South Dakota Legislative Fly-in to White House includes two legislators charged with felonies, others who lost

We’re out of session, so it must be time for summer vacation.  Especially for a number of legislators who have signed up for a “South Dakota Legislative White House Fly-In in Washington DC, from August 10-12, 2026.”

I mean, I don’t think it’s going to be a Spencer Gosch Hawaiian cliff-diving level soiree. But it’s a junket nonetheless. I’m informed taxpayers are covering the flights for legislators, the Leadership Institute is handling hotels for some, and there may be yet-to be disclosed corporate sponsors for meals.

But even more interesting, while I’m told the trip had been mentioned in passing since March, the word is that legislators finally got the sign-up in early-July. The first notice since session was fully 1-MONTH AFTER several had lost the primary. So, they are well aware they’re not coming back, as are the people in charge of the chambers who sign off.

And while they are requiring White House clearance for a visit there – TWO of the attendees are currently facing felony charges in court:

John “California” Carley?  – He lost. And suddenly his fiscal conservatism evaporates in the face of a free vacation to Washington DC. Same thing with Carl Perry.  Curt Voight got tossed out, yet he’s on the freebie list.  Terri Jorgenson is a nice lady, but why is she going?  Neither Les Heinemann nor Julie Auch are running for the legislature, but they want their ‘bennie.’

And then we have the legislators facing felony charges in South Dakota. Travis Ismay, for what is said to be him deciding to do his own road work and Tom Pischke, who is alleged to have filed false election documents.  Do the conditions of their bond restrict out of state travel? Because they need to check.

What’s the important subject matter where we’re paying for lame ducks to go to Washington? Aside from the White House visit, I’m told the Leadership Institute is going to give a presentation on campaigning and social media.  Yes, we’re paying money to send people who will not be coming back next year to go to Washington to meet with the White House, and to learn how to do social media.

I would wager this isn’t going to come up in Taffy Howard’s next GOAC meeting.  In fact, I notice that FIVE members of GOAC – FULLY HALF OF THEM – including Taffy are on the flight. And they’re not asking the question about lame duck legislators going out to Washington on the taxpayer’s dime?

Isn’t fiscal conservatism great?