Because Chairman Larry Tidemann and the other Republican members of the Government Operations and Audit Committee treated Rep. Susan Wismer (not to mention the public) with such grave disrespect this morning in Pierre, I yield the balance of my time to the Representative from Britton to explain her call for EB-5 impresario Joop Bollen to answer to the South Dakota taxpayers who kept him employed for two decades:
Rep. Susan Wismer (D-Britton) urged the Government Operations & Audit Committee to obtain additional information about the management and outcome of the EB-5 program during a hearing Tuesday morning.
“After the Government Operations & Audit Committee meeting today, I've come to believe that this committee is not faithfully executing the charge our legislature gave us under HCR 1010. The resolution gives us the right to seek additional information, yet we have sought no information outside the parameters dictated by the Daugaard administration,” said Rep. Wismer.
Rep. Wismer finds the current answers inadequate and believes South Dakotans deserve to know if their tax dollars were mismanaged through this program. Seeking additional information ensures that all aspects of HCR 1010 are fulfilled and state business is conducted transparently and ethically.
“If the Republican legislators on this committee are not interested in looking into EB-5, it sends a message to South Dakotans that honesty and fair dealing in business doesn’t matter, “ said Rep. Wismer.
Wismer made a motion to subpoena Joop Bollen, former director of the EB-5 program in South Dakota, but the motion died for lack of a second. While reiterating the points of HRC 1010, other members of GOAC interrupted Wismer and attempted to move to other items. Wismer responded: “I won’t be bullied for tackling corruption on behalf of the South Dakota taxpayers” [Rep. Susan Wismer, press release, 2014.07.29].
We thank the gentlelady for her comments and encourage to be less gentle.
There are only two solutions for the corruption Rep. Wismer is trying to fight.
First, hope the FBI and U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson can build a criminal case against the EB-5 schemers, since our state lawmakers lack the will to investigate ills for which they or their pals might be blamed.
Second, elect every Democrat you can this fall.
Update 16:20 CDT: In a sign that Republicans are worried that you might do just that, Dick Wadhams and his new boytoy at SDGOP headquarters, Rob Burgess, push the following release attacking Wismer's challenge to the state's stonewalling as just some "bizarre claims." Notice Dick and Rob's scripted parroting of the state's insistence that EB-5 is a federal program... which doesn't explain or excuse stonewalling an investigation of state employee Richard Benda's misappropriation (AG Jackley once called it grand theft) of over half a million state dollars from a state grant.
Today, the South Dakota Republican Party called on Rep. Susan Wismer (D-Britton) to stop playing politics with the investigation into the late Richard Benda and the federal EB-5 program.
At a legislative hearing in March, at which state officials answered numerous questions, Rep. Wismer said the following to a state-retained auditor: "Your report takes up about an inch of this book or more. Could you talk - I didn't read it. Could you talk a little bit about what else takes up the rest of the inch of paper?"
Since that March hearing, Rep. Wismer has gone on to become the Democrat nominee for Governor.
Dick Wadhams, a spokesman for the South Dakota Republican Party, had the following to say:
"As a member of the committee looking into this matter, Susan Wismer didn't even take the time to prepare by reading the auditor's report. It is hard not to wonder if Susan's sudden interest is motivated by her own political ambitions - especially when the South Dakota Democrat Party is live-tweeting scripted partisan attacks as Wismer recites them in the hearing room. If Susan Wismer really cares about this investigation, she must direct her campaign and the state Democrat party to stop playing politics."
Wadhams finished by saying:
"Just today, Attorney General Jackley discussed his plans to file criminal charges as a result of the investigation that Governor Daugaard requested. It is clear that they are doing what they can to get to the bottom of this, despite Susan Wismer's bizarre claims" [SDGOP press release, 2014.07.29].
Gaacck!—hand me some soap. (And someone tell Rob Burgess how to use the em dash—it's not that hard.)
Who are the other Republican legislators that betrayed South Dakotans today?
I hope Rep Wismer pushes this all the way to the top. I am so sick of the corruption this state runs on. I have never voted a straight ticket in my life, this fall may be a first for me.
