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Madville Times Poll: Do You Believe Jackley on Benda?

Vote now in the latest Madville Times poll, which asks two key questions to gauge public confidence in the state's top law enforcement official:

  1. Do you believe Attorney General Marty Jackley's conclusion that Richard Benda committed suicide?
  2. Do you believe Attorney General Marty Jackley's conclusion that Richard Benda acted alone in mishandling state economic development funds?

I opened these polls Saturday; the questions will remain open through breakfast time Tuesday (tomorrow!), when we'll parse the answers. And I promise, I won't be deleting responses that don't affirm my prejudices. Vote now, and tell your friends!

167 Comments

  1. Disgusted Dakotan 2013.11.25

    Powers deleted a post by someone that pointed out Rounds had candidates on the "do not support list" in the elections several years ago. One that was on the list was Jenna Hagger's boyfriend Isaac Latterell. Lets not forget Daugaard's support of cronies in last years election.

    Powers is a real piece of.... work. He puts up a poll with intentional loop holes and constructed to be biased, then whines when the tables were turned on him! He gives Republicans across SD a bad name.

    The big question, will Powers be running a store out of Rounds' US Senate office when he buys the election, and will Daugaard give him EB5 monies to set it up?

  2. Loren 2013.11.25

    I pretty much don't believe much of what Jackley says, but I do have to think the DCI gave a good effort in the investigation. Suicide? I can go along with that. Benda acting alone is a far stretch. Rounds didn't know? Dudley Dogood, his Lt and hand picked successor didn't know anything? No oversight? Too convenient to blame it on the gent who can't make it to the party!

  3. interested party 2013.11.25

    PP uses software that alters or hides his ip address, fills his questionnaire with votes and comment section with sock puppets then lies about it: Grifters On Propofol.

  4. DB 2013.11.25

    I fully believe Benda committed suicide or it was an accident. I lean more towards suicide because they have reasons for that conclusion which we may not know. It is turning out to be that he had a lot of reasons to kill himself. If you want to do it to save face with friends and family, and not forfeit a life insurance policy, do it on pheasant opener and make it appear as an accident. A shotgun blast to the abdomen at close range is likely to knock you out. It's not like he would have laid in agony for days until he died from septic shock. A 2 inch hole anywhere in your body is going to kill you very quickly. When it comes to the blood, I've seen much worse in person and didn't initially find blood. I don't find that odd at all. Plus, blood after a couple days would blend in very well to the outdoors whether it is a field or tree belt. Also, forensics would be able to tell us a lot based on powder burns and other chemicals and their locations. Whether you pull the trigger with your finger, toe, or someone else, the powder placement will tell you everything. I haven't heard anything concrete to support any of the conspiracy theorists and his close friends sure are trying to make him out to be a victim. Benda knew what he was doing. This isn't politics out to get him.

    Did he act alone? Of course not. I fully believe Bollen was in on this since he went to work for him, but whether or not anyone else was is up in the air for me. Bollen saw what other states were doing and knew this was his chance to get out of NSU and make some cash. I don't really have a problem with that as long as the fees were inline with other state's programs. The problem comes when Benda redirected money to himself prior to leaving office. Whether Rounds was aware of that is probably under investigation but I highly doubt he was aware considering it didn't benefit him at all and it would look highly corrupt. Rich people don't risk everything to gain a little. It just isn't worth their time.

    Now, is Rounds culpable in all of this? I guess that all depends on what he knew and when. Signing those last checks prior to leaving office wasn't necessarily wrong at the time. They were pot committed at that point. As for the wrongdoing on Benda's part, Rounds may sign a lot of checks for his directors, but he isn't the one following through on the money. They have to put a lot of faith in those directors and all it takes is one rogue one to make things bad for everyone. I'll have to wait to see what the federal investigation turns up. You can complain about sticking money into a failing business, but hindsight is 20/20. They aren't going to let something fail because of a few pennies when they have already pumped in a ton of dollars.

  5. interested party 2013.11.25

    too big to bail</strike bail jail.

  6. PlanningStudent 2013.11.25

    Correct me if I'm wrong. The State granted 1 million to NBP, NBP misdirected those funds to SDRC. That's what the report says on the top of page 2. Neither the state nor SDRC did anything wrong here. NBP is one who misdirected funds. Benda worked for the State and SDRC not NBP. The State doesn't have the resources to monitor how grants funds are being spent in live time. They audit how they are spent after the fact the same way the Feds do. I don't see why people are trying to tie this misdirection of funds to Benda, Rounds, the State, or SDRC...

  7. Disgusted Dakotan 2013.11.25

    @Planning Student It seems you are projecting such establishment desired disinformation? Previously, there was about $20 K worth of monies that were improperly handled in the SD Dept of Ag, nobody went to jail. So you are telling us that a long time Rounds establishment crony is going to off himself by shooting himself in the stomach, one of the worst ways to die, over a double billed travel claim that he would have first had the opportunity to pay back and say "oops, sorry, big mistake?!" When he had a beautiful fiancé waiting for him in the Philippines and where he could have easily disappeared to and lived out his days in comfort on a small amount of money?

    None of this passes the smell test. Rounds pudgy little hand signed off on the money, as he was leaving office with a $127 Million deficit..

  8. Amy 2013.11.25

    When Benda's time at his state post was up, yes ---- he went to work at NBP.

  9. DB 2013.11.25

    Amy, he went to SDRC, not NBP.

  10. Jim 2013.11.25

    My guess is Marty's statement is not so much inaccurate as it is incomplete. There remain more questions than answers, and the people with the answers are in no hurry to share information. I wonder as to how much Bollen and benda were paid over the years in compensation, fees travel in the like. I think the GOED has no idea.

  11. Amy 2013.11.25

    Ok. Well, I'm in Aberdeen and can see NBP from my house. It was a known fact that he was working there. So maybe that's yet another odd coverup of some kind.

