The South Dakota Republican Party seems to think that having almost two and half times more registered voters than the South Dakota Democratic Party is an excuse to slack off on supporting its candidates.
According to its October 19 pre-general campaign finance report, the SDGOP raised $146,423.83 from Mid-May through mid-October. It spent all that money—as a political party should in an election year—and then some, $157,281.69 total.
The Republicans took cash from candidates—Marty Jackley, Heather Baxter, Don Haggar, Lance Russell, Carl Perry, and vile election denier Rick Weible—but the SDGOP gave not one thin dime to any of its candidates. The party spent almost 90% of its pre-general income, $131K, on event expenses. It spent $12.7K on consulting, $8.1K on printing, $3.3K on advertising, and $2.4K on credit card fees.
Meanwhile, the South Dakota Democratic Party raised $57,645.38 and spent $70,013.51. The Republican cash advantage, in and out, is notably close to the Republican advantage in voter registration. But the Democrats (ever better money managers than Republicans) managed to keep their event expenses down to $20.4K. The SDDP spent the bulk of its income, $49.6K, on candidates and county parties, far outpacing the $7.4K it took from candidate committees:
Despite its persistent fundraising advantage, the South Dakota Republican Party spent more on chicken dinners than on its candidates, while the South Dakota Democratic Party invested its money in the people it has placed on the ballot.
When we were elected 3.5 years ago one of the many goals was candidate support. Of course we would like to do more, but this was a good start hopefully the next leadership team sees the benefits and can continue. Record McGovern days allow us to do these kinds of things!