South Dakota Politics

The Silence of the SD MSM

A few days ago, national political columnist Robert Novak wrote about the Tim Johnson situation and how experts didn't think Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin could win his Senate seat.  Also a few days ago, Congressional Quarterly reported on how Tim Johnson's signature was mysteriously showing up on documents and nobody seems to know how.   None of this was ever reported in South Dakota.  When will the silence end?   

Breaking: Wright Sentenced to Life in Prison

A jury has decided to spare Daphne Wright's life and sentenced her to life in prison for the murder of Darlene VanderGiesen.  Argus Leader excerpt:

Daphne Wright was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

After nine hours of deliberations, jurors announced their decision around 8:30 p.m. They were unanimous in opting to spare Wright from death by injection.

Wright wiped tears from her eyes, even as she turned toward her mother and smiled slightly.

Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Dave Nelson was then given permission to read a statement written by Dee VanderGiesen, the mother of slaying victim Darlene VanderGiesen:

“Daphne, there are no words to describe the hurt you have brought to our lives. The pain is deeper than anything we could ever describe. Yet we no longer feel the anger and vengeful thoughts that were first in our thoughts. The Lord has reached down in his grace and mercy … and brought us to a place where we can forgive you … "

The statement concluded with this final message to Wright:

"We want you to know that we pray for you every day asking that God may touch your heart, that you may come to know his love … ”

Had she been sentenced to death, she would have become the first woman on South Dakota's death row.

In closing arguments this morning, Nelson reminded jurors of the physical evidence that persuaded him to seek death: the victim’s burned upper body, the plastic bag over her head, cutting wounds on her feet and that she was found in four pieces.

The jury had to decide unanimously that Wright’s mind was depraved at the time of the crime before even considering whether death is appropriate.

Yours truly on South Dakota Public Radio

If you haven't already, be sure to listen to the feature on local blogs by South Dakota Public Radio's Kevin Vandenbroek, which includes an interview with yours truly. You can listen to the feature, entitled "Blogs...and South Dakota politics" by clicking HERE. The piece was broadcast last Monday.

SD Public Radio to air feature on Dakota blogs

Earlier this week, I announced that an interesting story was slated to emerge in South Dakota in the near future. Now, it can be revealed that South Dakota Public Radio has discovered the blogging phenomena that has swept the plains of this state, and has developed a feature on the subject that will air on Monday, July 26. It's slated to run at 7:32 AM and 5:32 PM. There will also be a promo that should air all weekend.

Be sure to listen in. It should be interesting. It's refreshing to know that some in the local mainstream media can fit blogs into their worldview.

A SD political journal in the works?

DVT says the word on the street is that a new South Dakota political publication is in the works. Keep an eye out for it in your local tavern or gas station.

South Dakota Public Broadcasting's Brian Bull has a report headlined "'Bundled' Contributions Aid Bush." The story mentions Tom Everist, a Bush Pioneer from Sioux Falls.