The Mike Rounds campaign is calling foul this weekend on false, negative attacks from dark money groups allied with the Bengs campaign going hard negative. Because it seems that they are leveling false attacks on US Senator Mike Rounds because Bengs is just that desperate:

Date: October 15, 2026 at 12:47:46 PM CDT
Subject: Message re: the latest attacks against Senator Rounds…

Hello friends, here is a message from our campaign…

Dear SDGOP Leaders:

We appreciate all you do and are doing to help elect Republicans in South Dakota. Your work over the next 19 days will be critical to our success on Election Day.

This morning, a Democrat dark money group from Florida launched an attack on Mike that calls into question Mike’s character. We wanted you to hear directly from us that this ad makes claims that are completely false.

I’ve known Mike for over half of my life and some of you on this email have probably known him longer than I have. I’ve always known him to be a man of integrity and honor. South Dakotans know Mike, his family and their character. I believe that these attack ads – all of them – will fall flat, but I wanted you to hear the truth from us.

The truth is that Mike voted with every Senate Republican to ban members of Congress from stock trading early this month. Every single Democrat and Independent voted against this ban. That’s noteworthy as our fake “independent” opponent said earlier this week there wasn’t a single item that came to mind that he would have broken with Democrats on and voted with Republicans. Our opponent and his Democrat friends are doing this to distract from his radical viewpoints that are out of step with South Dakotans. 

Mike has a solid record to run on. He is pro-life and received an A+ rating and endorsement from Right to Life. Mike’s opponent received an F rating. Mike is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment and received an A+ rating and endorsement from the NRA. Mike’s opponent has an F rating. Mike voted to cut your taxes, while his opponent wants to raise taxes and expand Obamacare.  The Fake Independent can’t defend his policies – so he attacks.

This election is common sense versus crazy and we need your help. Please remind Republicans in your county that early voting has started. Additionally, our team will be out in the field now through the election. If you or anyone in your county would like a yard sign, we would be happy to deliver them to you. Please fill out the link here. We appreciate all of your support.

Best,

Rob Skjonsberg
Rounds for Senate

Why are the Bengs allies this desperate? Because quietly, Bengs filed his pre-election campaign finance report. And it seems like there’s a lot of wheel spinning:

BengsPrePrimary2026.pdf by Pat Powers

Bengs reported raising $891,068.55. Except he spent $801,984.14 to get there, leaving him $145,703.12 for the last few weeks of the election. 

It reminds me of when Annette Bosworth ran years ago. She raised a tremendous amount of money.. but it cost her a tremendous amount of money. Here again we’re at a massive burn rate.

Compare Bengs’ $145,000 on hand to Senator Rounds who has $1,747,953.19 – over ten times the amount that Bengs has.

All that Bengs and his dark money allies have left is to start throwing mud at Rounds.

Because nothing else seems to have worked to date.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger as Interim Social Services Secretary

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger will serve as the interim Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), effective today.

“Brenda brings a rare combination of expertise, discernment, and compassion. As she takes the reins at DSS, I trust that citizens will be well cared for as she focuses on elevating our programs and improving outcomes for South Dakotans,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I appreciate Secretary Althoff’s service to South Dakota and recognize the significant time, long hours, and extensive travel he committed to leading the agency.”

Tidball-Zeltinger will follow Secretary Matt Althoff, who has led the agency since 2023 when he was appointed by former Governor Kristi Noem. Secretary Althoff will complete his service as Secretary on Friday, October 16, with a desire to spend more of his time in Sioux Falls closer to his family.

“During my time at the Department of Social Services, we have helped children, families, and so many South Dakotans through some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Matt Althoff. “I’m full of gratitude for the opportunity to serve South Dakota in this capacity for the past few years, and I trust that the people of the Department will continue to strengthen families by fostering health, wellbeing, and independence.”

Tidball-Zeltinger currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of DSS and has 35 years of experience in state government. During that time, she has led transformative efforts across multiple areas of the department focused on modernizing service delivery and strategic use of technology. She continually supports teams to examine services through the lens of the South Dakota children and families that DSS serves.

“It has been an honor to serve the State of South Dakota. I will approach this position with the same diligence and passion for public service,” said Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger. “Social Services is there for families during some of the most difficult times in their lives, and that responsibility inspires our work every day. I am truly blessed to serve alongside employees who are committed to strengthening families through compassionate service and responsible stewardship.”

Brenda Tidball-Zeltinger is a graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Business, and lives in Pierre with her husband, Damon. They are proud parents of their daughter, Samantha. When she is not serving South Dakota families, Brenda enjoys time on the Missouri River, fall football weekends, and gathering with family and friends.

A new facebook page is up from insiders with the Re-Elect Mike Rounds for US Senate campaign to check out – the Mike Rounds War Room.

You can find it here. Check it out, as it will likely be the focal point as the campaign responds to the last minute attacks from out of staters.

