John Thune among top 10 most popular US Senators in nation according to Morning Consult

Pat Powers

South Dakota’s Senior US Senator, John Thune is still among the most popular US Senators in the country, according to the January 2018 Morning Consult report, which just came out:

And no slouch himself, South Dakota’s other US Senator, Mike Rounds is fairly close behind Senator Thune:

Always glad to see how well our Republican team is representing us in DC!

You can read all about it here at Morning Consult.

SDGOP’s message on how the GOP has led the way to improve transparency and accountability in State Government

Pat Powers

South Dakota Republicans are taking the offensive this election session when it comes to transparency and accountability in State Government.

Recently the State GOP came out with an advertising piece noting how Republicans have been leading in transparency & open government for a decade now – pointing out just a few of the legislative measures that were passed by the GOP to strengthen our state laws…

Permitless Concealed Weapon Carry Bill back in 2018, Sponsored by Sen. Russell

Pat Powers

State Senator (and Attorney General Candidate) Lance Russell has brought forward a bill this legislative session, bringing back a concept that had previously been vetoed by Governor Daugaard – Permitless Carry:

SB104P – 2018 Permitless Carry Bill by Pat Powers on Scribd

Aside from the immediate concern over the measure’s success with the Governor having had vetoed it before, Senate Bill 104 also brings forth a whole lot of politics.

Consider that prime sponsor Senator Russell is a candidate for Attorney General. His opponent, Jason Ravnsborg, has already received endorsements from a majority of members of the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association who have traditionally opposed permitless carry, and in the past have urged Governor Daugaard to exercise his veto power when faced with the measure.

At the same time, as noted yesterday, Russell has received the full throated support of the South Dakota Gun Owner’s Association, who has supported his campaign.

Given those two polar opposing forces, and anticipating another veto from Governor Daugaard, this could propel permitless carry into becoming one of the marquee issues in the Attorney General’s contest.

Stay tuned for more.

I guess Nick Weiland answered that question himself. Climbers need not apply.

Pat Powers

From the Argus Leader:

Nick Weiland was the first person to join the Sioux Falls mayoral race. On Monday, he was the first to drop out.

Instead, the co-owner and general manager of Parker’s Bistro and son of former U.S. Senate candidate Rick Weiland will focus his attention on an at-large seat in the City Council.

“As much as I want to become mayor — and I will seek that out in the future — I think City Council is a good stepping stone,” Weiland said at a Monday press conference.

Read it here.

Why the f* not? I think he answered that question himself when he indicated he’s just a climber, and “City Council is a good stepping stone” to run for mayor in the future.

What’s Christine Erickson’s reason for running? Per her release announcing her re-election campaign, “Serving this great community has been an honor and privilege.  I would like to continue moving Sioux Falls in the right direction of progress and growth”

If Erickson’s goal is to serve, and continue moving Sioux Falls towards “progress and growth,” and Weiland’s is because “City Council is a good stepping stone.” Then it’s not much of a choice at all.

Whether it’s City Council or Mayor, Weiland’s slogan of “Why the f* not” becomes an easy question to answer.

Why the F* not? Because as Weiland has yet to discover, it’s not about him.

Climbers need not apply.

Wismer and Bartling to Senate. Frerichs out.

Pat Powers

Bob Mercer is reporting today that Democrat Representatives Susan Wismer and Julie Bartling are both announcing their intentions to shift from the State House over to the State Senate.  At the same time Dem State Senator Jason Frerichs is announcing he’s out, and not planning to run for the house this coming term.

I’m also hearing that Dems have picked up Ted Curry, who lost in the House last election in District 16, to lose again for Democrats in the State Senate this year against Jim Bolin. It will be a matter of that  Bolin will likely run him into the ground with his usual high intensity campaigning.

In Yankton, (D18) Dems have talked Terry Crandall into being their sacrificial lamb in the House to lose against State Representatives Jean Hunhoff and Mike Stevens.

The GOP is picking up candidates left and right, with a majority of the slates already filled.  I should have some great announcements coming soon!