Wismer needs to talk about this every day. She needs to replay the audio of the GOP trying to shut her down in every other ad. She needs to show Wadhams that his tactics won't scare her away from the topic.
Weiland and Robinson should jump on this now also and put it front and center in a unified effort
How is this committee not just rubber-stamping the SDGOP agenda?
If the Republicans on the committee are so sure there has been no wrong doing what don't they let Joop Bollen testify? What harm would that do-if they are sure of their facts?
The only thing bizarre here "Dick" is you and the Republicans.
I agree with Cory. Wismer has to take the gloves off and start talking about this everyday.
I have to admit, I have been on the fence about Rep Wismer so far, if she pursues this like she should that would get me off the fence. Now, to try to get Ms. Robinson fired up.
Plus did we really expect anything different from these people? Jackley isn't going to destroy his political meal tickets in Rounds and Daugaard.
Wasn't Jackley talking about plans from nearly a year ago-October 2013? And didn't they drop those very same plans after Jackley determined Benda suicided hisownself? Seems like Wadham is trying to confuse the issues.
I appreciate the efforts to find out what went wrong with EB-5, but that's money that's long gone and it ain't coming back. The crooks that got away with it paid off the right folks, and they've buried the dead body. They can investigate anything they want, but nothing is gonna change. The crooked politicians in South Dakota, as in Illinois, just keep being elected and re-elected. In Illinois there is a crusading press to unmask the rot, and a somewhat independent judiciary to put the crooks in prison after they have absconded with the money. Not so in South Dakota.
So, you're stuck, I think. The rot just doesn't get cauterized. The best thing to do is stop the next scam.
One incipient scam that can be de-railed is this whole "research the shale" effort that got funding, as is pretty typical of these sorts of scams, in the waning days of the last Legislative session. I'd rather see the Legislature start taking an interest in the upcoming shale boondoggle, which is just a facade for "dump the nation's nuclear waste in western South Dakota." The money being flushed down into the shales of South Dakota could have gone to far better priorities, but when you spring it at the last minute, it's pretty clear they want no questions, especially about what this money is supposed to attract.
If I were on the GOAC, I would want to find out exactly what is going on with that money, down to the penny.
Don, that last minute tactic is something the legislature and governor's office has been doing here for the 28 years I have been here, with no effort from anybody to stop it. Nothing will change here until voters flush the Pierre toilet, and so far, they don't seem to be interested in getting rid of that smell. Are you familiar with the vault toilets at campgrounds after a long hot summer? Nuff said
Donald, Wismer's experience tells me the only way we stop the next scam is win the lottery, buy a zillion billboards, and elect a Democratic majority to the Legislature. Is there any other way? Are there any Republicans of good conscience who will help us?
Susan Wismer is playing politics with the EB-5 investigation and with Benda's death?
First, what investigation? Jackley, the Republicans on GOAC, Rounds/Daugaard have effectively shutdown any investigation by not issuing subpoenas, if there every was one.
Second, grow up Wadhams, damn straight she is playing politics with your corruption, she would disappoint if she didn't. Susan wouldn't have to "play politics" with this
non-investigation if South Dakota Republican politicians would honor their oaths of office and South Dakota laws to investigate corruption and prosecute the guilty.
Montgomery, Ellis and that weird bald guy said on 100 eyes today that if Dems don't talk about Bendagate we are idiots.
It is nice to see the culpability of the AG, the Gov and the Senate wanna-be finally coming to light. The state legislature is largely a pack of sheep doing their damnedest to not rock the boat
Using a political thug like Wadhams to attack Wismer shows just how much of a criminal enterprise the SD Republican Party has become.
However, I am willing to bet a family farm that Den. Candidates can make this their ONLY talking point, laying out the evidence in and orderly fashion and,come November the GOP will be victorious. Because South Dakotans have far too much invested in their mythology of goodness to actually entertain the notion those nice-looking boys they voted for have much more in common with the fabled "Chicago pol" stereotype they so energetically disdain. Better to turn a willfully blind eye. Like the New Yorkers 50 years ago who turned away as Kitty Genovese was being stabbed to death outside and within earshot.