Like Brian Bengs, (at least recent residents from out of state like Bengs).

You don’t see this every day.

D6 Democrat Legislative candidate Austin Wolf has been trying to stir up interest in his race. And today, he decided that he should go yell at his running mate outside KELO in a bout of “quit copying me,” as if he was a child sitting next to a sibling in the back seat of a car. From Facebook:

Not sure that’s going to be a winning tactic, as much as a whining one.

SECRETARY OF STATE MONAE L. JOHNSON THANKS LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR INTERCEPTING SUSPICIOUS ENVELOPE

(Pierre, S.D.) – Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson thanks law enforcement for their quick response in intercepting an envelope containing suspicious white powder before it reached the Secretary of State’s Office in the Capitol.

“I would like to thank all of the law enforcement officers involved for their quick response,” said Secretary Johnson. “Special thanks to Capitol Security, DHS, DPS, the FBI, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. We are very grateful for their work and dedication to keeping our office safe.”

The Secretary of State’s Office appreciates the coordination among the agencies involved and their continued service to South Dakota.

From KELOland news, apparently, someone didn’t want to sign their ticket for FWI.. farming while intoxicated:

Republican state Sen. Mark Lapka refused to sign a complaint issued to him on Oct. 9 in McPherson County, a court document filed said.

The space where Lapka or the defendant is to sign was filled with the word “Refused.”

McPherson County Attorney Austin Hoffman said the signature portion is a way for a defendant to state they agree to attend the court appearance. The DUI charge requires a court appearance, Hoffman said.

Read the story here.

I’m sure this will be an interesting explanation.

Attorney General Jackley Issues Official Opinion Concerning Impact Of Federal Rescheduling of Marijuana on State Law

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has issued an official opinion stating that the federal rescheduling of marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance will not impact South Dakota’s Medical Marijuana program.

“Because federal law explicitly permits state medical-marijuana programs, South Dakota’s program may continue to operate as it has without impact from marijuana’s federal rescheduling to a Schedule III controlled substance,” wrote Attorney General Jackley.  “How the program functions in the future will be a policy determination at the discretion of the Legislature or the voters of South Dakota.”

State Sen. John Carley, who is vice chairman of the legislative Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee, had requested the official opinion.

Attorney General Jackley in his opinion stated that the federal DEA, in its reclassification of marijuana, also provided “an explicit pathway” in which participants in state medical-marijuana programs can register with the federal government and continue to operate.

Attorney General Jackley’s opinion can be read here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/OfficialOpinions/opinionhtml.aspx?id=1779#gsc.tab=0

The Dakota Scout offered a bit of hilarity in the US Senate Race, as they held Dem/Independent/Whatever US Senate candidate Brian Bengs’ feet to the fire for specifics about what he stands for…

Prior to the press conference, the National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a press release noting that Sanders and King still caucus with Senate Democrats. The NRSC, which has accused Bengs, Osborn and Bodnar of being “fake independents,” argues that they would not receive committee assignments, which would deprive their states of representation.

“The fake independent circus is fooling nobody,” said Bernadette Breslin, the NRSC’s national press secretary. “Bengs, Osborn, and Bodnar are Democrats who would caucus with Democrats and fight for the radical left’s agenda if elected to the U.S. Senate.”

and..

Asked if there were any Senate votes they would have broken with Democrats on and voted with Republicans, none could name a recent issue.

“I’m focused on the future here,” Bengs said.

Read that here.

So, Brian Bengs claims to be be an independent spirit… but is suddenly struck mute when asked where he would have broken from Chuck Schumer?

Fake news is a bit clichè at this point.   I think Fake Indy is more on target when it comes to Bengs.

*** Bonus Bengs Bungle ***

Has anyone pointed out to Brian Bengs that he has a problem with state and federal laws? In that he has no disclaimers on his signs?

I don’t see any “paid for by” here. Especially not in a box, as is required in federal elections. Oops..  Kind of a “no no” at state and federal levels.

12-27-15. Political communications to contain certain language–Exceptions–Violation as misdemeanor. Any printed material or communication made, purchased, paid for, or authorized by a candidate or political committee that disseminates information concerning a candidate, public office holder, ballot question, or political party shall prominently display or clearly speak the statement: “Paid for by (name of candidate or political committee).”

and from the Federal Elections Commission,

Remember that any public communication made by a political committee, including communications that do not expressly advocate the election or defeat of a candidate or solicit a contribution, must display the proper “paid for by” disclaimer. This includes (but is not limited to) billboards, yard signs and media advertising.

As you see Brian violating state disclaimer law violations, those may be reported to your local State’s Attorney. Instructions for reporting his signs’ federal violation to the Federal Elections Commission can be found here.

Attorney General Jackley Statement on Death Of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackleyissued this statement on the death of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank who died Monday:

“We mourn the loss of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank who sacrificed everything in the line of duty to keep us safe. Let us never forget her courage and the service of all of our law enforcement officers.  Deputy Frank and her family remain in our prayers.”

