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?

 

Democrats Go to Extremes
By Sen. John Thune

At the start of last year, a New York Times poll offered a warning to Democrats. The headline read, “Many Americans Say the Democratic Party Does Not Share Their Priorities.” Just weeks after Democrats were rejected at the ballot box, the Times poll suggested that one of the reasons for their loss was that Americans thought that Democrats weren’t concerned about the things that matter most to them.

A year and a half after that poll was taken, Democrats have had numerous opportunities to demonstrate some moderation to voters. But the record shows that they have not evolved a bit. Take for example the fact that radical transgender ideology remains an article of faith among Democrats and that they have repeatedly opposed efforts to keep biological men out of women’s sports. One Democrat even called the recent unanimous Supreme Court decision upholding state laws protecting women’s sports “unjust,” as if making women compete against biological men is somehow just.

Of course, Democrats are still proudly pro-abortion, too. Democrats won’t even support legislation to provide medical care to a baby born alive during a failed abortion or a bill to ensure a pregnant college student knows there are resources available to help her finish her degree and have her baby. Democrats directed small-business COVID relief funds to Planned Parenthood, even though that organization was not legally eligible to receive funding. And they are doing everything in their power to eliminate pregnancy resource centers simply because they won’t recommend abortion.

It’s not just on these issues. Far-left activists seem to be the audience for almost everything Democrats do these days. Twice in the last year, Democrats have caused a record-long government shutdown. While TSA lines snaked outside of airports and Americans were visiting food banks because they had to work without pay, the Democrat leader was quoted saying, “Every day gets better for us.”

Then at the start of this year, Democrats shut down the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because they didn’t want to fund law enforcement. A few years ago, defunding law enforcement was a fringe position. This year, it became the official position of Democrats as they tried to completely defund immigration enforcement and Border Patrol. Once again, it didn’t matter to Democrats that Americans would be less safe with open borders, their audience was far-left activists.

Democrats have had numerous opportunities to work with Republicans on things that matter to the American people, but they have repeatedly chosen to follow members of their far-left base instead. Now it seems Democrats are poised to follow the far-left directly into socialism. Self-identified democratic socialists have been winning elections across the country. How long before there’s no distinguishing between Democrats and democratic socialists?

Last year, many Americans said they didn’t think Democrats share their priorities. Since then, Democrats have given them more reason to think so, and instead of moving toward the middle, Democrats are just getting more extreme.

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Guest Column: Meet the Interns
By Interns Cassie, Brooke, Levi, Owen, Ben, and Brooklyn
July 31, 2026

This summer, five interns spent the summer in Washington, D.C. and one intern served in the Sioux Falls office to experience the work of a congressional office. An internship in Congressman Johnson’s office provides hands-on learning about Congress, policy, and constituent services.

Meet the interns:

Cassie grew up in Brookings, South Dakota and is studying agribusiness management with a minor in public law at the University of Wyoming. Her favorite part of the internship was being able to connect with fellow South Dakotans in the agriculture industry.

Brooke is originally from Worthington, Minnesota and just recently graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in political science. She hopes to build her career in political communications and digital media.

Levi, a rising junior at Augustana University, is double majoring in mathematics and government and international affairs with a minor in trusts. His favorite part of the internship was all the relationships he built.

Owen grew up in Brookings, South Dakota and is studying political science and international relations at Stanford University. He hopes to eventually attend law school.

Ben, a rising junior at Vanderbilt University, is double majoring in political science and business. He hopes to pursue a career in law or government relations. He enjoyed getting to see how South Dakota’s biggest issues play out nationally.

Brooklyn is originally from southwest Minnesota and will be a first-year law student at the University of South Dakota. After law school, she hopes to pursue a career in agricultural and environmental law. Her favorite part of the internship was getting the opportunity to work directly with South Dakotans, helping them navigate and resolve the issues they brought to our office through congressional casework.

Every day brought new opportunities and experiences. We spent some days buried in policy research and others sitting in on hearings or tagging along to meetings. Owen was able to attend a hearing with the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, gaining a firsthand look at how Congress approaches one of the country’s most pressing national security issues.

For many of us, the most meaningful moments came from connecting the work back home to South Dakota. Cassie had the chance to meet with South Dakota agricultural organizations, sitting in on conversations that shape the policies farmers and ranchers across the state depend on.

Brooke spent time on media row, getting a hands-on introduction to the political communications world. Whether through policy or press, we found real ways to plug into the issues that matter most to South Dakotans.

Beyond the substance of the work, what stuck with us most was the office itself – the people, the mentorship, and the chance to learn by doing. We left the summer with a genuine understanding of what public service looks like day-to-day.

It was a summer well spent, and one that gave us a taste of life in Congress!

Left to Right: Cassie, Brooke, Levi, Johnson, Ben, Owen

Johnson with Brooklyn

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Governor and Grandpa
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
July 31, 2026

Our family recently welcomed our tenth grandchild. There’s nothing like being surrounded by my children while watching their own children grow. But it all started 45 years ago on the first day of August, when my bride, Sandy, and I committed to a life together rooted in faith and love. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Looking back, I can see God’s favor in so many ways, and one of His greatest gifts has been my wife and the family we’ve built together.

