PIERRE, S.D. – A group of South Dakota’s Republican legislators have announced the formation of the South Dakota Freedom Caucus. It is part of the National Freedom Caucus that has organizations in five other states.
The organization’s vice-chair Rep. Tony Randolph (R-Rapid City) said the group will, “follow the platform and do what we said we would do when we were elected.”
A statement from U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona), a member of the House Freedom Caucus said, “We look forward to following the great success that we know they’ll have in fighting for limited government, the sanctity of life, and more liberty in the Mount Rushmore State.”
Andrew Roth, President of the State Freedom Caucus network, says that by launching freedom caucuses at the state level, they hope to build a stronger grassroots movement amongst conservatives. Members say that rather than starting their own political party, they want to be the “conscious” of the Republican party.
Randolph declined to specify how many members have officially joined the caucus. In addition to Randolph serving as vice-chair, Rep. Aaron Aylward (R-Harrisburg) will serve as chair. Rep. Tina Mullaly (R-Rapid City) will serve as secretary and treasurer.
