressing issues in our state.”

Citizens looking for more information or wishing to attend can register here or by going to AFPGovForumSD.com.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 3.2 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 36 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.AmericansForProsperity.org

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Grossenburg Implement CEO Endorses Jackley

WINNER, SD: Barry Grossenburg, CEO of the fourth generation family-owned company Grossenburg Implement, is asking South Dakota to make Attorney General Marty Jackley the state’s new governor.

“I’m supporting Marty in this race because I trust him to run the state in the same way that I would run our business,” Grossenburg said. “The governor needs to be a CEO who can lead teams, balance budgets, and outline a vision for growth, and Marty’s proven he’s that kind of leader.”

Grossenburg Implement got its start in 1937, and today has locations in Pierre, Winner and Philip, as well as three locations in Nebraska. Barry has been CEO for 30 years and resides in Winner with Marilyn, his wife of 40 years.

“The Grossenburg name is respected in South Dakota because of the many years of quality service they have provided our ag community,” Jackley said. “My first priority as governor will be creating new and better jobs for South Dakotans, which is why I’m grateful for the advice and support from business leaders like Barry.”

Watch Grossenburg’s endorsement on youtube here or on facebook here.

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Noem Makes Limited Government a Hallmark of Campaign

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Kristi Noem today highlighted her third Pillar of Protection: Protection from Government Intrusion. A fierce advocate of individual liberty and states’ rights, Noem pledged to fight federal overreach and protect South Dakota’s way of life.

“Our Constitution mandates that the vast majority of decisions be made by states and individuals, not the federal governm

ent. But these days, Washington rarely operates that way,” said Noem. “Nonetheless, when bureaucrats looked to charge us for water out of the Missouri River or tell us how to farm, when they sought to limit our Second Amendment rights or mandate how 4-H rodeo be run, I fought back – and won. I’ll do the same as governor, protecting our rights and our South Dakota way of life.”

From her earliest days as South Dakota’s lone representative in the U.S. House, Noem built a reputation for pushing back on federal overreach, successfully:

• Repealing Obamacare’s individual mandate through tax reform;

• Defending the 2nd Amendment;

• Forcing the USDA to reverse course on a policy that would have unnecessarily uprooted the way South Dakota 4

• -H youth rodeo operates;

• Stopping the Army Corps of Engineers from charging South Dakota for use of our own water from the Missouri River;

• Fighting against the federal government’s attempt to close the Hot Springs VA and override the needs of South Dakota veterans;

• Preventing OSHA from regulating small family farms;

• Forcing the EPA to reverse course on expanded dust regulations;

• Repealing a regulation requiring states to provide certain funds to abortion providers, like Planned Parenthood;

• Stopping the federal government from incentivizing certain education curriculum, like Common Core; and

• Continuing to champion legislation that would give governors the ability to refuse refugee resettlement in their states.

Brule County State’s Attorney David Natvig Endorses Ravnsborg for Attorney General

KIMBALL, SD: Brule County State’s Attorney David Natvig endorses Attorney General Candidate Jason Ravnsborg.

“In my opinion Jason is the candidate most qualified to be Attorney General. He has all of the skills necessary to do the job from his extensive leadership experience of overseeing hundreds of people under highly stressful situations both at home and in the combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan”. Natvig said. “Jason is also a skilled lawyer whom I have dealt with on many occasions in both the criminal and civil fields. He has always been someone I can reach out to and discuss issues candidly to come up with a solution.”

“Jason’s strong support of law enforcement and his willingness to go the extra mile to every county, large and small, impresses me,” Natvig stated “I look forward to working with Jason as our next Attorney General, he has my full support and endorsement. I will be voting for him at the convention and I encourage everyone to do the same.”

Brule County States Attorney David Natvig resides in Kimball, South Dakota, and has been the Brule County States Attorney since 2003. He also runs his own private practice in Kimball, S.D.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- April 19, 2018

Stanley County State’s Attorney Thomas P. Maher Endorses John Fitzgerald for South Dakota Attorney General.

Fort Pierre, South Dakota: Stanley County State’s Attorney Thomas P. Maher announced his support for Lawrence County State’s Attorney John Fitzgerald for South Dakota Attorney General.

I support John H. Fitzgerald, as the Republican candidate for South Dakota Attorney General.

John is dedicated to the people of his community, to the rule of law, a concept of justice for all, and the protection of all. John has thirty plus years of experience in law enforcement as a county prosecutor. Not only has John  tried a lot of challenging cases; he’s resolved many more. He’s truly a legal champion. His experience and skill are second to none. He’ll make a great South Dakota Attorney General. Go FITZ!

