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Showing posts from June 4, 2006

Tuesday’s aftermath and the future of Senate Leadership.

As I read the big Mercer article where I’m mentioned (they cut that part out in Pierre), I noticed a little tidbit that Bob drops about a few of the Republican founders of the MAINstream Coalition. Specifically, how founders Dave Knudson, Ed Olson, and Tom Dempster and Mac McCracken remain and the question whether they will continue to have influential roles in the senate when re-elected. Most are committee chairs, and Senator Mac McCracken intends to seek the role of Senate President Pro Tem, a position currently held by Lee Schoenbeck. I was having this very conversation with an elected official about the same time this came out, and if what we off-handedly projected would happen in the fall elections, we counted 16 or 17 conservative Republicans who would likely stand together on leadership elections, and 7 or 8 who would fit into that moderate category. What does that mean to the leadership equation? Our thoughts were basically that it’s somewhat unlikely that those MAINstream foun...

Former House Speaker Pro Tempore Chris Madsen over at Blogmore

Former GOP Legislator and Speaker Pro Tempore of the House has been doing some commenting on the elections over at Mt. Blogmore recently. Here's what he's had to say about this fall's elections: So far, Democrats do not have a great reason to flock to the polls in November. There are really no good top of the ticket races for them. Whoever thought a retired surgeon from Sioux Falls is going to be elected governor is a bit deluded. I realize that Mike Rounds has his critics, but all of them are worth about 100 votes for Billion. I’m sure Jack is a great guy, but I don’t back him and the “perfect storm” guaranteeing him any sort of a shot against MMR is not a brewing. I appreciate Bruce Whalen stepping forward to make a run, but for a lot of the same reasons MMR is safe, so is Stephanie regardless of her choice of hairstyle. The Democrats were all full of vim and vigor when session ended and they slated more legislative candidates than they have for quite a while. However, it...

*I got mentioned* SDWC cited in newspaper report, but they left off the URL

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Bob Mercer showed the South Dakota War College the love towards the end of a huge article in yesterday's Mitchell Daily Republic. Except - instead of citing the name or URL of this little mess of mine on the internet, I was cited personally for having comments from State Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck's thoughts on the races. (I'll take the mention, but don't forget http://dakotawarcollege.blogspot.com ) Signed, "shameless publicity whore" PP

And the fall campaign is out of the starting gates..

Jack Billion started the campaign off immediately out of the starting gate by taking shots at Governor Rounds in this story by the Rapid City Journal's Kevin Woster: Billion said he sent a letter to the governor asking for a list of companies attracted during Rounds’ 3½ years in office. Billion also asked for information on the number of jobs created, average hourly wage, amount of state assistance each received and whether the business was recruited through the governor’s invitational pheasant hunt or other recruitment programs. “I’m dead serious about it,” Billion said of his request for the information. “I think it’s part of good government, open government. When he says he’d be happy to share that information and discuss it with me, I’m certain he means it.” Rounds staffer Roxy Everson referred a Journal call about the Billion offer to Rounds re-election campaign coordinator Michele Brich, the governor’s sister. Brich didn’t address Billions’ letter, saying it would be “handl...

Argghh. Blogger Troubles tonight

I would have been a more active poster tonight if Blogger would behave. I couldn't post to save my life. Otherwise, I do have a little news. I've invited some people to start contributing to the website, and if things would ever settle down enough to work, I might be able to get them to consider it. I noodled on it a long time, and made a point to pick some people who I thought were intellectually and politically up to the challenge. It's an interesting mix. I've asked an attorney, a long time politico who does quite a bit of work in other states but lives here, an elected official, someone with a writing/journalism/photography background, and another top politico who's been involved in some of the hottest races in recent years. I picked those whom I considered students of their craft and know their stuff. Some are involved (or have been) at varying levels and varying degrees, but I thought they had worthwhile knowledge that they might consider passing on, as well a...

