Plus, David Novstrup Sends Pic from Florida!
The House journals indicate that Rep. Dan Kaiser (R-3/Aberdeen) has been absent from the House every day this Session. He has a good excuse, but I wonder: if the votes on House Bill 1182, Governor Dennis Daugaard’s sales tax increase to fund the Blue Ribbon teacher pay raises, can he afford to have an absent Republican? And if Rep. Kaiser, a known recalcitrant conservative, is unable to perform his duties, might not the Governor be itching to replace him with a more malleable appointee who could swing the sales-tax vote the Governor’s way?
Senator David Novstrup (R-3/Aberdeen), a more reliable vote for the powers that be, appears only to have missed one day of Session so far, February 2. Where was he?
Novstrup was in Florida, enjoying himself at FEC 2016, a winter conference for members of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions at Renaissance World Golf Village Resort in St. Augustine… because for bumper-car and mini-golf mogul Novstrup, business always comes first.
Novstrups would probably fire a teenager who failed to show up for work one day, especially if that teenager posted pictures of himself screwing off.
Cory, the governor does not have the time for that move. Instead he is threatening conservatives with primaries.
Horsehockey, Steve. Secure Kaiser’s resignation today, Daugaard could appoint a willing Aberdonian (Yo! Dennis! Right here!) who’d be more likely to support his plan by end of business today. With another Joint Rule 5-17 delay likely, that new District 3 Rep. could be in the House by tomorrow morning, in plenty of time to vote on HB 1182.
Time to have a Senator Heidelberger instead of a Senator Baby Novstrup.
I would be curious if Senator Novstrup (or any senator) still gets his per diem allowances for days he does not attend the sessions….
Joseph! That’s a keen budgetary question. SDCL 2-4-2, which provides that per diem and to which Senator Novstrup would like to add another $500 per month for when he’s home running Thunder Road and campaigning, does not seem to be clear on that point. Anyone else know?
LRC would know. That should be public information.
I just spoke with Carol from the LRC (1-605-773-3251), and explained very clearly Senator Novstrup’s situation. She informed me that Senators and Representatives are paid the per diem, even if the miss a day of the Session. In fact, the could miss everyday, and still get paid. Apparently, although not codified, it is at the discretion of the Leadership whether to not pay a person the per diem for missing days of the Session.
The per diem is used for expenses relating to the duties and functions. I explained that Senator Novstrup was in Florida, very likely not on State business. Carol stated that he would still likely be paid his per diem. However, a Senator or Representative can voluntarily give up this per diem, if they chose to do so. So perhaps Senator Novstrup will give back the $140ish if he was indeed paid it.
Important clarification jn. We dont need no stinkin’ transparency in republican SD govt
It is so sad to see you looking for Rep Kaiser’s resignation while his young son is undergoing treatment for leukemia.
As you talk about the need for compassion for certain people it seems you have none for Dan Kaiser dealing with his sons fight for his life.
Representative Herman Otten
Rep. Otten, it’s sad to see you not reading carefully. Where do I say I’m looking for a resignation? I ask a pertinent question about the potential impact of a Representative’s absence from the House on an issue facing a tight vote. Have no members of your caucus wondered the same thing?
Please don’t question my compassion or tout your own to score political points. It is unbecoming of a Legislator.
Walk a mile in Rep. Kaiser’s shoes. His family has a lot going on right now – not only his son’s cancer. He’s spread pretty thin. I have a close friend whose son survived cancer, but it was a long and very expensive battle full of setbacks and uncertainty. Fighting cancer takes full commitment. Family comes first. Rep. Kaiser is where he needs to be right now. Let’s say a prayer for him and his family, or if that’s not your thing just wish him the best.
Read your own post dated 20016-02-16 AT 10:03
Rep. Otten, read my comment at 10:03 again. I respond to a question about how quickly a resignation and reappointment could be processed. In that statement, I am not advocating or, using your exact words, “looking for Rep Kaiser’s resignation.”
Given your voting record, I suggest you need to read both the bills before you and my comments here more closely to understand exactly what is being said.
Ror, yup. Don’t forget, I opened this piece by noting Rep. Kaiser has a good excuse for his absence.
Meanwhile, a close vote on the most important piece of legislation in this Session is pending in the House. I am confident that I am far from the only person considering the political implications of Rep. Kaiser’s absence.
Joseph! Good call! Your information gets promoted to a post of its own.
There are times when i think Pat Powers couldn’t be a bigger ass yet it never ceases to shock me when he is.
With a more than casual review of your comment it appears you advocate for kaiser’s removal. I know, I know, Omdahl has given me a heck a headache today and I may not be thinking straight.
Les, I’ll own every word I say, but I’ll not have words put in my mouth.
If you follow the trail of thought, Cory is responding to Sibby who is responding to the article about Daurgaard potentially wanting to replace him. Sibby makes the claim that the governor has his time full of threatening conservatives with primaries and Cory responds that there is time for the governor to make a move if the governor would want to push it.
The comment is referencing the governor’s potentially wanting to replace someone. No where that I have read does Cory ask for a resignation even at the infamous 10:03 comment which is a reply to the 9:48 comment which is a comment on the article.
I didn’t see any trail of thought.
I’ll bet the Rep has good state provided insurance to help cover the bills. That is something more citizens of South Dakotas could have had if there was some compassion for the poorer people in your state. Compassion seems to be lacking, especially if tax monies are needed to help the needy.
Easy, Mike. Where Rep. Kaiser gets his insurance is not an issue here. But he more likely has coverage from his full-time employer, the City of Aberdeen.
Master-my insurance comment and compassion were directed at Rep Otten,not Kaiser. My apologies for not making that clear.
Cory, The Kaiser family is going thru a very difficult time and you have sunk to a new low. It is one of the many reasons I’ll be giving my financial support and doing what I can to help those you are hoping unseat up in District 3.
This is just bad. Please! Put your ego aside for once and think about what others are going thru. Dan would be there if he could.
lol.
If memory serves, Kaiser is a little squishy on cannabis prohibition: anyone know?
Lynn, you once again misrepresent my words. I regret that your partisan bitterness overwhelms your honesty and reading comprehension. There is no low or ego here. I talk about vote-count facts on a matter of public policy. You can bet that people much more powerful than I, including the very people you say you want to give money to and make phone calls for, are paying very close attention to the impact of any empty seat in Pierre right now.
Cory,
Once again it’s your opinion. :)
Nope. I state fact. You state fiction.
here it is:
http://www.capjournal.com/news/sd-lawmakers-push-for-medical-marijuana-defense/article_9f989db6-6520-11e2-b832-001a4bcf887a.html