The Southu Dakota GOP is adopting the tactics of Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. The NBP business has a history that goes back to Rounds' behind-the-scenes intervention when the plant was proposed for Huron. Everybody knows the state is corrupt, but a majority seems to like it that way because that is GOP way of doing business. Those who oppose the corruption need to talk about it every day and, even with the state hiding information in its loopholes, demand action.
t
The actions of the GOAC and Wadhams' bullying action are pretty good evidence that there is much to hide and evade.
The SDGOP takes Chicago style politics to a whole new level.
down to a whole new level.
Steve Hickey helped bring down Bosworth. Perhaps he could help with this. Same goes for Stace Nelson.
ToClayCo, you hit on an important point, the "mythology of goodness." Chairman Tidemann and the committee acted today as if it's out of order to question our impeccable intentions. I suppose lots of voters will have trouble swallowing it, too... but I wonder: would that message be easier to sell coming from a couple of nice, neighborly ladies like Susan Wismer and Susy Blake?
Rep. Hickey! Rep. Nelson! We could use some reinforcements! (If Hickey brings Jesus and Nelson brings the Marines, we just might even the odds.)
"Are there any Republicans of good conscience who will help us?"
Yes Cory, so stop attacking us in the manner that you went after Lora today. There are a growing number of South Dakota Republicans who are waking up to the regime that is running Pierre over the last few decades. My dad fought them and his advice to me before he passed was, you can't stop them. Don't waste your time. I have yet to prove my dad wrong on anything. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't perfect, but he had a gift of discernment.
Interesting new info today. I'm not on the committee but in watching. Sorry to disappoint but my view at present is as follows: if there were anything here to bring down Rounds or Jackley there is one guy who has motivation and means to expose it.... Brendan Johnson. Maybe he's holding his cards and plans to drop an October bomb. It looks very doubtful to me. What I got out of today's hearing is that the GOP/Jackley was cleaning it's own house and the guy at te center of it killed himself rather than face the music.
Self capital punishment: what a novel concept.
falling on ones own sword or hoist with his own petard: fun choice.
In the absence of a decent Governor and Legislature, the only way to stop the next scams are to use the initiative and referendum on issues of concern to citizens. The Legislature and the Governor are working for the elite and special interests. That's, after all, who pays them, so naturally, that's whose interests they are going to serve. The electorate in South Dakota hasn't figured that out in 35 years. They think these guys serve them!!!
One caveat: Mickelson was someone who wasn't totally bought off. He could be reasoned with. The reason may have something to do with the fact that he had a strong Democratic Party presence in the Legislature.
That's the way it is, and even with obvious and embarrassing corruption, the elite and special interests aren't going to throw in the towel on Daugaard and Rounds and the rest of the rotten Republican Party. They are willing to put up with it, because these guy deliver for them.
Bill Janklow had George Mickelson's plane sabotaged.
Oh, and had I been on the committee today I would have definitely seconded the motion to subpoena Joop.
if i had a hammer i'd hammer in the morning.
Mr. Hickey, that is exactly why the GOP leadership will never allow you to sit on that committee, and that too is sad.
I do think Patrick Lalley had it right on 100 Eyes Today. We would like to think that the illuminati is pulling strings to control Tidemann and the SD GOP, but it is simply laziness and not wanting to get down to the hard work of checking up on people in the other branches.
I would like to see the end of the conspiracy theory that some how Rounds had Benda murdered. The GOP has been trying to ring that bell involving the Clinton's for over a decade. The murder conspiracy hurts the real threat, lack of accountability with the people's money and the people's trust.
While I certainly don't always agree with Mr. Hickey or Mr. Nelson, they focus on what they believe is best for the people they represent and not what is best for the party and the party leadership. It is sad that there are not more.
caheidelberger
2014.07.29 at 16:46
Wismer needs to talk about this every day. She needs to replay the audio of the GOP trying to shut her down in every other ad. She needs to show Wadhams that his tactics won't scare her away from the topic.
