Ahlers trails Rhoden in polls as South Dakota race heats up

Dan Ahlers is running behind in the South Dakota gubernatorial race, according to polling data he shared on a podcast this week. The Democratic nominee stated that several recent surveys show him trailing incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden by three to ten percentage points. However, Ahlers noted that one poll conducted after the State Fair debate placed him ahead by three points. He said he continues to campaign as if he is losing because he is a Democrat competing in a Republican-dominated state.

Ahlers addressed several policy issues during an interview on the Scouting Lounge podcast on October 31. He criticized the expanding use of Flock license plate reading cameras, arguing that the technology invades privacy. He said South Dakota needs state and federal legislation to create safeguards because the data can cross state lines. He also pointed to a lack of local regulations allowing mining operations to appear near homes in western South Dakota.

On economic development, Ahlers questioned the state's incentive structure. He said too much money goes to large, out-of-state or foreign-owned companies. He specifically asked what the state received in return for $69 million in incentives given to CJ Schwan's. By contrast, he highlighted a Wakonda farmer who proposed a hempcrete manufacturing operation. Ahlers said the project could have created 10 to 12 jobs paying $22 to $25 an hour, but it is being built in Iowa because the farmer could not secure state incentives.

Ahlers said he would prioritize qualifications when hiring state agency secretaries if elected. He criticized previous administrations for placing people in leadership roles without the necessary experience. He added that he would not immediately dismantle initiatives started by previous governors. Instead, he said he would talk with the people operating those programs and make changes based on their input.

Attorney General Marty Jackley, who is running for Congress, joined the same podcast. He described a joint campaign bus tour with Rhoden and Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen as a chance to discuss their goals for the state. Jackley pointed to his legislative record as preparation for Congress, noting that he introduced 10 bills during the previous session and all 10 passed. He said the measures addressed public safety, election integrity, and open-meeting laws with bipartisan support.

Jackley said he can work with Democratic attorneys general from other states when it benefits South Dakota. He declined to comment on whether U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar broke the law, saying he has not reviewed her file. He emphasized that Congress needs to pass a new farm bill, noting the last one was enacted in 2018. He listed food security, ethanol, and biodiesel as key issues for the state.

Jackley raised concerns about Social Security's financial future. He said inflation and fraud are contributing to the program's problems. He argued that addressing fraud and reviewing benefit eligibility could help preserve the program without raising taxes.

Governor Larry Rhoden also appeared on the episode. He described the previous two legislative sessions as difficult due to deep divisions within the Republican caucus. He said his administration worked with Democrats and Republicans from different factions to pass major legislation on prison funding, the pipeline, and property tax relief.

Rhoden addressed public opposition to data centers and artificial intelligence. He said people are being influenced by rhetoric and suggested China may be cultivating some of the concerns. He said his administration has tried to address fears through a data center Bill of Rights and assurances that projects will protect ratepayers and natural resources.