Stan versus Elli - On why Elli won

Senator Stan Adelstein is grousing about why he didn't win in Tuesday's primaries in today's Rapid City Journal . And some of his commentary is very telling: Schwiesow said she needed an effort like that, along with the $50,000 in cash to stay in the spending war at all with Adelstein. Adelstein contributed more than $100,000 of his own money to the primary two years ago and was expected to easily top that this year. He bought a savvy and expensive media campaign that looked more like a congressional campaign than a legislative battle, hitting key differences between the candidates aimed at labeling Schwiesow a conservative extremist. “We could never keep up with what he was doing,” Schwiesow said about Adelstein’s blitz of media and mailings. “I had volunteers who were so committed to this race, because of the issues and their feelings. You just can’t beat that.” Adelstein found that to be true this year, despite his own staff of paid campaign workers and a group of vol...

SDGOP on Yesterday's Primaries

The State GOP issued this release today on the results of the primary election: Primaries show strength of GOP Dems post low turn-out for gubernatorial candidates PIERRE – Tuesday was a very good day for Republicans in South Dakota. Turn-out in the Democrat gubernatorial race was very low – in the single digits in some counties – due, in part, to the fact that the favorite candidate, Gov. Mike Rounds, had no primary and was not on the ballot. “Low voter turnout reflects a high degree of satisfaction from both Democrats and Republican with how Governor Rounds is leading our state,” South Dakota Republican Party Chairman Randy Frederick said. “Tuesday was a very good night for Mike Rounds and the Republican Party.” Fewer than 1 in every 5 Democrat voters in South Dakota went to the polls on Friday. “Gov. Rounds has shown that he is a true leader with a clear vision for South Dakota,” Frederick said. “That leadership and that vision was evident on Tuesday.” Frederick said now that...

Senate President Pro Tempore on last night's election

I managed to catch Lee Schoenbeck checking his e-mail at his desk, and he was gracious enough to give me some commentary on last nights election and what it means to Republicans: These were hard fought primaries between a lot of good people. As with every election cycle, hard work and message pays dividends. I think our people will continue to campaign hard this fall for less government, lower taxes, and better education for our children. These are the issues that won on Tuesday and these are the issues our South Dakota families care about. They want to hear a clear conservative Republican message on these issues and see a voting record to match. Candidates that could consistently deliver – won. A quick look at the races for the fall would appear to favor us gaining seats in both houses – I expect we will have more to celebrate in November if we work hard between now and then. I would strongly mirror Lee's thoughts that we stand to pick up seats if we all work together for a unifie...

About last night. And what it really means to Republicans.

I had one GOP leader e-mail me the morning to comment: There were nine GOP Senate primaries pitting moderates vs. conservatives. Moderates lost NINE. That's 0-9. Wow. Yeah. It's pretty incredible. Last night was a sea change in the party. As I read the coverage this morning before I think about hopping in the shower to head back to work from my 4 hour vacation, one theme keeps coming across. The media isn't getting it. The coverage of the South Dakota media on the election seems shallow, because all we're hearing is that the election was a referendum on HB 1215. "1215! It was a Republican endorsement of 1215" they're screaming. Well, yes. And No. Was abortion one facet of the election? Yes. But a view to protect life has been part of the Republican mantra for years. But more so is less government, lower taxes, and a good education for our kids . Last night was about Republicans embracing being a Republican. The GOP faithful didn't want to hear abou...

Latterell on his victory over Sutton

Scott Waltman with the Aberdeen American News has the story this morning on Isaac Latterell's surprise victory over Duane Sutton: Latterell of Aberdeen said he didn't know what to expect heading into the election but had a feeling something good would happen. He was somewhat surprised to defeat a veteran like Sutton, but would also have been content had he lost. A strong pro-life stance helped him in a close election, Latterell said. Sutton, also of Aberdeen, served a total of eight years in the House and Senate. He agreed that abortion was an important topic in the race. A member of a statewide group of moderate Republicans, Sutton voted against the abortion ban passed by state lawmakers during this year's legislative session. In Brown County, Sutton had 500 votes, Latterell, 483. But Latterell had 130 votes in McPherson County to Sutton's 66. Latterell said he had a lot of supporters and volunteers helping him in McPherson County. He also said Sutt...

