PIERRE, S.D. – A billboard campaign pushing for the impeachment of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg has come under scrutiny since its unveiling. The billboards target political rivals of Governor Kristi Noem, who have become associated with the impeachment inquiry in way or another.
The lawmakers targeted are Speaker Spencer Gosch (R-Glenham), Rep. Jon Hansen (R-Dell Rapids), Jamie Smith (D-Sioux Falls), Scott Odenbach (R-Spearfish), and Steve Haugaard (R-Sioux Falls).
The billboards were put up in the Sioux Falls area on March 12th, and paid for by the “Dakota Institute for Legislative Solutions,” an organization that was formally organized on March 7. The 501c(4) nonprofit says it was formed to advocate for Gov. Noem’s agenda.
But Governor Noem’s campaign and office have both denied having any involvement with the organization.
Both publicly and privately, state lawmakers have questioned the sincerity of that claim. Among those questioning that are Gosch, who filed a complaint against the organization and the advertisement with the Secretary of State’s office Tuesday.
A complaint was also submitted to the Minnehaha State’s Attorney office. Gosch and other lawmakers on the impeachment committee believe that the billboard advertisements violates South Dakota Codified Law 12-27-16.1, which states that political advertisements must include the disclaimer “this communication is independently funded and not made in consultation with any candidate, political party, or political committee.” If the communication does not include a candidate, than the statue states that the organization must list it’s 5 largest donors over the course of the last year.
The full State House will consider whether or not to impeach Ravnsborg on April 12th.