Sandy has been by my side while serving as First Lady of South Dakota for over 18 months now, but we’ve been building a life for 45 years. We have both spent a lifetime loving South Dakota – the state where we were born and raised. The best days in my family are certainly ahead of us. Celebrating each of my sons as they have become husbands and fathers always brings me to appreciate how we got here and what we’ve accomplished along the way. We served our community, built our church, held each other up, and pushed each other forward. But more importantly, the life we’ve built over the years is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

The same goes for our great state. Our best days are not in our rearview mirror – our windshield is far bigger. But we can’t forget to take pride in the milestones we have met, the adversities we have overcome, the blessings our good Lord has provided, and the discipline it took to keep our core principles at the forefront of our decisions.

Because of our history and our results, South Dakota has surged to the second-best state in the nation in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best States rankings. This rise from the eighth spot last year is a testament to our positive direction. We’re strong, safe, and free – and we’re becoming more so every day!

South Dakota is precious to me. Sandy and I chose this state to build a life and raise a family. And I’m proud that all of my four sons have chosen to grow their own families here. As Sandy and I have traveled the state together, we have met so many people and families; some new to South Dakota and some who have lived here for generations. But we all have one thing in common – we love this state and want to see it cared for so our children and grandchildren can thrive.

Governor is a title I wear with honor, but there’s no better title than Grandpa. I’m watching the creation of the next generation while holding the steering wheel for where we go next. I’m focused on both of these titles so we can keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. I will continue to work hard to ensure future generations get to experience all the open opportunities across this great state – a state I have come to love more and more every day.

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I hate when this happens. According to the Casper (WY) Star-Tribune, a Wyoming State Legislative candidate is facing  controversy over running for office in that state.. but at least on paper, maintaining residency in Sioux Falls:

Jeske announced his campaign for House District 59, encompassing the city of Mills and part of east Casper in Wyoming, in March 2026.

Business records show that Jeske filed reports in the last two years denoting himself as the noncommercial registered agent in South Dakota with a Sioux Falls address — a role that must be filled by someone who currently lives in the state, the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office confirmed.

and..

As of July 27, Jeske still appears as a registered South Dakota voter on the Secretary of State website.

To file for election in Wyoming, candidates must affirm that they have lived in the state for at least one year, Juarez pointed out.

Read the entire story here.

But, this is a name Sioux Falls residents should recognize. Because Jeske ran for Sioux Falls City Council in 2024. According to the Argus Leader:

His campaign website features a photoshopped image of a masked TenHaken next to former Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi as though the two have matched on the dating app Tinder. The website also notes two members of TenHaken’s staff have spent time in California, listing them and their annual salaries under the heading “WOKE DEI 50% CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT OF SIOUX FALLS.”

and…

“IF I was the mayor I would plow the streets in a snow storm while working 10 hours straight with a cowboy hat on then switch to a suit, go to a city council meeting if necessary to help get the job done in the city like a South Dakotan,” Jeske wrote.

Read that all here.

It doesn’t sound like he’s still claiming to be “like a South Dakotan,” as he seeks a Wyoming office.  But, who am I to judge.?

It also sounds as if the race might be getting a bit contentions, according to this video:

Stay tuned. I’m sure there’s more to come.

Just had a note and a photo from a correspondent:

“Toby’s RV is parked at a hotel in Altoona, IA. So either he is going to ride the roller coaster at Adventureland or he is taking it to get unwrapped.”

From my e-mail box:

The “Trail of Governors” is an ongoing effort to celebrate South Dakota by placing life-size bronze statues of former governors along a winding trail in Pierre. The 31 statues tell the story of our former governors, the moments they presided over, and give us hope for the continued success of our state.

That’s why we’re excited to invite you to the unveiling of the 32nd statue, honoring Governor Kristi Noem!

Friday, August 7, 2026
10:00am (CDT)

Hilger’s Gulch (corner of South Dakota Blvd. & E. Church St.)
Pierre, South Dakota

Free event. Bring your family!

RSVP Here >> https://mustread.news/Pt4R

From protecting girls’ sports to keeping South Dakota open during COVID, Governor Noem helped cement South Dakota’s reputation as a state that protects freedom, empowers its families, and never forgets that “Under God, the People Rule.”

But she couldn’t have done it without YOUR help, which is why we’d love to see you at this event!

According to an e-mail sent out by my local Republican County group, Secretary of State candidate Heather Baxter will be in Brookings on Friday to meet & greet. And I’m sure as a candidate, she’ll also answer questions about her campaign and platform at the Bible Baptist Church from 9-11 AM.

I have to work for a living, so no. I can’t be there. I work on insurance claims, and there is probably less mayhem dealing with dog bite claims, falling tree limbs and exploding propane tanks.

But you can certainly go and ask her if Rick Weible will be her Director of Elections if she wins? Or if she’s going to persist on the hand-counting thing, despite what county auditors want? I’m sure members of the public and media could find other questions to ask her as well.

It’s not a GOP only thing, and is open to the public.

Thune on Senate Advancement of Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act

“President Trump has made his commitment to ending this war and bringing peace to Ukraine very clear. This bill will help him do that.” 

 Click here to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

I think we can safely say that this event last night was easily South Dakota’s Worst Election Watch Party Ever:

If you went, would you get stuck by JFM (sorry, JFM’s evil twin), Phil, or Bialota? And you know that Brandei probably had to pick up Shad’s check.