Tom P. Maher
Stanley County State’s Attorney

From my mailbox:

This one comes as a bit of a surprise, especially since Democrats actually have a candidate this year.

Twenty-five years ago, I got up early in the morning and flew from Pierre to Denver for a meeting. I then flew to Minneapolis for a meeting the next morning. When I got into Minneapolis, the airport terminals were reporting of the FBI raid of the Branch Davidian Compound in Waco Texas. I got my rental car and proceeded to my hotel.

When I got to my hotel and checked-in, I was handed literally dozens of messages to call back to Pierre. As most of the messages were from my staff in GOED’s Division of Finance, I imagined one of our borrowers had a cataclysmic occurrence. My head raced with the possibilities of who it might be and problems like bankruptcy or a major accident.

I got to my room, turned on the TV which was more Waco so I put it on mute and sat at the desk to call back to Pierre. I couldn’t get through because the phone lines seemed busy which I thought odd everyone in Pierre would be that strung out over the Waco siege but whatever. So, I kept calling. When I got a phone to ring, nobody was answering, not even at my house.

Finally, I got through to Brenda O’Hara at home, wife to David O’Hara, Deputy Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. She just said “Have you heard?” and I responded something about Waco and I then she made a sound and lost it as she repeated over and over, “They are gone. They are all gone. The plane crashed.” At that moment, it never even occurred to me what plane it might be. Did I have my staff flying on one of the small state planes that day?

Then I heard through her cries, “The Governor, Rolly, they are all gone.”

Who was she talking about?

George S. Mickelson, 52 years old, husband to Linda and father to three children. He was serving as Governor.

Angus Anson, 38 years old, husband to Cindy and father to two children. He was serving as CEO of Northern States Power of South Dakota.

Ron Becker, 52 years old, husband to Shirley and father to two children. He was serving as State Head Pilot.

David Birkeland, 54 years old, husband to Mary and father to two children. He was serving as President of First Bank of South Dakota.

Roland Dolly, 37, husband to Lane. He was serving as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.

Roger Hainje, 43, husband to Susan. He was serving as President of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and Forward Sioux Falls.

David Hanson, 45, husband to Diane and father to two children. He was serving as State Pilot.

Ron Reed, 52, husband to Barb and father to two children. He was serving as Commissioner of the Office of Energy Policy.

Since that fateful day 25 years ago, all but Rolly and Roger have become grandfathers many times over. I am sure their wives and children have lamented all they have missed. But the reality is they have missed nothing for they have witnessed it all and interceded on their behalf when necessary.

But, it is us who have missed them, more than we know. Every one of the men on that plane were people I considered my friend and some much more than just friend. As great as my sadness is for myself and the great loss of great leadership in our State, I know it pales in comparison to what these wives and children lost. My heart goes out to them and I hope they have a sense of the appreciation we have for their sacrifice.

* I am sorry that I didn’t know all the names of the children of the passengers so rather than listing those I knew and remembered, I listed none.

At a recent Congressional primary debate between Secretary of State Shantel Krebs and Neal Tapio, Krebs apparently doubled down on her comments in support of the brewing trade war between President Trump and China, and that she “appreciate what President Trump is trying to do”

From TheSiouxEmpire.com:

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Question: What do you think of the Trump Tariffs and the trade war (my term) with China.
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Krebs: I appreciate what President Trump is trying to do.

Trump is trying to deal with China and open new markets.

China continually steals our intellectual properties and provides no recourse to fix it.

The story about seeing a truck with a fake version of the Triple M logo, instead says triple N.

She is the only one with an agricultural background and has spent time in China opening up markets for South Dakota agricultural products.

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Tapio: $300 billion trade deficit in the United States. A $500 billion dollar trade imbalance.

Agrees that China steals our I.P.s

China is a currency manipulator plus we have with them a great product to product imbalance.

Trump is treating this issue correctly but taking it head-on.

It’s a terrible situation right now economically, but it has to be done.

Trump is doing Bi-lateral negotiation. And that is also partly why he is pushing renegotiation NAFTA and China.

and…

BONUS

I waited patiently and tried to get a better answer on the Trump Tariff issue; I just asked what she thought about tariffs in general?

Krebs gave me a real quick sound bite answer about supporting President Trump in his efforts, an obvious repeat talking point.

