The Krebs for Congress campaign sent a postcard out this week that’s landing in mailboxes today:
Krebs is relying largely on a pro-Trump message, and talks about standing with President Trump “against the establishment,” mirroring much of Neal Tapio’s anti-establishment rhetoric that he’s using out on the stump.
Stay tuned.
I felt that burn all the way up in arctic Brookings. South Dakota GOP Chair Dan Lederman pointed out to the Associated Press that while Dems may have filled some seats this election, that’s only part of the job:
The South Dakota Democratic Party said Thursday that 110 Democratic candidates are running for 101 out of the 105 seats in the Legislature. Democratic Party Chair Ann Tornberg says it’s another sign of the momentum her party has in South Dakota and around the nation.
State GOP Chairman Dan Lederman says Republicans plan to run a vigorous campaign this season with 115 candidates running for 97 legislative seats. He said the party applauds South Dakota Democrats for their “biennial pantomime of pretending they’re a viable political party,” but that “quantity should not be equated with quality.”
Since the press generally takes what they want from quotes, I did ask Lederman for the full statement, and he was happy to provide it:
The South Dakota Republican party applauds South Dakota Democrats for their biennial pantomime of pretending they’re a viable political party, at the same time they’re on life support from the National Democrat organization. As they have demonstrated time and again, talk is cheap, and filling seats with warm bodies might make for a nice press release, but quantity should not be equated with quality.
Democrats have a long precedent of using placeholders who have no intention of running – much less serving – in Pierre, and if the past several cycles are any indication, we’ll see at least a dozen of them drop out before the deadline to replace candidates in August.
Republicans have 115 Candidates running for 97 legislative seats, and the difference between the parties is that Republicans did not have to beg people to fill a slot. Our candidates came forward on their own, and most of the candidates from the GOP will be successful in their campaigns.
South Dakota Republicans take nothing for granted, and we’re already making plans to run a vigorous campaign effort this season, whether the people our candidates are running against now are the same ones in the fall.
Ouch. The party of ‘Bern’ is feeling the burn. 🙂
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fall River and Oglala Lakota States Attorney Jim Sword Endorses Ravnsborg for Attorney General
HOT SPRINGS, SD: Hot Springs attorney and Fall River and Oglala Lakota States Attorney Jim Sword has endorsed Attorney General Candidate Jason Ravnsborg.
“Jason is an experienced leader who understands that we need someone as Attorney General that can handle a wide variety of cases from prosecuting, to defending to civil cases in both state and federal court,” Sword said. “He also understands the position is larger than the courtroom and is one where you have to have the temperament and skills to work with legislators to build a coalition to assist States Attorneys and members of law enforcement in obtaining the resources they need to keep us all safe in a wide variety of areas.”
Sword lives in Hot Springs where he is a partner of Sword and Ahrendt Law Office, P.C. He prosecutes in Fall River and Oglala Lakota County and also represents individuals, businesses and government entities before state and federal courts. In addition Sword defends clients in Pennington, Custer, Bennett counties and throughout the Northern Black Hills. He is a former chairman of the Fall River County Child Protection Team and Board of Directors member of the Alcohol Recovery Center of the Black Hills.
“Jason has been battled tested both on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan in service to our country and in the courtroom.” Sword stated. “Having served in the United States Army as a Captain myself, I know they do not just make anyone a Battalion Commander, they select people that lead from the front selflessly, with strong moral character and work with a staff to oversee hundreds of people with many challenging situations happening at the same time.”
Sword went on to say “Jason is the only candidate that I see that has all of these skills, he will make an outstanding Attorney General and has my full endorsement and support.”
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SD Veteran Shares Powerful Testimony of Noem’s Integrity, Accomplishments in New Ad
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Kristi Noem today released a new television ad featuring Don Ackerman, a South Dakota Vietnam veteran. Noem and Ackerman worked closely in the fight to keep the Hot Springs VA open.
“For the veterans of this state, Kristi Noem is our girl,” says Ackerman in the ad. “She stood up for us when it came to the VA in Hot Springs. And that’s not just Hot Springs. It’s across the entire state. And she gained nothing – absolutely nothing. She got no money in her campaign. She didn’t have us marching down the street with signs for her. She did it because it was the right thing to do. That’s Kristi Noem, and that’s the person I want to be governor.”
South Dakota is home to 72,000 veterans. As the state’s lone U.S. Representative, Noem has fought to protect the Hot Springs VA from closure, bring greater accountability to the VA, strengthen veterans’ benefits, and expand the Black Hills National Cemetery.
Attorney General Jackley Touts Milestones Reached in 24/7 Sobriety Program
PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the State of South Dakota is continuing its ongoing success of the 24/7 Sobriety Program.
“The 24/7 Sobriety Program was based on a vision by then Attorney General Larry Long and has been made successful by the tireless work of our sheriffs running the county programs,” said Jackley. “The Program has proven to be a success, not only measured by the participants’ sobriety, but by the drop in conviction numbers. Total DUI felonies have dropped nearly 50% from FY 2007 until FY 2017.”
