Rapid City became the second stop on a 12‑city “Get Out the Vote” bus tour organized by the campaigns of three Republican office‑seekers: Governor Larry Rhoden, who is running for re‑election; Sen. Mike Rounds, seeking a third term in the U.S. Senate; and former Attorney General Marty Jackley, the GOP nominee for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Dusty Johnson.
Unified front on the road
Speaking from the ballroom of the historic Hotel Alex Johnson, Rhoden explained that the joint tour was designed to show a united Republican front. “When it was brought to me the idea of us going on a bus tour, the three of us, together, it really had a lot of appeal, because I’m looking at this like the three people up here represent a team,” he said.
Voter concerns and Republican solutions
The candidates listened to attendees who voiced worries about the cost of living, fuel prices and the expense of doing business in South Dakota. Rhoden acknowledged that some of those costs are “out of our control,” but emphasized that property taxes are a lever the state can adjust. “What is in our control is some of the costs, like property taxes. For the last several years, that’s been huge on people’s radar,” he said.
Sen. Rounds turned the discussion to federal levers that could ease the burden on South Dakotans. He voiced support for a voluntary, nationwide shift to E‑15 gasoline, noting that such a move would boost corn prices for producers and could lower gasoline prices by as much as 30 cents per gallon.
Jackley focused on health‑care affordability, arguing that rising premiums and deductibles call for a return to free‑market principles. “Everybody in South Dakota has seen their premiums go up and their deductibles go up. It’s an opportunity, again, to get back to the free market, and government hasn’t done a good job with health care,” he said.
Opponents on the ballot
Each Republican faces a Democratic challenger in the November 3 general election. Former state lawmaker and current South Dakota Democratic Party executive director Dan Ahlers is running against Rhoden for governor. Independent Senate candidate Brian Bengs, a retired Navy lieutenant colonel, is challenging Rounds. And Nikki Gronli, a former state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, is the Democratic opponent for Jackley’s House race.
Tour continues and voting details
The bus will travel to Pierre, Mitchell and Sioux Falls before concluding on Thursday, Oct. 29. Organizers said the public and media are welcome at each stop. Voters are reminded that South Dakota polls open on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. An acceptable photo ID—such as a driver’s license, nondriver ID, qualifying government or tribal ID, or eligible school ID—is required. Those without an acceptable ID may sign a personal identification affidavit to cast a regular ballot, and absentee voters are encouraged to verify their ballot status and allow sufficient time for return.
Why the tour matters
With the election only weeks away, the joint tour underscores the Republican Party’s effort to mobilize its base and present a cohesive message on tax relief, energy policy and health‑care reform. By meeting voters face‑to‑face in Rapid City, the candidates hope to translate local concerns into statewide support as South Dakota heads to the polls.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