She came off to me from this sounding over-produced, and a tad slimy. Not willing to engage or answer questions with any honest thought. I know she isn’t trying to sound dishonest, just trying to keep to the safe script. So I recommend taking this how you may.

I should also point out that her speaking and presentation during the forum was excellent.

Read it all here.

The bonus part of the reporter’s story is also a bit attention grabbing in it’s stunning criticism of Krebs as “not willing to engage or answer questions with any honest thought.”   That’s not good.

Farm Bill Advances in U.S. House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today released the following statement after the House Agriculture Committee voted to advance the Farm Bill, setting the legislation up for a vote on the House floor:

“The Farm Bill is a necessary safety net, not only for our farmers and ranchers, but for our food supply,” said Noem. “With strong crop insurance and livestock disaster programs along with food stamp reforms, this legislation builds on the success of the historic tax cuts offered to farmers, ranchers, and consumers. I am proud of the months-long effort that has produced this legislation, and I look forward to helping usher this bill through the House in the weeks to come.”

Noem served on the 2014 Farm Bill Conference Committee, which acted as the bill’s final negotiating team. With fewer and fewer members representing rural districts, the legislation initially failed on the House floor. Noem, however, led efforts to resurrect the bill, taking on her own party to push the bill over the finish line.

The legislation:

• Incorporates Noem’s reforms to strengthen commodity programs. During the 2014 Farm Bill implementation, USDA elected to prioritize county yield data from its National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which has proven unreliable in many cases. Today’s House proposal, using Noem’s language, would direct USDA to prioritize crop insurance data instead, which is a more dependable source.
• Maintains a strong crop insurance program.
• Increases CRP acreage to 29 million acres, while capping rental rates according to Noem proposal. Additionally, enrollment rates will be based on a state’s historical data, which Noem has previously pressured USDA to do.
• Updates the wetland determination process so the USDA must prove the producer doesn’t qualify for an exemption before being ruled outside of conservation compliance, according to language Noem worked on.
• Maintains meaningful Livestock Disaster Programs, which Noem fought to prioritize during the 2014 Farm Bill debate.
• Maintains and strengthens dairy policy. The first 5 million pounds of milk production on a dairy farm is eligible for higher coverage levels at lower premiums.
• Maintains the Beginning Farmer incentive program.
• Enhances incentives for rural broadband development.
• Simplifies the environmental review process requirements for forestry management, which Noem has strongly advocated for – particularly as it relates to fighting the pine beetle and other insect infestations in the Black Hills.
• Establishes work and training requirements for SNAP benefits.Building on the economic successes of tax reform, the legislation would require that able-bodied, non-elderly individuals without young children work or participate in work training for 20 hours per week. No individual would lose benefits unless they decline to work or accept free training to learn a skill.

Thune Statement on House Farm Bill Advancing to House Floor

“Farmers throughout the country are counting on us to deliver on what has historically been a bipartisan farm bill, and I’m confident we’ll be able to accomplish our goal.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime Senate Agriculture Committee member who has been involved in writing three farm bills during his time in Congress, issued the following statement after the House Agriculture Committee voted to send its farm bill to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate is expected to release its version in the next few weeks. The current farm bill expires on September 30, 2018. 

“Today’s vote is an important step in getting a farm bill on the president’s desk before the current bill expires,” said Thune. “Farmers throughout the country are counting on us to deliver on what has historically been a bipartisan farm bill, and I’m confident we’ll be able to accomplish our goal.

“For the last 13 months, I’ve been introducing numerous farm bill-related proposals that I hope are included in the Senate bill when it’s introduced in the near future. I’m glad the House has incorporated several of my proposals, including boosting the acreage cap for the Conservation Reserve Program and making it more of a working lands program. We’ve got more work ahead of us, and I’m eager to continue moving the ball down the field.”

The House farm bill increases the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage cap to 29 million acres, which is just 1 million acres shy of Thune’s proposal in his Conservation Program Improvement Act (S. 909). By increasing haying and grazing opportunities, the House farm bill would help make CRP more of a working lands program, a proposal that is also included in S. 909.

For crop acreage base acres that haven’t been planted to commodity crops for several years, the bill would convert them to unassigned base acres and make them ineligible for commodity payments, which is included in Thune’s Commodity Program Improvement Act (S. 1259).

Finally, the bill expands categorical exclusions, which would increase forest management and treatment landscapes, a proposal that is consistent with Thune’s Forest Management Improvement Act of 2017 (S. 1731).

To learn more about Thune’s 2018 farm bill proposals, please visit the farm bill section on www.thune.senate.gov.

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