There is a problem with this statement. If EB-5 is what she establishes her campaign on, she will be no different then Stace Nelson ie: "I'm the only true conservative." It becomes a broken record that repeats itself for the next few months. I agree the whole EB-5 program is a train wreck, but if this is the focus and the best shot her campaign has then she doesn't have a chance.
Wismer will focus on ICWA violations and Pierre's culture of corruption as well as South Dakota as an unsustainable red moocher state.
The sex trade and STDs have spike under Rounds/Daugaard/Jackley and South Dakota leads the US in growth of violent crime.
The why is most important here: SDGOP is willing to sacrifice South Dakota's quality of life for a few years of economic growth: red state failure by definition.
god's country my pink ass.
Pink is like red-lite, Larry. You're half way to conservative already.
or bleeding grud.
Hold on, Valley Road. Are you saying there is no role for a single, consistent message in a campaign? The fact that Stace said one thing over and over but didn't win the election doesn't reflect a failure of repeating a consistent message; it reflects a failure to get serious, raise a whole truckload of money, and run a top-notch campaign.
I will grant that saying nothing but "EB-5!" is bad, because EB-5 is complicated. Heck, a lot of the corruption is about GOED, not EB-5; Benda absconded with more than half a million dollars of state money, not EB-5 investor money.
But try this: every campaign speech should talk about the positive Democratic message: "We'll pay your teachers and build your schools. We'll expand Medicaid, help the poor and sick, and boost your local economy. We'll open meetings and records and help you hold all state government accountable." Every campaign speech should then pair those positives with the GOP negatives: "The Republicans won't do that. They'll keep shorting the schools, cheating the sick, and keeping secrets. And when their schemes like EB-5 blow up, they'll pick a fall guy and protect their rich cronies."
Will that combo punch work as a regular feature in every speech, Valley Road?
MJL, if we could get Hickey and Nelson to agree, maybe they could start that Mugwump Party I've been wishing for.
Rep. Hickey, why do you think the state appears to have changed its mind about the criminality of the $550K Future Fund diversion? Did AG Jackley simply change his mind? And why do you think Jackley chose to reveal that draft arrest warrant? Can anyone give me an example of when an AG or state's attorney revealed a draft arrest warrant that she or he never acted on?
MJL,
There is no conspiracy theory about Benda's death, the results of autopsy and investigation have successfully been covered up the Republican Party.
The GOAC will not issue subpoenas, showed us arrest warrant for Benda that should have been served two weeks before his death, those are the headlines for today.
Susan's smack down by corrupt Republicans is a part of the headline and should be a part of her campaign.
MJL, what you are missing is that these are just part of the corruption that was discovered by Benda's death.
The point that Susan also has to focus on, is what happened to $170 million, that kind of money doesn't fit in just one wallet.
With all the money the state gave to Northern Beef Packers in the form of grants and the millions of dollars from Communist Chinese investors, there should no reason for that company's failure, right?
Wrong, there was a systematic skimming of those grants and investment dollars by someone. The grant money embezzled by Benda is a drop in the bucket compared to millions from investors.
And yet, the investors remain silent. Why?
There is no conspiracy theories, there are plenty of unanswered questions, questions Republicans don't want the public to know.
Cory,
In cover ups timing is everything, it gives politicians and perps to time to coordinate and frame their stories and releasing tidbits of information gives them time. Tick Tock Mike.
Jackley's belated revelation about the arrest warrant could have been written at anytime, yesterday even. But by releasing it he can say, "see I was investigating GOED/EB-5".
The part of his cover up that is confusing is the time distance between when he supposedly wrote the warrant and when Benda was found murdered. There was a good two weeks that Jackley gave Benda to make his move, why didn't he act?
Had Jackley arrested Benda at the time he supposedly issued the warrant, Benda may have been put in jail, but he would be alive.
Alive and singing?
Donald Pay "In the absence of a decent Governor and Legislature, the only way to stop the next scams are to use the initiative and referendum on issues of concern to citizens."
Good point! They seem to be the last options we have when we have lost faith in the Executive and Legislative branches of our state government.