This seems appropriate tonight. The World Turned Upside Down

From The World Turned Upside Down: Tradition has it that when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown (1781) the British played this tune. There is some debate as to whether that is myth or fact. If buttercups buzz'd after the bee, If boats were on land, churches on sea, If ponies rode men and if grass ate the cows, And cats should be chased into holes by the mouse, If the mamas sold their babies To the gypsies for half a crown; If summer were spring and the other way round, Then all the world would be upside down. Listen here to the MIDI file. Nobody expected it. It's happening was inconcievable. Yet it happened, and all they could do was express their astonishment at their world being turned upside down. And in South Dakota tonight, it seems that the political world has been turned completely upside down. For months, we've been told how that it's a bad thing to be a conservative, and that we should compromise our values and become more moderate. A group of Republi...

BREAKING NEWS!! - IT'S DONE - ADELSTEIN AND DUNIPHAN BOTH TURNED OUT!!!

From Pennington County http://www.votepennco.com/EL45.HTM - all precints are in and 2 incumbents, Adelstein and Duniphan have both lost. WOW. THIS IS HUGE. STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 32 you may vote for 1 Elli Schwiesow. . . . . . . . . 2,145 52.11 Stanford Adelstein . . . . . . . 1,971 47.89 STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 33 you may vote for 1 J.P. Duniphan . . . . . . . . . 652 37.67 Dennis Schmidt. . . . . . . . . 1,079 62.33 STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 35 you may vote for 1 Alice L McCoy . . . . . . . . . 556 35.17 William "Bill" Napoli . . . . . . 1,025 64.83 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you...

Votepennco.com reporting newer numbers

You know, if I didn't know better, I'd say Elli Schwiesow is pulling away from Senator Adelstein. Check is out at http://www.votepennco.com/EL45.HTM STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 32 you may vote for 1 Elli Schwiesow. . . . . . . . . 1,616 51.48 Stanford Adelstein . . . . . . . 1,523 48.52 STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 33 you may vote for 1 J.P. Duniphan . . . . . . . . . 486 37.56 Dennis Schmidt. . . . . . . . . 808 62.44 STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 35 you may vote for 1 Alice L McCoy . . . . . . . . . 476 35.52 William "Bill" Napoli . . . . . . 864 64.48 And Big thanks to Max Power for the link!! _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click,...

Mt. Blogmore reporting more Schwiesow/Adelstein results

Mt Blogmore has someone on the scene at the Pennington County Courthouse, and they're reporting a big swing back to Elli in the Adelstein Schwiesow Race with 3 precincts to go: State Senate District 32 Republican primary, at 10:00 p.m.: Elli Schwiesow. . . . . . . . . 1,009 50.91 Stanford Adelstein . . . . . . . 973 49.09 Any more results like this, and tonight will unequivocably be the night of the conservative.

Unless something changes drastically, turned out incumbent #3 of the night will be Duniphan

Check it out: DIST 33 REP STATE SENATE (R) DUNIPHAN J.P. 462 39 10 14 (R) SCHMIDT DENNIS 731 61 10 14 With 4 precincts left, JP Duniphan has to make up 269 votes to keep her legislative seat. And with that many, I don't know if she can do it. With few exceptions, this is the election giving conservative legislative candidates a chance to shine. One they get past tonight, this crop of newbies will need to start buckling down for the battle in the fall. _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening

There's a momentary lull in the storm as I mark having passed 1000 posts several posts back.

Whew - a lull in the action. I'm already at over 750 visitors today as I pass my 1000th post. Things are slowing down east river and starting to pick up west river. Lots of nail biting as the west river results come in. Lots of suprises tonight. Who would have thought we'd turn out 2 incumbents East River? There's lots of races I'm pleasantly suprised about, one I'm physically sick about losing, and lots of curious quirks. I thought tonight might be the night of the incumbent, but it's looking like it's the night of the conservative newcomer. Hauge turned out Kooistra. Lattrell turned out Sutton, Arnold turned out Konold - I don't know that anyone would have predicted those. But here it is. And as the results from West River start cranking up in full force - stay tuned. And don't forget the coverage is being sponsored by the beg button on the right. _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the S...

Bartling wins.- District 26 State Senate is done.