  12. DB 2013.11.25

    Ok Palin, I don't doubt he worked there on behalf of SDRC, but I highly doubt he was on NBP's payroll. There is a difference.

  13. Amy 2013.11.25

    Palin? Wow. I don't see how that was deserved. Thanks for that. And this is why I typically stay out of comments on this blog.

  14. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Yeah, because if you create a fake paper trail of nonsense it changes the truth. He was in the same building.. but he wasn't working there.

  15. DB 2013.11.25

    Well, I think every Democrat on this blog would agree with me on that comment and they don't really like my positions. I haven't seen your hearsay backed up by Cory and his blog or any journalist in the state of SD. In fact, they explicitly state he left the state position for the SDRC.

  16. DB 2013.11.25

    "He was in the same building.. but he wasn't working there."

    He was probably in a lot of the building that the EB-5 program supported. Does this mean he also worked for the casino and the dairy?...until you can come up with something concrete, you are just speculating based on hearsay.

  17. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Calling you Palin demonstrates his thinking pattern. It shows that he doesn't like Sarah Palin, putting him at odds with most Republicans. He also thinks women are all empty-headed nannering twits since he thinks we all go to the hair salon to gossip. Some of us just go there because we have to get our hair cut, and suffer through all the prying impertinent questions.

  18. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    She said she lives across the street from NBP. Why should we take your word over hers. Everything you say screams desperate cover up.

  19. Amy 2013.11.25

    I can turn my head from where I am standing at the moment and see the entire plant out my back window. Not to mention - the only reason I live in this particular location was that we moved here after being hired by Hellwig for management positions at the plant when the construction first began, and both my husband & I were fired by David Palmer with no reason. Hindsight is a lovely thing sometimes; thank goodness we were not around for everything that's happened. Followed by years of all of this "questionable activity" (diplomatic enough?) occurring. So regardless of your opinions, you should be able to understand that I have a heightened interest in all of this and certainly want to see truth come out in all aspects. Most people, regardless of political party, only whip out "Palin" as an insult.

  20. DB 2013.11.25

    No Bree, just you and a few others. This has nothing to do with sex, simply stupid comments.

    "Why should we take your word over hers. Everything you say screams desperate cover up."

    I haven't tried to cover up anything. I just base my positions on known facts. You can believe what Cory and the media have brought to light based on documents and facts they have uncovered, or you can base it on what you heard on the street. No skin off my back.

  21. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I don't think that's true Amy. Most Democrats might not like Sarah Palin, but I think most Republicans do. Certainly I haven't met a Republican ever previous to this who considered "Palin" to be an insult. That's quite telling. Now I don't think Palin should run for anything and her poster isn't up on my wall, but the idea of "Palin" as an insult is ludicrous to me. DB should probably turn off Martin Bashir. Leftist hate for Palin is illogical to me. You don't have to love the woman.. but to consider "Palin" to be an insult is indicative of a progressive mindset.

  22. Amy 2013.11.25

    It's so odd that you find it "stupid" that I made a point of reference to my proximity in an effort to explain my interest in this. Well - I'll give you one thing, it is absolutely stupid that I'm still living here.

  23. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Ah, so its only conservative Republican women you think spend all their time at the hair salon gushing about Sarah Palin. Doesn't really explain your comment to Jana.

  24. DB 2013.11.25

    Amy, until you can come up with concrete evidence, I will not believe your hearsay. I'm sure Cory would love to see that as well. If you aren't willing to go on the stand to say Benda was receiving payments from NBP and was employed with them, then I wouldn't repeat it.

  25. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    She said she used to work their, lives across the street from the place, and knows Benda was at that physical location day after day working their. You're saying Rounds-appointee says the paperwork doesn't say "NBP" therefore he wasn't there.

    And I didn't see her say she thought he got the money from NBP, although that seems possible. Personally, I speculate that the $550,000 went to payback an eb5 investor, at Benda's request (per Rounds saying he demanded the money to the press).

  26. DB 2013.11.25

    "Leftist hate for Palin is illogical to me. You don't have to love the woman.. but to consider "Palin" to be an insult is indicative of a progressive mindset."

    It's not the hate for Palin, it's the hate for her stupidity and big mouth. Anyone who says they have foreign policy skills because they can see Russia from their backyard is a complete idiot. Apparently, Amy has more connections than that and if she had stated my husband contracted for them and we saw some shady things, I wouldn't have said it. It wasn't until she tried to inspire confidence in her comments based on her geographical location that got me to make the comment.

  27. Amy 2013.11.25

    My mistake - I thought this was an open forum. I really don't feel I've said anything out of line. I've read so much nonsense in the comments of this blog for weeks, but I guess it's fine for everyone else to speak freely. Thanks for this tips, DB. Have a great day.

  28. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    *there (do that all the time sorry)

  29. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Don't leave Amy. Everybody isn't going to agree, don't stop giving your opinions. Cory is a strong supporter of freedom of speech. After all he lets conservatives like me post here. I believe you, even if DB doesn't. I see no reason for you to make that up - what does it benefit you to do so? On the other side of the equation, there are plenty of people supporting Rounds who would benefit from a cover up.

  30. DB 2013.11.25

    "Ah, so its only conservative Republican women you think spend all their time at the hair salon gushing about Sarah Palin. Doesn't really explain your comment to Jana."

    No, I just think hair salons are gossip houses for women, much like part stores are for men. I only base my ideas on what I have seen and experienced first hand. It isn't that much different for a man's barber, they tend to know a lot. I know you want to portray me as being sexist, but as i said before, I am an equal opportunity profiler. My comment on Amy's has nothing to do with sex. It strictly had to do with how she portrayed her credibility.

  31. DB 2013.11.25

    "I see no reason for you to make that up - what does it benefit you to do so?"

    I see no reason for her to make that up, I just question how she came to that conclusion. Her initial comments didn't inspire as much confidence as her ones that followed, but working as a contractor most of my life, you rarely know the inner workings or the finances of your client.

