…And just like that, President Trump opens the door of possibility for a special election, and John Thune to fulfill Kimberly’s hope returning to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a full-throated gubernatorial endorsement from the Great MAGA King. But I’ll get to that in a moment….
First, President Trump has announced his nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Keeping in mind that Tom Homan is already assigned the one task that Governor Noem would not like to be responsible for, controlling the border and deporting illegal aliens. Both matters are of interest to the Big Ag industry back home.
So, with a streamlined responsibility portfolio, at DHS Noem would be more focused on national security matters that are not tied to border security. The types of national security issues that Noem has a tendency to frame around constitutional freedoms, liberties, and the removal of systems that directly restrict the rights of Americans. Something, shall we say, directly in her wheelhouse.
Simultaneously, this appointment opens the door for Senator John Thune to return to South Dakota and run for Governor. This possibility directly fits into the wish list of his wife Kimberly Thune, together they have grandkids now. The family dynamic caused Senator Thune to seriously contemplate retiring two-years ago.
From 2021 – “during a casual discussion at Crossroads Book & Music, a Sioux Falls store that sells Christian books and items, he seemed weary. If he runs and wins, he noted, it means a six-year commitment. [Thune] said his wife Kimberley wants him to come home. “She is done with it,” Thune said.
At the time Thune seriously was thinking about retiring, the opportunity for Senate Leadership was just as well-known as it is today. As we sit here on the eve of the Senate leadership vote, perhaps a discussion with President Trump about helping Thune return to Sioux Falls for a run at the governorship would fulfill an objective on many levels.
Noem’s early exit could create a special election, and with a full-throated Trump endorsement, Thune would be a shoo-in despite some opposition from the grassroots. Perhaps an insurance MAGA rally or two on Thune’s behalf would be too good to pass up.
Now we enter the real chess game. With Rubio removed from SSCI Chair, there’s an opening for a senior member of the Senate Intel Committee to assume that pretty cushy and important Gang of Eight job.
John Cornyn is a senior member of that SSCI committee, who also happens to be running for Senate Majority Leader.
If Thunes take the carrot of South Dakota Governor, and Cornyn takes the consolation carrot of SSCI Chairman, who does that leave for Senate Leader?
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lol.. nah. Couldn’t be.. nah, wait… hmmmm. lol
Toodles.