Pro-life Democrat Julie Bartling won handily over her pro-choice opponent(s) DIST 26 DEM STATE SENATE (D) BARTLING JULIE 585 47 29 29 (D) SIMPSON JOHN 379 30 29 29 (D) WRIGHT SHERMAN 279 22 29 29 What's with the elections tonight? These results keep pointing to conservative momentum (at least at the moment) when there's been a distinct difference between a conservative candidate and a moderate/liberal candidate. Lots of results yet to come.

See Mt. Blogmore for what Daschle thinks on Adelstein

From over at Mt. Blogmore Tom Daschle, speaking tonight at the fundraiser for the Native American Journalism Foundation (see Denise’s earlier post), had this to say about the District 32 Senate race: “I just hope and pray Stan Adelstein wins.”

Jim Holbeck has been OWNED by Brock Greenfield

There's three precincts left to report in the District, but it's looking like tonight's complete drubbing award is going to go to Jim Holbeck. Holbeck, if you'd been monitoring this website, set himself forth as the moderate choice in an election against one of the State Senate's more conservative members, State Senator Brock Greenfield. And with three precincts left, I think I'm pretty safe in saying that Brock completely and utterly kicked his ass. DIST 06 REP STATE SENATE (R) GREENFIELD BROCK 1513 69 37 40 (R) HOLBECK JAMES 664 31 37 40 Right now, it's 69 to 31%. Holbeck could double the number of votes he got tonight, and he'd still lose to Brock . I think we can say that Jim Holbeck has been owned. *update* It got worse for Holbeck DIST 06 REP STATE SENATE (R) GREENFIELD BROCK 1769 71 40 40 (R) HOLBECK ...

With just under half the votes in, Napoli is over McCoy

DIST 35 REP STATE SENATE (R) MCCOY ALICE 177 34 4 10 (R) NAPOLI WILLIAM "BI 342 66 4 10 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening

Arnold over Konold in District 5

Konold could never seem to get any momentum going this evening, and his night ends with a loss to newcomer Dennis Arnold. DIST 05 REP STATE SENATE (R) ARNOLD DENNIS 632 56 22 22 (R) KONOLD CLAIRE 504 44 22 22 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening

Here's Incumbent #2 going down. LATTERELL over Sutton

DIST 03 REP STATE SENATE (R) LATTERELL ISAAC 613 52 13 13 (R) SUTTON DUANE 566 48 13 13 Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

First incumbent Casualty of the night, Clarence Kooistra

Clarence Kooistra is done. You can pull the nail out of that baked potato. His legislative career has been ended by Arnie Hague in a big win: DIST 25 REP STATE SENATE (R) HAUGE ARLEN (ARNI 620 61 20 20 (R) KOOISTRA CLARENCE 398 39 20 20 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

Paul Nielson over Duane Spader

Nielson took out Spader pretty handily by the look of things: DIST 09 DEM STATE SENATE (D) NIELSON PAUL 575 66 9 9 (D) SPADER DUANE 297 34 9 9 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

West River results are just starting to trickle in

From the Secretary of State's Office, west river results are just starting to trickle in: DIST 28 REP STATE SENATE (R) HECK GERRY 55 22 6 66 (R) KLAUDT TED 131 53 6 66 (R) WETZ KENNETH 62 25 6 66 DIST 28 DEM STATE SENATE (D) EMERY STEVE 13 19 6 66 (D) MAHER RYAN 55 81 6 66 DIST 28B REP STATE HOUSE (R) DROWN BOB 63 37 3 38 (R) OLSON BETTY 109 63 3 38 DIST 29 REP STATE HOUSE (R) BRUNNER THOMAS 220 22 8 41 (R) HUNTER RAY 70 7 8 41 (R) LARUE MAURICE 347 34 8 41 (R) RHOD...