  32. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    You are saying there is still some traditional division among the activity of the sexes, which is true and I don't have a problem with a recognition of reality or the fact that most men don't want to sit around with curlers in their hair, and most women don't want to get covered in grease or change their own oil. However - there is something in what you are saying that you don't realize.

    By stating that "women gossip at hair salons" you are saying they sit around on their butts yammering while someone else makes them pretty. While they are at the hair salon they accomplish nothing but personal attractiveness, contributing nothing to society, not working - just taking up space. When you state "men gossip at parts stores" the implication is that they are in the process of doing something useful. They are either working, say as a mechanic, or they are accomplishing something useful by doing something for themselves that they don't have to pay someone else to do. They contribute to the society and economy, they work.

    Your basic statement is this "Women sit around and look pretty, Men work. Oh, and they both socialize."

  33. Amy 2013.11.25

    DB's rudeness aside, my husband nor myself were contractors. We were NBP employees hired for the planning and eventual management. At the time, it made so sense to us why we were let go by Palmer. However, it has made a lot more sense since then. I'm not sure if being an actual NBP employee in the baby stages of the company gains me any credibility points or not, but I can assure you - I don't care. Your dismissal of other people is remarkable, but it's my fault for feeding into it again.

  34. Amy 2013.11.25

    *no sense. Begging your pardon for the typo.

  35. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Something else that can be inferred - Attractive women can't be useful in society, their purpose in life is to become smiling arm candy. A rather typical view among liberal feminists, and in my opinion underlies the hatred for Palin, who is quite an attractive woman and still looks great for her age. Some feminists would like to believe that because she is attractive she must also be useless and stupid. And it seems liberal men like Bashir are perfectly willing to buy into and support that warped view.

  36. DB 2013.11.25

    "By stating that "women gossip at hair salons" you are saying they sit around on their butts yammering while someone else makes them pretty. While they are at the hair salon they accomplish nothing but personal attractiveness, contributing nothing to society, not working - just taking up space. When you state "men gossip at parts stores" the implication is that they are in the process of doing something useful. They are either working, say as a mechanic, or they are accomplishing something useful by doing something for themselves that they don't have to pay someone else to do. They contribute to the society and economy, they work."

    Um....now that is a stretch but i guess if that is how you perceive it I can't argue with your opinion. However, I intended to make no implication based on the location, simply based on an aligned interest in where each tend to gather and gossip. And most of the guys in the parts stores were there every morning sitting at the table setup for guys to sit and drink coffee. They weren't accomplishing anything, let alone standing around watching their vehicles being worked on. My basic statement was, Men congregate at parts stores and gossip, women congregate at hair/nail salons and gossip, both sit at church and gossip. I think you are digging to find a way to be offended.

  37. Dave 2013.11.25

    DB, I'm guessing that Amy, since she and her husband both once worked at NBP, knows a lot more about what went on there than you, and I'd certainly hope she would share that knowledge with the rest of us as we try to understand this big mess our state finds itself in. Amy, all I know of DB are the comments he makes here, which, at the moment at least, are worth ignoring.

  38. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    So who do you think is smarter DB - you or Sarah Palin? I have formed my opinion on the matter, based on the evidence at hand.

  39. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Now DB that you have used leftist propaganda to support your claim that Sarah Palin is stupid and "has a big mouth" (most likely developed by all her time spent at the hair salon I'm sure), and that leftist propaganda has been revealed to be untrue - what's the real reason you think Sarah Palin is stupid.

  40. DB 2013.11.25

    Bree, because claiming you have insights into another country based on your location is any different? Seriously?

  41. DB 2013.11.25

    Dave, why isn't she talking to investigators about this? Why has this not been found out by others? I have no problem with her comments, but I need more proof than what someone has heard. Ignore me for all I care, I'll gladly be considered the bad guy for expecting something more concrete.

  42. DB 2013.11.25

    "So who do you think is smarter DB - you or Sarah Palin? I have formed my opinion on the matter, based on the evidence at hand."

    Good for you Bree. I really don't care. What this has to do with the topic, I really don't know. I now know what everyone else on this site feels like arguing with you.

  43. DB 2013.11.25

    "Now DB that you have used leftist propaganda to support your claim that Sarah Palin is stupid and "has a big mouth" (most likely developed by all her time spent at the hair salon I'm sure), and that leftist propaganda has been revealed to be untrue - what's the real reason you think Sarah Palin is stupid."

    That was one of the many things that makes me feel she is stupid. A few others would be abandoning her office and her ability to downplay slavery. I'm guessing you could find many posts from Cory on the topic outlining her "word class idiot" label. I think she fits it quite well. Now, can we let it go and get back to Benda?

  44. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I recently saw an enlightening post by Obama on Twitchy (a site I'm sure you've never been on).

    On the 28th of September @BarackObama had this to say:
    "Magnets are cool."

    Just some staffer? Well how about these enlightening quotes as comparison from Sarah Palin's running mate:

    John McCain:

    "I was looking at the Sturgis schedule, and noticed that you had a beauty pageant, so I encouraged Cindy to compete. I told her [that] with a little luck, she could be the only woman to serve as both the First Lady and Miss Buffalo Chip."
    --on the annual Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant, which features topless (and occasionally bottomless) contestants, Sturgis, South Dakota, Aug. 4, 2008

    "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should. I've got Greenspan's book."
    --as quoted in the Boston Globe, Dec. 17, 2007

    "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you c*nt."
    --to his wife, Cindy, after she playfully twirled his hair and said "You're getting a little thin up there," as reported in the book The Real McCain by Cliff Schecter

    Of course, that last quote is hearsay. I could also come up with some real winners for Obama, Biden, Pelosi - you name it.

    Now here is what Sarah Palin actually said:

    The basis for this line comes from a September 2008 interview with ABC News's Charles Gibson, who asked Palin what insights she had from her state being so close to Russia. She responded: "They're our next-door neighbors, and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska, from an island in Alaska."
    (from web link above)

    Now it's certainly not evidence of foreign policy knowledge. But while its not the best answer, its also not evidence that she should be reviled as stupid with a big mouth.