-30-

Law School and the Criminal Justice System: A Disconnect?
By Roger Baron

I graduated from law school 50 years ago. When I entered the practice of law as a naïve young lawyer, I found things weren’t as I expected.  The single most dramatic shortcoming I found in my legal education was availability and emphasis on criminal law in the curriculum. Although I needed 90 hours course credits to graduate law school, I was only required to take two courses involving Criminal Law – a 3 credit course in Criminal Law and a 3 credit course in Criminal Procedure.

As a practicing lawyer, I discovered that the vast majority of cases in the state courts were criminal cases.  In the county where I had a general practice in rural Missouri, the courthouse clerk kept active criminal files in a separate set of file cabinets than active civil files. There were about twice as many criminal file cabinets than civil file cabinets. Of course, in those days, all records and files were maintained in hard copy as paper products.  There were no electronic filing systems.

This imbalance between criminal and civil cases was not unique to Missouri, and is not unique to South Dakota. It is a national phenomenon. I saw it in the file cabinets.  We now see it in the statistics.

According to South Dakota’s Unified Judicial System (UJS),  for the fiscal year 2025, 68.9% of the cases filed in South Dakota State Court were criminal (139,510 of the total of 202,589).  In federal court in South Dakota for the same time period, 58% of all the cases filed were criminal (516 of the total of 890 cases).

In federal court in South Dakota in 2024, there were 42 jury trials held – and 38 of those were criminal.  This means slightly more than 90% of all jury trials in the District of South Dakota were criminal cases. (Comparable statistics for jury trials in FY 2025 are not available; the January 2026 federal newsletter reports 40 jury trials in FY 2025, but does not identify how many of those were criminal.)

At the University of South Dakota School of Law, only 6 of 90 required credit hours are devoted to Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure – identical to my experience in Missouri more than 50 years ago. When viewed in comparison with the statistic described above, this disparity is striking.  There are some criminal law-related elective courses, but many students do not take these courses.

I am not the first person to question role of criminal law in legal education.  More than 60 years ago Professor Harry Glassman asked, Why Don’t We Teach Criminal Law? Glassman observed “The strangest shortcoming in the average law school curriculum is the comparative neglect of criminal law,” which he described as an “orphan” in legal education. Paul Kurtz later conducted a nationwide empirical study of criminal-justice curricula, resulting in the suggestion that there should be an effort to explore how more of the curricula should be devoted to criminal law.

More recently, Professor Alice Ristroph questioned whether traditional criminal-law teaching adequately reflects the realities of the modern criminal justice system. She states that her mission consists of “dual aims to destabilize the current curricular model and to move toward something better.” She posits that this failure of the legal education system has contributed to the mass incarceration phenomenon that society faces today.

Even more recently and closer to home, USD Knudson School of Law  Professor Gregory Brazeal published a law review article in which he examines the gap between the traditional law-school curriculum and the actual operation of the American criminal justice system. Professor Brazeal argues that the current system tends to focus on appellate opinions and doctrinal problems, without paying adequate attention to the day-to-day realities of prosecutors, defense lawyers, judges, plea bargaining, and the criminal process.

Of course, counting cases is not the same as counting hours of judicial or attorney time. A single complicated civil lawsuit may require more work than a minor criminal matter. I do not suggest that criminal law should constitute 68.9% of the law-school curriculum at South Dakota’s only law school just because criminal cases constitute 68.9% of the case load in South Dakota. Rather, this disparity raises a legitimate question about whether present allocation of required legal education bears a reasonable relationship to the work lawyers and courts perform.

If criminal cases constitute nearly 70% of South Dakota’s state-court filings, more than half of its federal district-court filings, and more than 90% of its federal jury trials, is it reasonable that a law student  graduate with only six required credit hours of criminal-law education? Perhaps the answer is yes. But I believe the question deserves to be asked—and answered—not by tradition, but by looking honestly at the legal system which those students are preparing to enter.

The ultimate question is not whether criminal law should constitute 70% of a law-school curriculum. The question is whether 6.67% is enough.

Authorities: Harry P. Glassman, Why Don’t We Teach Criminal Law?, 14 J. Legal Educ. 170 (1961); Paul M. Kurtz, An Inventory of the Criminal Justice Curriculum of American Law Schools, 31 J. Legal Educ. 164 (1981); Alice Ristroph, The Curriculum of the Carceral State, 120 Colum. L. Rev. 1631 (2020); Gregory Brazeal, Justice Theater in the Criminal Law Curriculum, 45 Cardozo L. Rev. 2421 (2024).

Note: In regard to the preparation of this week’s column, the author would like to thank Professor Gregory Brazeal, Attorney Sarah Baron Houy and Claudia Baron for their assistance and input.

Anyone desiring to communicate with the Author, may do so by sending an e-mail to the author at rogermbaron@gmail.com .