Manny Steel and Wick in District 12

Steele pulled this one out by the skin of his teeth. DIST 12 REP STATE HOUSE (R) HENKIN ANN 679 27 13 13 (R) MAXWELL KEVIN 215 9 13 13 (R) STEELE MANNY 689 27 13 13 (R) WICK HAL 941 37 13 13 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

District 2 circuit - Pat Ripel is the winner

With 91 of 92 precincts in, it's safe to call this one: DIST 02 CIRCUT CRT JUD POS D (N) HAJEK ANNE 3500 20 91 92 (N) HOFFMAN DOUG 3999 23 91 92 (N) MATCHAN HOPE 3204 19 91 92 (N) RIEPEL PAT 6382 37 91 92 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

District 10 Senate is Done: Abdallah Returns

Check it out. Abdallah is returning to the Senate with 14 of 14 precincts reporting DIST 10 REP STATE SENATE (R) ABDALLAH GENE 981 58 14 14 (R) ALVINE FRANK 724 42 14 14 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

Don't want to get ahead of myself, but....

I don't want to get ahead of myself, but it looks like Billion is starting to gain some crushing momentum. With 50% of the vote in in Minnehaha County, Billion has 77% of the vote. TOTAL PERCENT PRECINCTS TOTAL VOTES OF VOTE REPORTING PRECINCTS DEM GOVERNOR (D) BILLION JACK 12568 62 371 778 (D) WIESE DENNIS 7584 38 371 778 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

District 12 House looks like it could be a nail biter

Is this one going to go down to the wire? DIST 12 REP STATE HOUSE (R) HENKIN ANN 437 28 8 13 (R) MAXWELL KEVIN 132 8 8 13 (R) STEELE MANNY 434 28 8 13 (R) WICK HAL 573 36 8 13 3 votes between Steele and Henkin for Second place. This could be close with under half the precincts left to come in. ________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

District 18 Democratic House is done. Moore and Dickinson

DIST 18 DEM STATE HOUSE (D) DICKINSON DAVID 358 37 13 13 (D) GLEICH ROBERT 144 15 13 13 (D) MOORE GARRY 453 47 13 13 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

District 2 House results with 1/3 left to go

It's the night of the incumbents with 2/3 of the results in for District 2. Familiar names is who is getting the votes. DIST 02 DEM STATE HOUSE (D) DENNERT H PAUL 649 43 13 21 (D) ELLIOTT BURT 643 42 13 21 (D) GRAHAM JOHN 226 15 13 21 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

Disctrict 3 Circuit Court Race - With just over 1/3 in

With just over 1/3 of the totals in for this race between Aho, O'Brien and Foley, it's looking like this race could be close: DIST 03 CIRCUT CRT JUD POS B (N) AHO RONALD 1151 22 54 173 (N) FOLEY VINCENT 1950 38 54 173 (N) O'BRIEN SEAN 2030 40 54 173 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

with just under 10% of precincts in, Billion takes early lead

Read it and weep Wiese supporters. It looks like Billion has early momentum in the precints that have come in so far (85/778) TOTAL PERCENT PRECINCTS TOTAL VOTES OF VOTE REPORTING PRECINCTS DEM GOVERNOR (D) BILLION JACK 3388 69 85 778 (D) WIESE DENNIS 1505 31 85 778 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

Can we stick a fork in this one? District 18

With just under half in, District 18 House results look pretty lopsided tonight. DIST 18 DEM STATE HOUSE (D) DICKINSON DAVID 237 40 5 13 (D) GLEICH ROBERT 85 14 5 13 (D) MOORE GARRY 272 46 5 13 Unless there's a huge swing, with 5/13 precints in, I think it's going to be Garry Moore and David Dickinson. _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

First reports - Konold/Arnold neck in neck

From the Secretary of State's office - with 6/22 precints in Konold and Arnold are literally dead even. DIST 05 REP STATE SENATE (R) ARNOLD DENNIS 227 50 6 22 (R) KONOLD CLAIRE 225 50 6 22 _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildy entertained by the coverage this evening.

Powerball winner comes forward - KCCR news scoops them all

Tony Mangan had the big scoop this afternoon on the powerball winner with extensive coverage at KCCR Radio and at oahetv.com : RELEASE FROM THE SOUTH DAKOTA LOTTERY (JUNE 6, 2006 PIERRE, SD) Pierre Couple Claims $116.8 Million Powerball Jackpot (Pierre) – The winners of the biggest jackpot ever won in South Dakota have claimed their prize. Lan “Bill” Nguyen, 37, and his wife Tina, 30, of Pierre claimed the $116.8 million they won in the May 17 Powerball drawing. The Nguyens chose to receive their jackpot winnings as a one-time cash prize of $51,584,755. After federal tax withholding, the couple’s prize payment was $38,688,566. The Lottery also paid the couple another $14 they had won on the same ticket. Bill purchased the winning ticket on May 17 at the Kum & Go store on West Sioux Avenue in Pierre, located adjacent to Chikadily’s Restaurant. The jackpot-winning combination that matched all five white balls and the red Powerball was the last play on a $5 ticket. The ticket als...