    So fess up, DB. Would Sarah Palin better serve her country sitting in a hair salon somewhere yammering uselessly about domestic topics and pointless gossip with some equally useless stylist, making herself look pretty so she can hang attractively on the arm some useful, powerful man?

    I repeat:

    What's the real reason you think Sarah Palin is stupid.

  45. DB 2013.11.25

    "Would Sarah Palin better serve her country sitting in a hair salon somewhere yammering uselessly about domestic topics and pointless gossip with some equally useless stylist, making herself look pretty so she can hang attractively on the arm some useful, powerful man?"

    Yes

  46. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    That's right DB, everyone should abandon Sarah Palin for daring to compare Debt to Slavery. Never mind the fact that Occupy Wall Street people carried signs that said "DEBT = SLAVERY." I bet you don't think Martin Bashir should even be suspended for suggesting someone should defecate in Sarah Palin's mouth.

  47. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Thank you DB for finally admitting that you are a sexist.

  48. DB 2013.11.25

    Sarah Palin is better off anywhere that doesn't involve being a leader, whether that is a pretty placeholder for some dude or homeless on the street.

  49. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    Liberals don't hate Sarah Palin, she provides us with entertainment. The Republican gift that keeps on giving!

  50. DB 2013.11.25

    "Thank you DB for finally admitting that you are a sexist."

    No Bree, I'm just anti-stupid, which begs me to question why I am even talking to someone who thinks Palin is smart or even a good leader.

  51. DB 2013.11.25

    Roger, are you implying she is a women and provides entertainment like a stripper? Bree is going to have your head for that comment. Just think of all things she could infer from that.

  52. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I'm not at all surprised that you support Mike Rounds, and defend Benda - from testimony from women an abusive, gambling, womanizer. Not at all surprised DB.

  53. DB 2013.11.25

    and roger, that was meant for hilarity purposes only. I, in no way, think your comment was suggesting that.

  54. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Don't deflect to Roger, DB. He's not the one defending and supporting Mike Rounds for Senate - and then calling Sarah Palin useless and stupid.

  55. DB 2013.11.25

    "I'm not at all surprised that you support Mike Rounds, and defend Benda - from testimony from women an abusive, gambling, womanizer. Not at all surprised DB."

    I'm not defending Benda at all....I'm defending logic and reason. If a court won't accept it, neither will I.

  56. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I wonder what you think about Kristi Noem, DB. Is she also useless and stupid, better off as arm candy, since she's attractive?

  57. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I wonder how many of Mike Rounds avid supporters are just fake Republican sexists that can't stand the existence of attractive women in politics.

  58. DB 2013.11.25

    I'm sorry Bree that it upsets you that I don't toe the republican line. My requests for evidence will only be supported by the judges covering this case. I don't need to deflect to Roger, you are doing just fine with that on your own.

  59. DB 2013.11.25

    "I wonder what you think about Kristi Noem, DB. Is she also useless and stupid, better off as arm candy, since she's attractive?"

    Originally, I had high hopes....and now I move her towards the "world class idiot" category as well. If it makes you feel better to think the hate stems from her looks and not her actions, I'll concede so you can sleep a little better at night.

  60. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I'm sure you have logical, valid reasons for thinking Kristi Noem is a "world class idiot." Incredibly valid, intelligent male reasons.

    I'm sure none of it is based on leftist propaganda.

  61. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Calling Republican women stupid, useless, world class idiots = not "toe [ing] the republican line."

    Um, ok. Agreed. LOL

  62. DB 2013.11.25

    Yep, all intelligent male reasons because I can't criticize a female without having sexist motives. /s It really does amaze me how you can come up with this complete horse poop.

  63. PlanningStudent 2013.11.25

    HoLy MoLy... Amy, DB and Bree ran away with this one... Back to one simple but very important point. Benda did NOT work for NBP, who is the one who misdirected the grant money. Disgusted Dakotan doesn't seem to care about that fact, he / she just throws even more crap at the wall hoping for it to stick. Disgusted Dakotan, your previous rant about the DWC, honestly, you stole that from the Good Wife plot last night didn't you...

  64. DB 2013.11.25

    "Calling Republican women stupid, useless, world class idiots = not "toe [ing] the republican line.""

    Who called republican women stupid? Don't expand my criticism to encompass all women when it is only directed at a couple. You really know how to try to be a victim.

  65. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Joop Bollen sure got himself a pretty piece of arm candy, don't you think DB? I bet she's useless too. She is after all, female.

  66. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Name one attractive, powerful Republican woman in politics that you don't think is stupid. Name one.

  67. interested party 2013.11.25

    South DaCola is right: Mike Rounds is incompetent, stupid, a crook or all three.

  68. Sid 2013.11.25

    One thought that everyone I hope will remember is that the sharing of information and opinions here is not a courtroom. A trial is an adversary proceeding, not a search for truth-the rules of evidence would not read as they do if it were. It is merely a search for the rendering of justice.
    However, the sharing of ideas and opinions, as well as the pooling of knowledge, on a site such as this or in any public forum, IS a search for truth and such truth can only be found by giving each an opportunity to express their knwoledge and thoughts freely. By doing so, foolish or repugnant thoughts and lies are easily relegated to the trash bin. If one must premise their argument upon ridicule of those who either disagree with certain ideas or might be incorrect regarding some fact, then such argument becomes the defense of the foolish and ignorant.

  69. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    DB, Hopefully Bree doesn't read a sexist attitude into my comment, it can well said about a number male politicians as well.
    I don't like Palins politics anymore than I like Kristi's.

    What is stupid, is calling politicians "useless and stupid" when you disagree with their political positions. It may be easy to refer to simple hateful adjectives, but does not lend credibility or validity to your comments.

    Amy, don't digress. School yard name calling is a reflection of intellectual limitations of a commentator and not on you. Consider the source.

