John Gossom
Column: Johnson Retirement Could Spell Trouble for Democrats
PIERRE - In order to take control of the Senate, Republicans would need to pick up 6 seats. This opening represents a prime opportunity for them to gain one, as there is not a Democratic heir apparent in this deeply red state.
Column: Brewing Debt Ceiling Fight is Comically Tragic
PIERRE - Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner has signaled that he intends to force the President to agree to more spending cuts when next the debt ceiling needs to be raised, which should occur in May.
Column: Like Communication, A Little Zoning Goes a Long Way
It isn’t something that occurs to most of us very often, but there are few government actions that have the immediate power of a zoning decision.
Column: Desperate but Not Serious
PIERRE - South Dakota ranks 12th in per capita income and lottery tickets are selling fast. These things are not unrelated, but you have to look beyond the surface to see why.
Column: When Green and Blue Collide
WASHINGTON - The proposed extension of the Keystone XL pipeline has divided the political left.
Column: New Pope Likely to Push Same Old Doctrine
VATICAN CITY, Italy - In all the hubbub about the new Pope, you may have missed some local Catholic related news of note.
Column: Willful Ignorance Unlikely to Result in Bliss
PIERRE - Teen pregnancy is on the decline nationally, but is still stubbornly high in rural areas. This should be cause for more concern in South Dakota, given that very little of state qualifies as being non-rural.
Column: Prioritizing the Human Economy
PIERRE - It is admirable to see the Governor and legislators from both parties setting up sound policy that will prioritize human beings in the lean times and hopefully prevent more damaging cuts like those from two years ago.
Column: Domestic Violence Debate is Abusively Stupid
PIERRE - South Dakota lawmakers found themselves unable to agree on a bill that would update and clarify domestic violence policy.
Column: Senate Unwilling to Approve ‘Any Willing Provider’
PIERRE - After passing the house, the bill to force insurers to accept free patient choice in healthcare providers was voted down resoundingly in the South Dakota Senate.