Knobe: Here is my view of the election from the cheap seats

Sep 4

Sep 4 Knobe: Here is my view of the election from the cheap seats

Based on the primary and run-off Republican vote results, about 30% of South Dakota Republicans are hyper MAGA. They support Trump and are in his cult/gang.

70% of Rs might be some level of MAGA.

Of that 70% I’m guessing at about half of them are still regular Republicans. They support the policies of the party from 15 years ago. Not the current ones. They are struggling between “Party Loyalty” and good policy and common sense. None are speaking out publicly. It is quiet struggling.

Based on other states primary elections it is obvious that many Rs are NOT in lock step with MAGA.

I have no strong prediction on November election results. It is possible Brian Bengs will replace Mike Rounds in the U.S. Senate. The race is now tied. Mike has been making a lot of noise recently. The Republicans I associate with are not impressed. One asked, “Where has he been hiding the past 18 months?”

I have no strong sense on the U.S. House race. I do wonder if the picture of our Attorney General, the R candidate with Donald Trump both giving the “Thumbs Up” gesture will have an impact on the 50% of Regular Republicans. That picture shows strong Hyper MAGA loyalty.

Our current R Governor clobbered the Super MAGA candidate in the run-off election. 71 to 29%. However, the current Governor has publicly stated his support for Trump and has said former Governor Kristi Noem was a good governor. He is obviously MAGA. Not surprising party/cult/gang loyalty. Maybe bad reality politics.

I haven’t seen any polling, but the Non-Republican Candidate for Secretary of State, seems to be gathering good traction over his Trump/MAGA/cult/gang supporting opponent.

I have no sense on legislative races. I have visited with two Non-Republicans running in Districts in Sioux Falls. Smart people. Both young. Maybe a move towards Non-Republicans winning.

At the Minnehaha County Commission level, there are three Rs, a D, and an Independent seeking three seats. The D and Independent have both served on the Sioux Falls City Council. Goth have a good track record. Both well known. It will be interesting to see if R party/cult/gang loyalty retails.

The game moves into the fourth quarter after Labor Day. Expect surprises and tricks. Maybe some skullduggery.

That’s my view of the game from the cheap seats.

Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and radio talk show host, now retired.

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