The Argus Leader 100 Eyes devoted their entire show to EB-5/GOED http://www.argusleader.com/story/opinion/100eyes/2014/07/29/100-eyes-politics/13318141/
Steve Hickey-why is it that there has been zero attempts to retrieve all the EB-5 records Bollen absconded with? How can it be considered ethical or even legal not to secure potential evidence of possible illegal activities. Any decision about the ownership of any/all records is for a court of law to determine,not partisan politicians and the main perp. If those records are lost/destroyed what will the excuse for non-action be?
There was a major lawsuit by investors at one time to recover their millions, but was dropped for some unknown reason. And don't forget the 29% $30 million loan from Epoch Star that was okayed by the state banking commission. GOAC didn't even open the lid on the whole issue. So sad and so disappointing.
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/eb--probe-appears-to-be-over-lawmaker-says/article_65918bf0-e6ad-587e-8f54-552ea2e60986.html
It would appear republicans are finished with it. Somebody raise the rug, republicans will supply the broom.
Marty Jackley withheld the fact he had drawn up felony charges and started a grand jury action against Richard Benda until yesterday. He waited until after the June primary. He waited until after the Democrats' state convention. Just like he waited a full month to issue a proclamation of suicide in the mysterious death of Mr. Benda, the central figure in this multi-million dollar scandal inside the Mike Rounds administration.
What kind of Attorney General does that? Stace Nelson got robbed in the primary when Jackley was intentionally making this seem like a small claims problem.
Waiting out the clock.
96, as Mercer points out, Jackley did a double flip yesterday. Not only did he contradict the state's position that the Future Fund diversion didn't involve criminal wrongdoing, but for 20 minutes, for this batch of documents, he also reversed his own position on keeping Benda info confidential absent a court order.
Suppose you're right, 96, that the Benda arrest/grand jury info was withheld until after the primary to avoid hurting Rounds's chances. Shouldn't the AG keep withholding it until after the general? What changed to make it safe to release that info now? What do Jackley and the SDGOP gain by releasing it now? Why not keep it secret forever?
"And why do you think Jackley chose to reveal that draft arrest warrant?"
Cory the answer is obvious. The SDGOP produced an example of alleged illegal corruption, and then used this committee to say the problem is fixed with reforms. The source of the problem is not being addressed.
What is not being address is the role played by the legal system of corruption. The entire economic development process is the problem. As long as governments are allowed to grow exponentially, and then given the responsibility to create jobs, this kind of dysfunction will continue. And both parties play a role in allowing this system of legal corruption to exist. This system includes the public schools, that has more and more been turned into a human resource development process for the corporatists who are running the global economy.
If we want to fix the problem, then we must first admit that government is not the solution, it is the problem. If the Democrats want to work on fixing the problem, then stop attacking limited government conservatives and instead reach out to us.
"What changed to make it safe to release that info now? What do Jackley and the SDGOP gain by releasing it now? Why not keep it secret forever?"
Cory, Jackley said that he could release it to the committee. And my previous commit explains that now the SDGOP released this so they can say this is an isolated case, you can trust the rest of us foxes, including Rounds.
Tideman-my cat does due diligence when it digs a small hole,dumps waste in it,turns around and sniffs it and then covers it up. Kinda like your idea of investigating the EB-5 mess and suicide of Richard Benda. Did it smell okay to you? Reincarnation of Keystone Kops except you are pathetic,not funny.
Who was the committee member overheard requesting somebody "shut her up"?
Tidemann tells the journal tells the journal that the findings on the issue due dec 1 (you are welcome, mike) won't be completed until after session. Larry, it looks like you are done with your inquiry. Why not just issue findings right now? I'll help: mike and Marty are fantastic. EB-5 is a great program, tarnished only by the actions of one individual (as far you know).
...and just in case there are any complications with appointing Rounds to the Senate in November,we will issue our final report after the 2015 legislative session. Cross the Ts,dot the Is. We get it.
Sorry Jim,your post wasn't up when I posted mine.