    Your comments and opinions are of great value for you have seen so much of this scandal first hand.

    What DB is doing is living in a world of denial of what will eventually be Mike Rounds own undoing of his political career. As we find out more everyday about GOED/EB-5 and Daugaard's scandal it will raise more questions, Questions that no one involved with this mess want to answer.

    They'll continue to blame the "dead guy".

  70. interested party 2013.11.25

    Bree @15:58: you stumped me just by asking the name of one attractive female from your earth hater party. Condi Rice might be the only one.

  71. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I didn't sense anything in your comment particularly sexist, Roger.

  72. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I roll my eyes at you Larry. They might fall out of my head.

  73. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Also, I don't want to give the impression that this is a problem only for Republican women in politics. I have read all kinds of vile comments aimed at Pelosi. That is also unacceptable.

  74. interested party 2013.11.25

    Lisa Murkowski, maybe.

  75. interested party 2013.11.25

    My lifelong Republican now-deceased father used to say that Kristi Noem was "dead from the ass both ways."

  76. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.25

    I'm inclined to give Amy some credence because she worked there. I have worked for a pretty slimy bunch a time or two. Even though they were corrupt, I would not join a legal claim against them. They seemed too powerful and I felt too afraid.

    Not good reasons, but I was a young woman at the time and I was worried about what might happen to my future job prospects.

    There are many valid reasons to stay uninvolved directly in some legal altercations. Those reasons may not seem good enough, except to others in that or similar circumstances.

    Amy, did Benda show up at NBP every day, or irregularly? Could he have been working for SDRC and came to NBP for some related purpose? I certainly don't know, but I wonder about this possibility. Can you think of other reasons Benda may have gone to NBP while working for SDRC? I'm wondering if there was a nefarious purpose served by Benda being seen at NBP.

    Curiouser and curiouser.

  77. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Still haven't gotten a response from DB on just ONE attractive, powerful Republican woman he thinks is smart. Interesting.

  78. DB 2013.11.25

    "Still haven't gotten a response from DB on just ONE attractive, powerful Republican woman he thinks is smart. Interesting."

    Yeah b/c I have work to do and when I waste time on here, i end up making it up. Palin and Noem are proven idiots. Get over it. It has nothing to do with the fact they are women.

  79. DB 2013.11.25

    "Also, I don't want to give the impression that this is a problem only for Republican women in politics."

    The fact you think it is problem worth talking about reminds me of all the Christians who think everyone is out to get them. You have a persecution complex. Deal with it.

  80. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    "When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser". - Socrates

    The easiest and more realistic answer to this sexist discussion is that both parties share an equal amount of incompetent politicians wheter they be male or female, there is no debating that.

    What is disturbing is that in this year of 2013 sexist discussions still take place.

    You should be asking yourselves given that so many agree the country is a wreck and going down the tubes, who has been in charge for 200 plus years? It wasn't the Republican Party or the Democratic Party, it was men.

  81. DB 2013.11.25

    "I wonder how many of Mike Rounds avid supporters are just fake Republican sexists that can't stand the existence of attractive women in politics."

    Right here folks is the entire problem with the Republican party. The second someone disagrees with a candidate or stance, they are immediately a fake. They expect everyone to be the same and there are no concessions. This is the exact reason why they drive so many young people away. They are a dieing breed and I can only hope the moderates from both parties can create something new, something void of the Brees on the left or right.

  82. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Come on DB. Just answer my request. Stop deflecting. I am asking you to name ONE attractive, powerful Republican female in politics. This shouldn't be that hard.

  83. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Sorry, forgot the clarification - that you don't think is a "world class idiot."

  84. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Right, I have Christian woman persecution complex. LOL

  85. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I am calling you a "fake Republican" because you used leftist propaganda lies to smear Sarah Palin, a prominent Republican activist, then bought into Martin Bashir's line that she's a "world class idiot" because she compared debt to slavery, then proceeded to call Kristi Noem, our Republican Congresswoman, another "world class idiot" (with no evidence given for your enlightened opinion)... and are a supporter of Mike Rounds.

  86. DB 2013.11.25

    Bree, I only know the main figures in politics and our local leaders. I haven't sat down and gauged the looks of all Republican women. In fact, I have never insulted Palin or Noem based on their looks. Their records speak for themselves. You can continue to try making this out to be about their looks, but it never has been. It only has been in your mind to somehow rationalize how someone could dislike your saviors. You aren't going to prove anything by getting me to name or not name someone. I'm not playing your games that make absolutely no sense.

  87. DB 2013.11.25

    Bree, what has Kristi accomplished. Also, what didn't Palin finish. Nuff Said.

  88. interested party 2013.11.25

    Mary Fallin has a little power: she's not unattractive. Susan Collins used to be attractive.

  89. interested party 2013.11.25

    Niki Haley is out to lunch, so is Kelly Ayotte.

  90. interested party 2013.11.25

    Susana Martinez: 'dumpy' would be too kind.

  91. interested party 2013.11.25

    Mary Bono Mack commutes to Congress from one of the moons of Uranus.

  92. interested party 2013.11.25

    on a broom.

  93. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Hey Larry what did you think about that move where the Establishment Republicans got Susan Collins to try to broker a deal on the shutdown - and Harry Reid flat out refused it. I thought that was pretty slick myself.

  94. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.25

    Hey Larry, I think old, wrinkly women are incredibly attractive and exciting. No, I'm not starting an argument about attractiveness v. age. They are not opposites. The more one is around old ladies, the cooler they get. So, Susan Collins IS attractive.

    That's all, my 2¢.

  95. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Sigh. Okay DB. Name ANY powerful Republican female in politics that you think is smart and a good leader. Looks not part of the equation.

  96. interested party 2013.11.25

    Deb: i'd have a glass of wine with Susan Collins in a New York minute.

  97. DB 2013.11.25

    Your premise for asking that question is empty so I will not engage in your attempt to prove such a false accusation. None the less, I'm not up to speed enough on other Republican women to fairly rate their competence and I feel it would be dishonest of me to go on a whim or what I just happened to read for the brief moment. Palin's and Noem's records speak for themselves.

