Republican voters across South Dakota recently received text messages directing them to what was described as an “official Republican Voter Guide,” but according to reporting from South Dakota Searchlight, the messages were tied to a political action committee linked to one of the candidates in the GOP race for governor.
The texts linked to a website labeled “South Dakota Tax Watch,” which claims to be a policy watchdog providing information on candidates’ positions on taxes and spending. The site features negative information about three Republican gubernatorial candidates while casting businessman Toby Doeden of Aberdeen in a positive light.
South Dakota Tax Watch is not registered with the Secretary of State as a corporation, nonprofit or political committee. A disclaimer on the site identifies Dakota First Action as the funder. Dakota First Action is a political action committee founded in 2024 with Doeden as its chairman and partially funded through more than $200,000 in loans from him, according to campaign finance reports.
Doeden said in a written statement that he has had no association with the PAC since before declaring his candidacy and denied directing its activities. Dakota First Action chairman Drew Dennert said the group’s goal is to highlight candidates’ records on taxes and spending.
Doeden is running in a June 2 Republican primary against Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and House Speaker Jon Hansen. Early voting is underway.
Reporting by: Joshua Haiar https://southdakotasearchlight.com/
Comments