Coincidence on election night? Actually yes. 1000 post will likely happen tonight.

This is post #983 since I've started this website, and if the live blogging goes as planned - and I plan on being intense on the coverage - I shoud hit my 1000th post tonight on this, the night of the first statewide election I'm covering via blog. I'm monitoring my e-mail very closely tonight, so if you have questions, comments, hot tips, notices on election night parties, send them to me and I'll post them. (And a shout out to Angie Nielsen who's watching the election coverage at State GOP HQ while she works on State Convention and other stuff). Stay tuned. _________________________________ Tonight's Election Coverage is being brought to you by the SDWC Pay Pal Beg Button on the right hand of the screen, just under the Bob Sahr ad. Give it a click, and drop me a donation if you're mildly entertained by the coverage this evening.

On election Eve - KELO investigates.... Electronic Voting. Zzzzzzz.

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So much for issues that anyone cares about. On the eve of the election, KELO investigates the scourge of our society - pokey voting machines: 06/06/2006 AutoMARK: Time-Consuming Voting Technology? They were designed to make voting easier, but now, many of South Dakota 's electronic voting machines are being under-used. It sounds easy, you pick up a ballot, press a couple of buttons and drop your finished ballot in the box. But many voters say the machines take a lot longer than the traditional method. Read it all here , unless you have to avert your eyes. This story may upset small children and people with weak constitutions.

Epp claims victory for Billion (at least on the on-line polls)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : (Released June 6, 2006) FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Epp at 605.221.6143 or tepp@billionforgovernor.com JACK BILLION DEFEATS DENNIS WIESE IN ONLINE BLOG VOTING SIOUX FALLS--While citizens across South Dakota are voting for who will face Gov. Mike Rounds this fall, some cyber-voters have already picked Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Billion from Sioux Falls in today's primary. In voting on Clean Cut Kid ( http://cleancutkid.com ), as of 3:30 p.m. today, Dr. Billion was leading Dennis Wiese 74% to 26%. In voting on S.D. Elections and Politics ( http://sdpolitics.thebestofsouthdakota.com/ ), Dr. Billion was leading 78% to 22%. The margin of error for such non-scientific polling is significant. Still, it is at least some indication of popular sentiment. And obviously, the voters will have the final--and only--say that matters today at the ballot box. For more information, contact Todd Epp at the information belo...

It begins soon. Primary Election night coverage 2006.

I'm going to live in front of this computer tonight, so I'm going to go out and get some supplies (Diet Coke, something for dinner, etc). Otherwise, I'm going to be stationed here in the War College Election Bunker in Pierre as the returns start to come in for a little live blogging. I'm prepared to go late, as I even took tomorrow morning off to do all of this stuff. It's been a bombastic last couple of days. The PAC filings have stirred up a major firestorm between State Senator Stan Adelstein and State Senator and President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck. THAT ONE is sure to rage for some time to come, and you got to hear about it here before much of the other media has picked up on it. Keep your web browser on the South Dakota War College for election night for updates and commentary. If you want it unfiltered, Go here at the Secretary of State's office for the totals as they come in. This should be good! And don't forget to listed to Public Radio's co...

Hot update - More news from Watertown on PACaStan

I've gotten a couple reports from the field this morning that State Senator Stan Adelstein didn't take too kindly to being cast as the villan on KWAT's What's Up Program yesterday in Watertown. So this morning, The Adelstein Struck Back after yesterday's installment of Stan Wars . One listener e-mailed me and noted: I was listening to the local news- top of the hour I caught the tail end of a story about Adelstein/Shoenbeck and the PAC money thing. It had Adelstein on the story talking very hot about his right to give money to people who would be his vision of a Republican, doing things the way he wants the Republican party to be (not infusing religious doctrine and forcing women to do things - or something like that, I'm paraphrasing much of this). He sounded very hot and not happy with Lee. Another listener chimed in and also noted: He also - in the same interview – criticizes “one church” trying to enact its theology in law. So, in one interview, it appears ...

