Good morning District 27. Today let’s do some exploration by following the money to see how my opponent has been bought and paid for by special interests from evaluating the campaign contributions from In-State Political Action Committees (PACs for short). The posted information comes from my opponent’s latest campaign finance report that was filed on Monday, October 21, 2024. (Source: https://sdcfr.sdsos.gov/Document.aspx?DocumentID=93398&type=doc).
You will see that the vast majority of her PAC funds are from East River with the top contributor coming from the “The Majority Project.” This PAC is a shell for the Incumbent State Senate Minority Leader Reynold Nesiba from District 15 in Sioux Falls. According to “The Majority Project” website, the main purpose of his PAC is “Electing and Supporting SD Senate Democrats.” The website (https://sd-majority-project.squarespace.com/), which is scant on substance, states, “The Majority Project is dedicated to identifying and supporting the next generation of South Dakotans who can expand our Democratic leadership in the State Senate.”
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Under SDCL 12-27-10.4, state law says an individual is limited to a $1000 campaign contribution for a Legislative or County Candidate; however, the dollar amount is unlimited under a PAC. Therefore, the local politicians play their shell game to hide the money via their own PAC, in this case, “The Majority Project” and then disperse $5000 of its own money out the back door in the form of a larger amount rather than limiting it to $1000. This is perfectly acceptable under the current campaign finance laws and demonstrates the lack of transparency within our political process. Consequently, this is why politicians are corrupt and have a low favorability rating amongst the public.
We also see a $2000 contribution made from the SD RPAC. What is this you may ask? This is the South Dakota Realtor’s PAC. Apparently, real estate agents across South Dakota have a vested interest in selling houses across Indian country. Who would have thought? It says on their website that they “support political candidates who share SDR’s concerns for protecting private property rights, the free enterprise system, and issues affecting the real estate industry.” I don’t know about you, but there hasn’t been a lot of development of new housing within the boundaries of the reservation post Covid-19 pandemic. Again, one must question the motive for sending the money to my opponent considering most developed housing are Governor’s homes or through HUD's Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) program and run by the local tribal housing authority and not sold by realtors.
Deadwood Tourism PAC sent $500 to my opponent. Can’t the Deadwood tourism industry thrive on its own without donating funds to the incumbent senator from District 27? Mind you, Deadwood is located in District 31 (Lawrence County), not in District 27. Perhaps this has to do with keeping the gambling close to the reservation, so it does not impact their tourism dollars. Just a thought.
You will also see similar campaign contributions made to my opponent from other PACs from East River including the SD Petroleum and Propane Marketers PAC, the SD Chiropractic PAC, the SD Trial Lawyers PAC, the South Dakota State Medical Association PAC, and the South Dakota Healthcare Association. Interestingly, no agriculture-related PACs support my opponent. I wonder why?
Next, you will see that she has received $220 in itemized direct contributions from individuals. This sum of small dollar amounts of $100 or less could be split between three to four or more individual donors and is considered chunk change when one looks at the big picture. It further explains that outside money is influencing this state senate race. It also confirms that there is minimal local support from the voters within District 27 to step up and finance my opponent's campaign. For full disclosure, I only received funds from one PAC for a total contribution of $150 (SD Soy PAC) during this pre-general election reporting cycle. The remaining individual campaign contributions came from family members or close friends who support my campaign.
So the question of the day is: Do you want someone to represent you who hasn’t been bought and paid for by special interests or a paid lobbyist, or do you prefer someone who has a grassroots campaign with YOUR interests at heart? I think I know who I would be voting for if I was in your shoes. Have a good day. God bless.
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