Is it true there have been zero attempts to recover Joops absconded documents? My experience with Marty Jackley and Brendan Johnson is that they are on it even when they don't let on they are on it. On the occasions I've tried to get info out of each of them on various things I get nothing if an investigation is ongoing. I'm not in the loop on this one but isn't it the case that we now know Jackley was set to arrest Benda and the only reason that didn't happen is Benda killed himself first? Jackley takes his time on these things even though we all wish he'd shake it all up ASAP - case in point the Bosworth fiasco. I'd like to hear Brendan Johnson speak up. Why is Jackley the only guy in the hot seat for answers?
How hard can it be for authorities to go to Bollen and demand the damn files? Who is running operations? Nobody?This whole fiasco has incompetance written all over it in mile high letters. How does the public know that when Tidemann and Jackley spoke they weren't coordinating their responses to further sully any investigation? A grade school drama class could write a better mystery than these professionals.
The truth will never come out unless we elect a new Governor, that will hire an outside investigative prosecutor. Government officials in SD are to connected. Look what happened during the legislative session. Kathy Tyler and Stace Nelson were the only 2 legislators to harp on the EB-5. Every anti-corruption legislator should be doing press-releases talking to constituents and helping Myers or Wismer win this thing. How about it Pastor Hickey, or do you like being part of the problem? Any legislator that doesn't speak up is just as guilty as the rest of our corrupt politicians.
Cory, I agree, the positive message you list will attract more votes than will shouting about all the wrongs of the current politicians; besides, that's a blogger's job ;).
You mentioned that not being serious, inability to raise money and run a top-notch-campaign doomed Stace; will Susan be able to overcome these same obstacles?
It's hard for Honest, Ethical people to raise money because the people with the gold make the rules. The rich give to the politicians that they can control.
Steve, Mike, I seem to recall hearing that at some point in the audit, the SD Auditor received several boxes of files. Those may be the boxes Bollen took in 2009 when he left NSU. I apologize, though, for not being able to remember the specific article or source sparking that recollection.
And Tara, that plutocracy is at the heart of this scandal. Rounds implemented EB-5 because it helps rich friends get richer. The Legislature isn't looking at this issue because they don't want to imperil their own interests.
Is this what you are looking for Cory:
https://madvilletimes.com/2014/01/nsu-president-says-bollen-walked-off-with-states-eb-5-files/
Sorry Cory,I'm just venting a little. I know wingnuts can do better investigations. They can recite,by memory,every inch of every one of Bill Clinton's zippers because they actually took the time and effort to look at them.And made sure the whole world knew they were looking at them.(slight exageration) :)
Yes money is at the heart of the problem. Try bringing in money and challenge the system of legal corruption if you want to upset the ruling powers. What you Democrats need to remember is the National Education Association gave $1 million to the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce to fund a propaganda program attacking Initiative Measure 10 a few years ago. One of the arguments was: we don't need these reforms because there is not corruption in South Dakota. And anybody you says there is needed to prove it or be labeled anti-conservative. The lesson learned is to refer to their process as a "system of legal corruption" that needs to be made illegal. Sadly Benda was tempted by that system. That point is not being addressed.
Steve, thank you, that's the story establishing that Bollen took boxes of documents; I'm trying to remember where and when I heard that the state had received some boxes back.
Mike, I understand your frustration. Republicans can be dogged investigators when they want to.
Cory, you said the Legislature isn't looking at the EB-5 issue because they don't want to imperil their own interests. Are referring to most Republicans, Pastor Hickey and the Democrats, with the exception of maybe a couple?
https://madvilletimes.com/2014/02/audit-finds-bollen-not-reporting-benda-not-documenting-rounds-not-supervising/
This one has Bollen taking the fifth,but no mention of files.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jul/29/jackley-to-brief-lawmakers-on-economic-probe/
This article says Bollen couldn't be reached for comment. I didn't know the committee wanted to talk to him.
Campaign ad.
"Nothing behind this curtain." Little kid pulls curtain back and their is a manure spreader full of EB-5-labeled boxes with money hanging out of the flaps.