  98. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    You repeated leftist untrue nonsense about Sarah Palin and yet you consider yourself "up to speed" enough on her "record" to render an opinion that she is a world class idiot, and yet you can't name a single powerful Republican woman in politics that you think is smart because it would be dishonest of you "to go on a whim or what I just happened to read for a brief moment."

    Okay then.

  99. owen reitzel 2013.11.25

    Bree here's a person, Palin, who said Christ celebrated Easter. Man or woman stupid is stupid.

  100. DB 2013.11.25

    How did Sarah Palin leave office?.....oh she abandoned it...that's right.

    I just picked out the easiest and most likely thing people can relate to. You should be happy I picked something so simple, rather than delve into everything that is wrong with her... Bree, you have taken trolling to entirely new level. I bet even Larry is shaking his head at this nonsense.

  101. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    *hear (there I go again)

  102. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Still trashing Sarah Palin, DB? You said you couldn't name an attractive, powerful Republican woman because you have work to do and can't waste time on here. But here you are - still repeating all your ignorant reasons for disliking Palin.

  103. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Ugh. An attractive, smart, powerful Republican woman. Starting to sound like you DB leaving out the "smart" part.

  104. interested party 2013.11.25

    jes pushing madville's click count toward two million, deebee.

  105. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    In your efforts to defend your poster boy Rounds from any speculation, you were rude to first Jana, and then Amy, DB. You have said Sarah Palin is a stupid useless world class idiot. You called Amy "Palin." Which means you were insulting her because she disagreed with you. Silly woman, doesn't know her place.

  106. DB 2013.11.25

    "because you have work to do and can't waste time on here. But here you are - still repeating all your ignorant reasons for disliking Palin."

    It was in response to my brief absence earlier. I'm starting to understand why you can't comprehend what I am saying if you can't even get that straight.

  107. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I know, DB. I'm dumb. I am after all a conservative Republican woman.

  108. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.11.25

    Boy, you guys really went at it while I was out!

    DB, thank you for the thoughtful explanation of your position at the top. Let me simply respond that Rounds didn't add mere pennies at the last minute; he added $2.36 million. I'd like to think such sums remain significant in the scheme of the state budget.

    I will also note with respect to your opening comment that Rounds had the benefit of well over two years of hindsight, delay after delay, crazy financing schemes, etc. that might have informed him then that the project was overreaching. It wouldn't take the experience of 2013 or even the delusions of a rabid anti-Rounds partisan for a business person to look at the experience up to Dec. 2010 and say, "Let's stop throwing good money after bad in NBP."

  109. grudznick 2013.11.25

    Deb: i'd have a breakfast with Dr. Bos in a New York minute.

  110. Les 2013.11.25

    I'm not sure there is anyone that has had breakfast with you Grud? Any names? Doesn't have to be smart, female, conservative doc or a Newland or Flemming.
    .

  111. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.25

    Larry:"i'd have a glass of wine with Susan Collins in a New York minute."
    So would I!

    Grud:"i'd have a breakfast with Dr. Bos in a New York minute."
    So would I!
    I'm curious, why Bosworth?

  112. lora 2013.11.25

    Paged through a lot of dribble here...why isn't any one asking questions as to why SD paid NBP $1 million? Doesn't it bother anyone that the same names come up as players in the GOED game? They play the NBP shell game...they play the Deadwood casino building while private people only wish they could get that kind of money...they play the TIF game in Sioux Falls with only one of their favorite contractors.... they play the failed dairies...they play the failed wind industry...they play the turkey industry where workers go back and forth to Mexico and re-apply with a different SS# and a different name.
    The same names also start a BANK to lend money...but they really aren't a bank so the SD Government has to deem them so in order to lend money that no one else will to NBP.
    $100 MILLION or more has come through receiving companies that were started up under nefarious conditions...Joop's LPs...where the Chinese (or other EB-5 rich hopefuls) are the Limited partners and the General partner (the guy who has the most to lose in an investment gone wrong) is not Joop...but a LLC that he erected ONLY to be the General Partners . So Joop isn't liable for anything...his LLC is. BUT...so clever....LLC can't be liable unless the corporate veil is broken. And it almost was when the Chinese sued NBP and Joop's LP. Oh...but alas the law suit was dropped and the Chinese said that losing $35 million was no big deal after all. Note...Morrells was sold to the Chinese a few month later for half the appraised value...any connection?
    Would be nice if someone would address this....maybe it's over most people's head and the GOED players will all go free to lose more money for SD...will keep selling SD to the Chinese and will keeping hiring illegal immigrant to take our SD AG jobs. Come on blogger commentators...get some juicy stuff out there and leave boring Sara Palin alone.

  113. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    You mean successful, national political star Sarah Palin, right Lora?

  114. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Bosworth is the fake prop pretending to be the smart, attractive, conservative Republican woman. All that ever comes out of Grudz mouth is how pretty she is. Oh she's so pretty. The fact that she's a lying nutcase is just amusing to them because they like the fact that her "medicine show" makes fun of smart, attractive, conservative Republican women. Are we surprised that they support Mike Rounds?

  115. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Sorry - "them" is PP and crew.

  116. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    Hear! Hear! Lora,

    Well said and I wholly agree.

    It would nice if Amy were lured back on madville, I found her comments and observations far more valuable and relevant than discussion on a failed vice presidential candidate.

    The sad part of this is that people don't seem to comprehend the amount of money involved in this scandal, either flushed down the toilet or lining the pockets of politicians and their benefactors. We refer to $35 million, a million dollars or $550,000 as if it were Monoply money with no real consequences if it is lost.

    Well folks, it is real money, money that could have well served the South Dakota business community and could have benefited all of South Dakotans in one way or the other.

    And the saddest part, the thieves will likely never be held accountable!

  117. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Roger, you just agreed with Lora. Surely a wormhole has opened up somewhere.