Check out the Dennis Schmidt for Senate Website today, because it might be gone tomorrow

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GO check out the Dennis Schmidt for Senate Website today , since it could be gone tomorrow if he loses the primary. Dennis who has been a suprising challenger for JP Duniphan in the senate race has come on like a hard charger and is posting a very serious challenge. This race is looked at as a possible sleeper upset for Duniphan, one of the founding members of the Mainstream Coalition. Although the website seems to be devoid of any issue oriented critique that has driven this campaign. For instance, He's been hitting her on her vote for 2005's HJR 1001, the definition of marriage act. And in her advertising in response, Duniphan claims the truth is that she voted for the defense of marriage bill. (the truth is she was a big no vote on 1001) Anyway, check it out before you miss your chance.

A crazy night before the madness of the primary election of the beast (6/6/06)

What a night. I start it by going out to mow the lawn, and it ramps up from there. I got no fewer than 2 phone calls and three or four e-mails about the explosive edition of David J. Law on KWAT's Whats Up program this morning. Apparently the Stan Adelstein PAC ctivity didn't go unnoticed by Senate President Pro Temp, Lee Schoenbeck. Lee called in and let loose with the information on where some of the candidates had gotten their money, including his former primary adversary Claire Konold and District 6 Challenger Jim Holbeck. From there, callers started asking who else had gotten funding from Stan, and it all went downhill from there. After a baloney sandwich for dinner, I started to do research on the races, and decided the best prep for tomorrow night was rest and relaxation. I'm a bundle of nerves as we get down to the wire. Despite the fact the two candidates I'm directly helping have it well in hand, I'm sure they're sick of me calling checking in to se...

The Washington Bar Association comments about the South Dakota JAIL movement

To take a break from all the activity in the State Legislative Primaries - take a look at what someone else has to say about JAIL. From the Washington State Bar Association , the president of that State's Bar chimes in on the South Dakota Judicial Accountability Measure: The measure is so extreme, and so conspicuously vindictive, that it would be humorous if it were not so serious. Unfortunately, the proponents are dead serious, and initial polling in South Dakota showed voters favoring the ballot measure at a rate of 3 to 1! This measure is clearly a stalking horse for a larger effort, and Mr. Branson claims to have organizations in all 50 states ready to march ahead. The potential destruction of the doctrine of judicial immunity has caused so much concern in legal and political circles in South Dakota, that the South Dakota Legislature took the extraordinary step of passing a resolution unanimously imploring its citizens to oppose the ballot measure. This is the same body th...

Jerry doesn't heart Stan. Or Hennies.

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Senator Jerry Apa paid for an ad in today's Rapid City Journal in favor of Sam Kookier. And it just happens to just blast Senator Stan Adelstein and (while unnamed) Representative Tom Hennies who is running for the City Council. "Elect a councilman that can't be bought." Not mincing words there, is he?

Jerry hearts Bill. (For State Senate at least)

Saturday's Rapid City Journal had Jerry Apa showing the love for all things Napoli in the letters to the editor: Tireless advocate Sen. Bill Napoli, while serving 12 years in the state Legislature, has shown tireless and boundless energy in representing not only his constituents, but anyone who has a problem with the local or state bureaucracy. Prior to the 2005 session, Watertown, Aberdeen and Rapid City area residents were cheated by dishonest sellers when purchasing automobiles and manufactured homes. Sen. Napoli led the charge that resulted in a task force being created to tighten up the laws regarding consignment sales of automobiles and manufactured homes. Sen. Napoli also led the fight to change the state law on car licensing. As a result, beginning in 2008, when a vehicle is licensed it will be much easier and more efficient for the consumer and generate a cost savings for both the counties and the state. These are but two examples of the many in which Sen. Bill Napoli has ...

1 day to go. It's all about tomorrow.
And what are we going to do about the elections after that?

