A party waits for Billie Sutton: South Dakota Democrats mull if former legislator will force a 22 rematch with Gov. Noem
If the former Democratic legislator and rodeo star sits out 2022, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert a West River rancher and Lakota citizen is an early favorite for S.D. Democrats to retake a governor s seat not held since 1978. Written By: Christopher Vondracek | ×
The gate to the Sutton family ranch in Gregory County on May 31, 2017 the day Billie Sutton, a Democratic legislator, announced his candidacy for governor. (Christopher Vondracek / Forum News Service)
YANKTON, S.D. Four years ago on the last day in May on a makeshift stage atop a bluff near Burke, S.D., overlooking the blue ribbon of Missouri River a photogenic podium in the heart of South Dakota rancher, banker, former rodeo star and Democratic state legislator Billie Sutton announced his candidacy for governor.
Pam (Merchant) Cole is apparently leaving her position as Executive Director at the South Dakota Democrat Party at the end of February, according to the Rapid City Journal:
“Pam’s efforts and passion for the party got us through a challenging time and put us on the right path going forward. I’m grateful for her dedication and wish her well in her future pursuits,” said Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert.
A South Dakota federal judge harshly criticized Gov. Kristi Noem and the state court systemâs response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an order that also strongly condemned a state judge and prosecutor for violating a defendantâs Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial.Â
South Dakota canât ââtake advantage of its own failures to follow scientific facts and safeguards in entering blanket denials of the rights of speedy trials,â Judge Charles Kornmann wrote in a Dec. 28 document.Â
Kornmann sided with Matthew Kurtenbach, a defendant who represented himself, over arguments written by lawyers for Brad Howell, the Codington County sheriff thatâs detaining Kurtenbach pre-trial.Â
Judge: South Dakota can t use COVID-19 to delay trial sfgate.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sfgate.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.