  118. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    What's not to agree with Bree?

    She made a lucid, logical and compelling comment about the GOED/EB-5 scandal. You know the one that is the topic of this post.

  119. grudznick 2013.11.25

    Ms. Geelsdottir, I find this young Dr. Bos very interesting in a bizarre sort of way. I am somewhat attracted to the bizarre and grotesque, although she is in no way visually grotesque. I believe our conversations would be most entertaining and that I could enlighten her. I also believe she would pick up the check. I hope that helps answer your question.

  120. grudznick 2013.11.25

    Mr. Les, do you mean besides my friend Bob, my good friend Bob, and my good friend Bill? By golly, the entire membership of the Conservatives With Common Sense used to have to suffer through me presiding at the monthly meetings back when I was the president. And our weekly breakfast get-to-gethers have breakfasters of all ilk. Even you would be welcomed.

  121. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Um, Roger, we're in a 100+ comment thread on a blog article asking people to vote in the Benda polls. Everyone is off topic. Do you have an opinion on people voting in the polls?

  122. joseph g thompson 2013.11.25

    wow!

  123. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    The only comment I have about the poll is that voted, would have voted twice but Cory has it rigged where you can't.

    The questions were Jackly on Benda and Jackley on GOED, which makes EB-5 a part of the post discussion.

    I did not see a question as to whether Sarah Palin was relevant to anything.

  124. Les 2013.11.25

    Bree is an intriguing gal Roger but I'd be careful, my money is on her if even you choose to Indian wrestle with her!
    .
    Ya right Grud. Seems no one has heard or seen you at any breakfast I'm aware of. I'm prob just not on the right drugs to float in your fantasy world.

  125. Jim 2013.11.25

    Um, Bree, you pretty much hijacked it when you tried to start a slapfest with db about being a sexist, and how big of an idiot is palin.

  126. Disgusted Dakotan 2013.11.25

    The really ugly thing that is being glossed over? Rounds poured millions of tax payer dollars into this crony capitalism project that he was in bed with Communist Chinese! At the same time that he was passing along $127 Million deficit that then was taken out of the hide of our schools!

    What is really disgusting is the lack of shame by faux Republicans like Powers who run interference and propaganda for Rounds.

  127. Jenny 2013.11.25

    Lora, thank you for your insight on Joop's business dealings. So what you're saying is the Chinese dropped their lawsuit on NBP and bought Morrell's- the same Chinese business people? This all so fascinating to me. Please feel free to give us more awareness and insight into what has happened in this mess. South Dakotans deserves to know the truth.

  128. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.25

    I appreciate your comment Lora. I think if you read the comments attached to one of the several other posts on this topic, you would read more of what you're looking for.

    You seem dissatisfied with commenters responses and want more done. I'd love to see much more done in terms of investigations, research, subpoenas to primary players, etc. We here don't have the power to order any of those things done.

    Folks who are able, especially Cory, are doing wonderful work digging up more and more information. Bree and Amy and others have added to our knowledge base.

    What else would you have us do? What are you doing?

    The more joining in a clamor for a federal investigation the better. Lora, I'm glad you are commenting.

  129. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    Les,
    Get your camera. It would be a pretty good picture of an old Liberal Indian arm wrestling with a conservative white woman. I'd probably bet on here to in a wrestling match, politics is another matter.

    Jenny and Disgusted Dakotan.
    You have both hit on the essence of the problem, the children of South Dakota. While South Dakota Republican politicians proclaim their dedication to the education of our children, they turn around and squander valuable dollars on get rich schemes that will make them look good and increase their bank accounts.
    The children pay twofold, first for not getting the quality education they deserve and secondly at some point having to pay back the money that was stolen. Eventually the state will be faced with a financial reckoning in some form.

  130. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.25

    Cory, maybe you should occasionally write a post entitled, "Personal Arguments Here." That's all. Maybe once a month just put that up and let people go after each other. Might save other posts from being hijacked for personal spats. If one starts, they could take it to the Arguments post and carry on to their heart's content.

    Okay, that was facetious, kinda.

  131. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    I started a "slapfest" with DB over his comments, Roger? Is that like the slapfest you started with me, trying to call me a racist?

  132. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Sorry Roger. That was unnecessary me bringing that argument back up. I read too fast and blamed you for Jim's comment.

    Jim - I can't hijack a conversation about voting in polls that never existed in the first place.

  133. Bree S. 2013.11.25

    Hey Deb - on the subject of Christmas Wars check out this USPS stamp collection:

    https://twitter.com/RennaW/status/403298736803430400/photo/1

    It's a wonderful day in America when Kwanzaa, a holiday created less than 50 years ago, gets celebrated on a stamp and all Christians get is a picture of a gingerbread house.

    Merry Gingerbread House, everyone!

  134. Roger Cornelius 2013.11.25

    Apology accepted Bree, thank you.

    Oh no! The mindless Christmas wars debates are becoming as traditional as that gingerbread house!

  135. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.25

    Back to the Bollen/SD Govs scandal.

  136. Charlie Johnson 2013.11.26

    I read this blog daily. I also comment once in a great while. The fact that a majority of the 138 posts here deal with a Palin comment is a major turnoff and does a disservice to this blog and others who read it. If two or three of you have an issue with each other, as they say in bar room terms-"take it outside".

  137. Charlie Hoffman 2013.11.26

    Charlie those who always try doing the right thing without ever allowing an agenda of political machinations to enter the arena will always get it right more often than not.

  138. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    Is that an order?

  139. Jim 2013.11.26

    Bree, you did it! 50 comments on one thread! And who says you can't hijack a thread?

  140. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    Jim, I'm so desperately ashamed of myself. How dare I point out the lies spread about Sarah Palin, and that the liberal belief that it's socially acceptable to revile her and actually use her name as an insult is ignorant. What a waste of time for me to point out that attractive women can also be intelligent and to think otherwise is also ignorant.