I've got to stop and take a breath. Tomorrow's the big day. I was going to write that it was 2 days out, but then I looked at the clock, and noticed that I was into the next day already. 2 or 3 liters of diet coke on the way back to Pierre will to that to my sleep cycle, so I spent the time on last minute stuff. I did a last minute ad, gave advice, made phone calls, and all the frenetic activity that usually occurs in the last hours of an election. And in the midst of all of that, it really has me thinking about the deep divisions in the GOP and what the future holds. Before you DEMS start going "Aha!", look in the mirror. It's not like the Dems are immune, either, having read the Sunday Rapid City paper . But I'm not concerned about them . I'm concerned about us . (so Dems, you can quit reading) This primary season has been as competitive as primary seasons can be. In fact, some of these races have been tooth and nail. It's a bunch of people who want ...

This one is sure to cause a firestorm in the blogosphere.

Or not. Kevin Woster's article in today's Rapid City Journal on his political affiliation and those of his colleagues was an interesting read. Unlike others who are going to read it with righteous indignation and accusatory statements about the slant of the paper, I read it and it gave me a chuckle, and I'm not inferring anything into it. Some reporters feel like we must register as Independent to avoid the appearance of party bias. We all have our hang-ups, I guess, but that is not one of mine. In truth, I'm no more Republican than I am Democrat. I like my Republican registration mainly because it means I get party mailings, telephone surveys and other contacts that are often useful in political coverage. So, how do I know what the Democrats are up to? In my experience, there's never a shortage of those contacts among newsroom staffers. Read it all here .

Mt. Blogmore reports on the Democracy in Action rally

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( PHOTO CREDITS - ALL MT. BLOGMORE) Denise Ross over at Mt. Blogmore attended the Democracy in Action rally in Rapid City's Memorial Park and has an extensive post on it with pictures. (Hopefully she won't mind I grabbed a couple of them with appropriate credit and links back) I had to post the one on one of my favorite former legislators, Kay Jorgenson. Yes, Kay and I are probably on the opposite sides of a few issues, but I have to show the love and give props to a fellow auctioneer. ( Take that anonymous posters who try to place me in a category). I haven't spoken with her for a year or so now, but I always found her to be warm and enjoyable. Like me, she was enlisted as auction labor for her parent's Auction company, and ended up at auctioneer school. Speaking of Legislators, Senator Stan Adelstein joined the people at the rally supporting the defeat of HB 1215 and the defeat of the South Dakota definition of marriage amendment. INTERESTING NEWS I've been gett...

Senate Democratic Leader Garry Moore versus CCK

Kevin Woster over at the Rapid City Journal has a story this morning on how Garry Moore is mad because South Dakota Democratic Party is supposedly being bullied by CCK, and they won't stand up to him: The Democratic leader in the South Dakota Senate says a Sioux Falls consultant under contract with the party is advancing a pro-choice philosophy on abortion at the expense of Democratic candidates for the state Legislature who oppose abortion. Sen. Garry Moore of Yankton said consultant Steve Hildebrand, a former executive director for the state Democratic Party and past campaign manager for Tom Daschle, is working to defeat Democratic legislators who voted for HB1215, the controversial near-total ban on abortion approved by the Legislature this year. Moore said Hildebrand has made it clear that electing pro-choice candidates is more important than electing Democratic candidates. Hildebrand and his employee Chad Schuldt have also issued critical and — in Shuldt’s case — profane...

Is that where the money came from?

Under my previous post detailing the candidates who got money originating from Senator Stan Adelstein's pocket, and then shuffled through two PAC's, I had this really interesting comment From Betty Olson who is running for a House seat and was one of the recipients of a $1000 check: Betty Olson said... This was a rather shocking post for me to read! I'm Betty Olson and it seems that I have unwittingly been funded by Stan Adelstein? I find this absolutely incredible, to say the least!!! When Alan Hanks called to ask how my campaign was coming along, he inferred that he and members of his group wanted to assure that South Dakota continued to have strong conservative Republicans in office and wondered if I could use a $1000 to fund my rather modest campaign. During the course of a rather lengthy conversation, I told him my negative views of both Adelstein and Hennies and praised Sam Kooiker, the very nice young man Hennies is running against. In...