The Program has reached milestones in the testing area as well. The State has officially hit the 10 million mark on preliminary breath tests since its inception in 2005. In addition, the State has hit the 1 million mark in ignition interlock breath tests, which were introduced in 2012.
PBT STATISTICS SUMMARY
January 1, 2005 – February 1, 2018
U/A STATISTICS SUMMARY
July 1, 2007 – February 1, 2018
DRUG PATCH STATISTICS SUMMARY
July 1, 2011 – February 1, 2018
SCRAM BRACELET STATISTIC SUMMARY
October 10, 2006 – February 3, 2018
INGNITION INTERLOCK STATISTIC SUMMARY
October 1, 2012 – February 1, 2018
On April 1, 2018 long-time Turner County Sheriff Byron Nogelmeier took over the position of the 24/7 Program State Coordinator. This position was previously held by Art Mabry for 7 years before retirement.
Former District 23 Rep. Charlie Hoffman Endorses Jackley
EUREKA, SD: McPherson County cattle rancher and former District 23 Rep. Charlie Hoffman put his support behind Attorney General Marty Jackley’s campaign for governor in a new ad released today.
“Marty didn’t just ask the people of Eureka and District 23 to vote for him, he actually showed up during his Hometown South Dakota tour,” Hoffman said. “He stayed until every question had been answered, and that’s the kind of governor he’s going to be—the kind who answers the tough questions and respects the people who hired him to get the job done.”
Hoffman served for six years in the state House. He’s been ranching since 1981 when he took over the family ranch after his father passed away following a battle against pancreatic cancer.
“Charlie is a true friend and I’m grateful for his support,” Jackley said. “He knows the legislative process and is deeply connected to the opportunities and challenges in District 23, and we look forward to having his advice throughout this campaign.”
Watch Hoffman’s endorsement on youtube:
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Noem Opens Pierre Campaign Office
PIERRE, S.D. – Kristi Noem this week held a grand opening of her Pierre Campaign Office. The office will serve as a volunteer outreach center, where South Dakotans can find information about Noem’s vision for South Dakota as well as collect signs, bumper stickers, and other Team Noem materials. The office is located at 203 East Sioux Avenue in Pierre.
“I am so humbled by the Pierre community’s support,” said Noem. “I got to know many here while serving in the state legislature. They’ve seen me work on behalf of those I represent, so it means the world to me to have their support and trust. Thank you to everyone who came together this week to celebrate our campaign office’s grand opening.”
PHOTOS FROM GRAND OPENING
AFP-SD: Tariffs Put South Dakota Farmers at Risk
Grassroots group opposes tactics that increase costs, destroy jobs
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Americans for Prosperity-South Dakota (AFP-SD) released a statement Thursday opposing actions taken by the administration that have caused retaliatory tariffs from China. On Wednesday, China announced new 25 percent tariffs against the U.S. that include soybeans and corn.
China is the largest importer of South Dakota soybeans.
“Implementing tariffs and risking retaliatory measures with other nations does not bode well for South Dakota farmers,” said AFP-SD State Director Don Haggar. “South Dakota farmers have benefited significantly on the global market with China being our state’s number one consumer of soybeans. We believe a free and open, global economy increases prosperity for South Dakotans and all Americans. We urge the administration to reverse course and take these self-destructive policies off the table before they cause more harm than they already have.”
For further information or an interview, contact Don Haggar at dhaggar@afphq.org.
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, visitwww.AmericansForProsperity.org
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Tapio on Chinese Tariffs: Trump Fighting Back in Decades-old Chinese Trade War
(Wednesday, April 5, 2018) State Senator and GOP Congressional candidate Neal Tapio today issued strong support for President Trump in the escalating tariff and intellectual property trade skirmish with the Chinese and urged agriculture organizations to direct their energy toward helping President Trump fight back against unfair trade practices China has employed for decades.
“President Trump is right, this isn’t a war. We’ve already lost the trade war with China,” Tapio said. “The President is addressing trade imbalances that simply can not be kicked down the road any longer.
Annual trade deficits with China are not sustainable, but when combined with currency manipulation and the theft of intellectual property, the current trading relationship with China must change.” Tapio said.
Trump tweeted Wednesday blaming decades of terrible decisions by quote: “foolish or incompetent people,” for surrendering American trade supremacy and allowing China to decimate the United States manufacturing base through years of outright theft of American designs for products ranging from jetliners to microchips. On Tuesday, Trump announced tariffs on 128 Chinese exports to the American marketplace, touching off fears that retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural products like soybeans would threaten to destabilize the ag sector of the U.S. economy.
“Now China is pitting President Trump against the American farmer,” Tapio said. “This tactic from a stale Communist playbook will no longer work. Patriotic American farmers understand that America needs a fighter like President Trump to right the ship. The future of America depends on tougher trade negotiations with China,” Tapio said.