    Your comment pointing out how many times I've commented adds so much more to the conversation in a thread for an article asking people to vote on a couple of polls. Are you Grudznick, because he enjoys counting my comments as well.

  141. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.11.26

    Planning Student, your point that the specific misdirection of funds was committed by private parties at NBP, not the state, makes some sense. But the misdirected $550K is still part of $2.36M in last-minute handouts from Mike Rounds, which made them all the more difficult to monitor due to the gubernatorial transition. The nature of the grants may have made them easier/more tempting to misdirect. The idea that we would dismiss state responsibility by saying the state doesn't have resources to hold grant users accountable seems grossly irresponsible and an invitation to even more abuse of state funds. I say we don't hand out $2.36M unless we have strong safeguards in place.

  142. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.11.26

    Now, lest we drive anyone else away with distraction and insult, let's address the point of Benda's post-GOED employment. He worked as loan manager for SDIF LP6 and SDIF LP 9, the two legal fictions Joop Bollen set up via SDRC to hand EB-5 money to NBP. (Forget distraction and insult: it's abbreviation-riddle sentences like that one that drive people away from this story!) Benda may never have received an official paycheck with "NBP" stamped at the top, but he was instrumental, both as GOED chief and as SDIF LP 6/9 administrator, in building NBP. Building NBP was how he earned his paycheck.

  143. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    The fact that Mike Rounds would use his last few days in office to throw a millions of dollars of taxpayer money at an obviously failing business takes "financial mismanagement" to a new level of egregiousness attained by few.

  144. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.11.26

    Important points about the GOED/Benda/SDRC/NBP affair are getting crowded out by this Palin talk. We have an obligation to help people learn about what happened. I have no problem with free speech (and since I also work for a living, I don't have the pleasure of moderating the comment section all day long). But I also have no problem with folks declaring some free speech, like whatever the heck broke out above about Palin, a distracting waste of time. If the Attorney General of South Dakota is engaged in some sort of cover-up, we can't afford to spend time attacking each other over comment blips.

  145. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    And as Amy pointed out, she lives next to NBP, and knows that he physically worked at that location.

  146. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    Agreed, Cory.

  147. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.11.26

    And I agree that Amy's firsthand testimony is reliable and worth mentioning in this conversation.

  148. Jim 2013.11.26

    It's ok Bree. Db wasn't saying palin is an idiot because she is attractive. He was saying she is an idiot, because she says idiotic things which make her appear to be an idiot.

    Grudz and I are not the same person. I don't possess his unique insight into issues, nor his gentle sense of humor.

  149. Jim 2013.11.26

    Ok Cory, I will stop if bree stops. One thing I found interesting about the bankruptcy filings, in which it seems about half the attorneys in Aberdeen are involved, is that the attorney representing lp6 and lp9 in the bankruptcy is turkey magnate Jeff sveen.

  150. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    Who represents the Hutterites that own the turkey plant that got eb5 money in Huron. Interestingly, Huron has a known problem with illegal immigration.

  151. DB 2013.11.26

    "Benda may never have received an official paycheck with "NBP" stamped at the top, but he was instrumental, both as GOED chief and as SDIF LP 6/9 administrator, in building NBP. Building NBP was how he earned his paycheck."

    Cory, do you believe Benda left his state position for a job at SDRC or NBP. I simple yes or no will suffice.

  152. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    How about a job for SDRC at NBP.

  153. DB 2013.11.26

    So when I had a job for Rockwell Collins at NASA, can I say I worked at NASA on my resume? Completely misleading and unprofessional.

  154. Jim 2013.11.26

    Benda would have been at NBP regularly. Remember the Chinese wanted to install it own person to monitor the progress on the investment, but Joop said no, too expensive and they have it covered. DB, most of us can't see NBP from our homes, but we can sure smell it. Mike and Dennis are going to have trouble getting that smell off their boots

  155. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.11.26

    DB, we're not talking about resumes. We're talking about following the money and understanding motives. There is nothing unprofessional or misleading about saying Benda was integral to the creation of NBP.

  156. DB 2013.11.26

    "There is nothing unprofessional or misleading about saying Benda was integral to the creation of NBP."

    But that wasn't said Cory. Amy claimed Benda left the state for NBP and I stated he left the state for SDRC. Amy claims I am incorrect....so am I?

  157. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    Amy said she lies next to NBP and knows he physically worked at that location. You are talking in circles, trying to equate paperwork with location, DB.

  158. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    *lives lol.

  159. DB 2013.11.26

    "Amy, he went to SDRC, not NBP."

    Bree.....Is this statement incorrect? Yes or No.

  160. Disgusted Dakotan 2013.11.26

    Jackley had a criminal investigation into Benda's supposed double billing of $5+K for 6 months and NEVER had Benda interviewed about it?! We are talking a simple POTENTIAL travel fraud claim, initiated at the order of the governor of SD, and they NEVER conducted the most important part of the investigation which was Benda's interview?! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! The alarm bell of something seriously wrong is going off right there!

    It appears they did as thorough of an investigation into this as they did Powers campaign business being run out of the SOS office!

  161. Bree S. 2013.11.26

    True, Disgusted. The fact that they didn't even ask Benda why or for who he double billed the travel voucher for, before concluding their "investigation" ... makes me even more suspicious that the double billed voucher to the 2010 Las Vegas Shot Show that Rounds attended was for him. And I am strongly suspicious that the Feds are directly investigating Mike Rounds himself.

  162. interested party 2013.11.26

    Rounds pulling out now would only signal his culpability in Benda-gate and end the thousands per day in campaign donations he's making: how does that make sense?

  163. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.26

    I've been trying to think of a more succinct name for this scandal too Larry. I don't like Bendagate because I think he's not the main player. I think he is the main fall guy.

    Roundsgate? EB5gate? NBPgate? SD Governorsgate? Dunno.

  164. Deb Geelsdottir 2013.11.26

    Round's EB5 Scam? Scammer gate? Jackley gate?

Comments are closed.