Tara, I'm referring to those casting the majority votes and running the show. Attacking Hickey and the Dems here doesn't move the ball forward. Lop the head off: Daugaard, Jackley, and Rounds. I invite District 7 voters to replace Tidemann with Jay Vanduch.
Douglas! Let's find a farmer with a farmer with a grimy manure spreader and shoot that video! Hey, Charlie Johnson, can you help?
Shoot it at a hog confinement with underneath pits. The waste and corruption is inhouse/out of sight and the stench is enormous,but unnoticeable if you are close enough to it. And w/o proper protective gear,the gasses are deadly. It has to be watered down to remove the filth.
I found this petition via Susan Wismer's facebook page. Does this do anything other than just show support? https://services.myngp.com/ngponlineservices/petition.aspx?X=0rmKb1vqyOw%3D
Lynn, I signed it. The SD Democrat is sponsoring it.
Lynn, that petition could use a more specific "be it resolved" clause, telling us what action Wismer and the SDDP are calling for. As it is, the petition appears to serve as the typical contact-harvester, for use in fundraising and GOTV.
Susan Wismer and Mike Myers have a real opportunity here, they can both demand that a special prosecutor be named to fully investigate EB-5.
The Republican governor, legislature, and Mike Rounds will shut down the call, however it will add another layer to the ongoing cover up and raise additional questions.
Democrats need to quit talking about corruption, crony capitalism, etc. and start talking specifics of this scandal.
Voters need to hear a new report on this scandal everyday from now until the general election.
Roger, Myers has said many times that if he is elected Governor He would appoint a special prosecutor to fully investigate the EB-5. Problem is, nobody cares or has even heard about EB-5.
Tara,
It is Mike's personal obligation to make himself heard. I watched his press conference yesterday and had the opportunity, and with perfect timing with GOAC hearing going on, to call for a special prosecutor.
He wasted 20 minutes of a press conference talking about his challenge to Gant that we already knew was coming.
If you are going to have press conferences, use them effectively.
Tara, Mike and Lora seriously rather than beat yourselves up out there with a campaign that never gained traction and your out there fighting with no chance of winning join up by supporting Susan Wismer. We all have a common enemy!
Thanks for your comments Roger and Lynn. Roger Mike is 78 and has been a Law professor for 26 year. Mike loves to talk and he loves people. I don't think he's going to make a drastic turnaround, but I will pass your suggestion to him. He's just outside the box and a little quirky. Hey Lynn, Jesse won in Minnesota with no money, but a big mouth.
"Mike and Lora seriously rather than beat yourselves up out there with a campaign that never gained traction and your out there fighting with no chance of winning join up by supporting Susan Wismer. We all have a common enemy!"
Lynn, Mike and Lora have the proper solution, Susan does not.
The Watertown Public Opinion (August 4, 2014,pg 6A) has written a superb editorial pertaining to the "EB-5 Scandal". They draw an appropriate comparison to the Nixon Watergate scandal and cover up. The title of their editorial is: "What did they know and when did they know it?" They state: "One can't help wonder how Benda could do what he did without the help or at least knowledge, of others". They conclude with the statement: "It just makes us wonder if there's more people involved in the EB-5 scandal than we know.
Perhaps, finally the citizens of South Dakota will rise up and demand a thorough and honest investigation of this blemish on state government. Certainly, South Dakotan's deserve nothing less!
Where are the Legislatures that represent their districts. Come on State Senators and State Representatives; who is going to support Wismer and Myers to subpoea Joop Bollin, the 2 Governors, the GOED, and some Legislators. Remember, Back in April Myers and Hubbel had a press conference on EB-5 and corruption and it was hijacked by the media who would rather talk fema camps. Go figure.
Ms. Volesky, I too am sure there are FEMA camps and have heard rumors of where they are and that they make people do pushups there. A lot of pushups.
I can't tell you where, though.
Grudz, apparently you're not to interested in getting to the truth.
Ms. Volesky, I know the truth. Don't hate me for not sharing all of it with you.
Wait. Do you mean the truth on all this E-B5 nonsense? I thought you meant The Truth in general.
Nobody cares about E-B5. Learn more about The Truth!