Time for an update of who is running for what – April 1 edition. (No Fooling!)

Pat Powers

The political winds keep shifting and swirling, with comings and goings. So, based on the happenings of the past couple of weeks, here’s an update of who we’re seeing in the running for the Republicans nominations for statewide races:

41 thoughts on “Time for an update of who is running for what – April 1 edition. (No Fooling!)”

      1. Has anyone ever served more than three terms on the PUC? I am not sure this is a problem.

  2. The AG’s race is interesting. Four candidates are in and none of them really stand out as the frontrunner. Fitzgerald hurts McGuigan and Russell hurts Ravnsborg. Russell brings the outsider role to the race but with credibility and experience. Fitzgerald brings the outsider image but he also brings the experience from the wing that otherwise would most likely support McGuigan.

    McGuigan and Fitzgerald most likely represent the consensus of what the States Attorney’s are looking for.

    They also have the most to lose because if neither of them catch fire there are some outstanding states attorneys in Minnehaha (Aaron McGowan), Lincoln (Tom Wollman) and in Pennington (Mark Vargo) who could enter the race and instantly command a large swath of votes.

    With the top three counties all having great prosecutors sitting on the sidelines McGuigan and Fitgerald will have to prove that they can win over delegates fast to ease the concern of States Attorney’s who want a person of experience in the office or I could see a scenario where one of those other three candidates enters the race.

      1. Vargo is terrible and would destroy the AG Office much like he’s destroyed the Pennington County states attorney office.

        1. That’s the truth. And the US Attorney’s Office. They don’t want him back.

          1. Penn County is soft on crime. Rotzel runs the office. Vargo is too busy trying to get his name in the paper or on tv.

  3. Aaron McGowan could end up winning this if he has good organizational support and voters really start having a desire to see a more politically balanced state government. Will the SDDP miraculously turn itself around and become a well organized fighting machine or remain roadkill? Will the predictably extremist & abrasive legislatives candidates who we know will run again lose in the primary to more reasonable and moderate SDDP candidates that will not boat anchor good candidates like McGowan?

    1. McGowan is a Democratic States Attorney in a city that has an exploding crime rate.

      Rumor has it that Russell’s campaign is ramping up and he has the support of the grassroots conservative activists.

      Ravnsborg had an early advantage with delegates due to his campaigning for the last 3 years. As delegates compare him to the other experienced candidates, that support will dissipate.

      It’s a long way away from the convention. I have to give Russell the advantage IF he comes out with a credible campaign.

      1. Russell is an excellent candidate. My question for him would be is he confident in his campaign or does he run for state senate and AG. If he does both I think it makes it easier for others to vote against him for AG because they know he has a consolation prize.

        Ravnsborg’s support definitely fades.

        Vargo would be the odds on front runner right now by a lot if he had run. I won’t be surprised if he changes his mind by next fall if no one looks like the odds on favorite. Vargo comes from the second biggest county in the state.

          1. Especially the last bit: “Russell] who intends to complete a masters program and principally practice law in the areas of environment and natural resources has indicated that he has no present intention of again seeking a position as a public prosecutor.”

            Basically, they let him off the hook because he was not going to be a prosecutor.

            1. So? Russell opposed corruption of one of Rounds’ cronies? Didn’t go along with the BAR’s legislative agenda in the legislature? And they reprimand Russell for the order of a sitting judge?!

              Russell is heads and shoulders a better candidate than that Idiot Out Wandering Around (IOWAn) Ravnsborg. If the above is
              any indication of Ravnsborg’s campaign strategy? Things are going to get ugly fast.

              1. Nominating Russell would be the Democrats’ dream-come-true. Might as well leave the nomination vacant. It would be all the voters would hear about.

                1. Says Ravnsborg (never been elected) of a 2 term States attorney and 5 term sitting SD legislator.

                  1. Russell’s baggage has nothing to do with anybody else. He’s saddled with a stinking mess.

                2. Russell ran into trouble in Hot Springs when he was SA, how can he possibly be AG?

      3. Who would vote for Lance Russell besides a handful of Stace Nelson supporters?

  4. Wow…that got ugly fast in the AG discussion, I was just wondering what was being said about Lora Hubbel!

          1. and sometimes she isn’t even that!

            The party needs a by law that if you run with another party or Independent then you can’t run as a Republican for a certain time like 5 years or something….this is ridiculous

          3. No she is not for more tax and spending. Isn’t that the definition of a RINO?

            1. You are not a Republican, Tara, You can stop trying to tell Republicans how to run their party. Your advice is intended to harm.

              1. Those two and the rest of their followers should consider starting the Save South Dakota From Galactic Alien Party or something like that. Every time we turn around they are trying to scare people to some new imaginary threat and conspiracy. What a way to spend your limited time and energy in life.

              2. Now you sound like a snowflake. lol. What did I say that was harming, and how am I telling Republicans how to run their party. I am an Independent, but I will change to RINO sometimes to vote in a primary.

                  1. Yes. She is smarter than most, by far.
                    I like smart people even tho I am not her party registration.

  5. I want someone for governor who will emulate Janklow and look into how the state govt agencies are run. Are they top heavy on bureaucrats? Are the people appointed to head these agencies competent in their jobs or just political friends of friends? If an agency head is gotten rid of as head, but keeps getting paid for doing nothing and then gets given another job after 2 months, and then if that agency is now going to hire two directors even though said agency is being absorbed by another agency, would that be looked into? I have a real sour taste in my mouth right now as far as state govt goes, and a candidate who could look into these issues and DO something about them would get my vote. Does Daugaard even know what goes on or care?

  6. Jason Ravensborg is not on the payroll in Union County. Check out he Commissioner Notes for 2017. He’s not even listed as a deputy. But claims on his literature.

  8. Just a note to those who seem to be trying to take things off topic; off topic comments will be deleted. Especially when off topics poke at me for things you made up in your head.

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