Tapio urged farm organizations to publicly acknowledge the devastating trade imbalances, currency manipulations and intellectual property theft in any public comments surrounding trade negotiations. He further urged these organizations to condemn China for unfair trade practices and to talk tough against communist China’s attempt to divide the American farmer from President Trump. Tapio reassured them President Trump’s polices will benefit the American farmer by having a secure and prosperous America and that Trump has their back in these complex negotiations.
“China’s retaliations of soybean exports are part of a larger negotiation which is necessary to defeating the Chinese economic warfare of tough negotiations, currency manipulation and intellectual property theft that has created a $500 billion trade imbalance and has left us vulnerable to an aggressive Chinese imperialism in the Asian Pacific,” Tapio said. “These problems are compounded by China’s ability to blackmail the US economy by threatening to stop buying US Treasuries.
“The American people understand the complicated dilemma facing America. We run massive trade deficits and huge annual federal budget deficits which are then piled on to massive piles of federal debt, yet we continually grow social welfare and entitlement programs while fighting a costly and endless war on Islamic terrorism. These terrible policies leave America vulnerable to blackmail. President Trump is willing to face these problems head on.”
While it isn’t easy, President Trump deserves our respect and support.” Tapio said.
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Rounds Urges VA to Make Timely Payments to Community Providers
PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today sent a letter to Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie to request the VA address its reimbursement process for community providers, and to reimburse old claims dating back to September 30, 2016, and older that the VA has rejected as ineligible.
“According to the VA’s policy, claims from September 30, 2016, and older are no longer eligible for reimbursement,” wrote Rounds in his letter. “This is disappointing and unacceptable. Community providers deserve to be reimbursed for services provided at the VA’s direction, and TPAs [Third Party Administrators] must have clear and simple processes for community providers to follow for prompt payment.”
“Despite a strong, patriotic desire to serve veterans, I am concerned that community providers may be reluctant to participate in the next VA community provider network due to their negative past experiences with the Veterans Choice Program. This may, in turn, impact our nation’s veterans’ ability to access health care, especially rural veterans.”
Full text of the letter:
April 4, 2018
The Honorable Robert L. Wilkie Jr.
Acting Secretary
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
Dear Acting Secretary Wilkie:
I write to you today with great concern over the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) efforts to improve timely payments to community providers.
On January 3, 2018, the VA announced a series of immediate actions to improve the timeliness of payments to community providers. I welcomed this announcement as several South Dakota-based community providers have continuously struggled with receiving prompt reimbursements from the VA’s contracted Third Party Administrator (TPA) for services provided at the VA’s direction. However, I learned that a part of this VA effort included setting deadlines for Veterans Choice Program and Patient-Centered Community Care (VCP/PC3) claims from years past. I understand those deadlines were November 13, 2017, and October 2, 2017, for VCP/PC3 claims from January 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016, and VCP/PC3 claims with dates of service prior to January 1, 2016, respectively. In response, several constituent providers made efforts to resubmit old claims prior to the deadline. However, some providers had claims rejected again or did not receive feedback following a submission. During my exchange with then-Secretary Shulkin at the March 21, 2018, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, he stated that as a part of VA’s January 3, 2018, announcement, VA deployed “Rapid Response Teams” to assist community providers with outstanding claims. To date, I have not heard from a constituent community provider that has had contact with a VA Rapid Response Team to troubleshoot outstanding claims.
Prior to this deadline, constituent community providers have anecdotally shared with me and my staff their countless efforts to troubleshoot and fix these older claims with their TPA contact, but without success. To compound this struggle, providers have been limited to troubleshooting only three claims at a time with a TPA representative, struggled with long wait times to reach a TPA representative and received deposits for services they did not provide. These issues must be remedied. According to the VA’s policy, claims from September 30, 2016, and older are no longer eligible for reimbursement. This is disappointing and unacceptable. Community providers deserve to be reimbursed for services provided at the VA’s direction, and TPAs must have clear and simple processes for community providers to follow for prompt payment.
Due to the aforementioned issues experienced by community providers, I ask that the VA proactively reach out to community providers and provide an opportunity for them to be reimbursed for claims from September 30, 2016, and older. Further, I request that the VA provide clear feedback as to why a claim is not eligible for reimbursement and, if applicable, convey what needs to be corrected for reimbursement. Also, the TPA processes remain unclear, slow, bureaucratic and broken (e.g. deposits to providers for services they did not provide). These processes also need to be reviewed and improved. I understand the VA is looking forward to the next version of community care, but I insist that the current community care program is still in need of considerable attention.
Despite a strong, patriotic desire to serve veterans, I am concerned that community providers may be reluctant to participate in the next VA community provider network due to their negative past experiences with the Veterans Choice Program. This may, in turn, impact our nation’s veterans’ ability to access health care, especially rural veterans. Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration to this request.
Sincerely,
M. Michael Rounds
United States Senator
CC Thomas G. Bowman, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs
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