State of South Dakota Archives: on Homeland Security


Brian Bengs: VA closings might make it more responsive to veterans

Bengs says it makes sense to consider facility closures and other options that might make VA care more efficient and responsive to veterans' needs. His status as a veteran give him an edge in understanding there, he says. "Pleasing the military is the popular things for politicians to do. And when you haven't ever served yourself, the easiest way is to say 'OK, fund this and fund that.' And that might be the right answer. But at other times, it might not be."
Source: S.D. Public Broadcasting on 2022 South Dakota Senate race Mar 17, 2022

Dennis Daugaard: Support our troops because they protect our freedoms

Today's foreign struggles are creating a new generation of heroes, who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. We owe them our thanks and our strong support.
Source: 2011 S.D. gubernatorial press release, "Speeches" Nov 15, 2011

Gordon Howie: Expand the military

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?

A: Support

Source: E-mail interview: 2014 S.D. Senate race with OnTheIssues.org Sep 18, 2014

Jay Williams: Served in the US Navy and then the Peace Corps

I had the opportunity to serve my country in both the US Navy and in the Peace Corps. As a Midshipman, I served on the USS Oriskany in the Vietnam War where I learned to work with discipline under pressure. After graduating from college I was commissioned as a Naval Officer and earned my wings as a Naval Aviator. I served as a search and rescue helicopter pilot in Italy and Virginia Beach. My 10 years of military service allowed me to develop my leadership skills and formed my passion for public service.

After my time in the Navy, my wife Carol and I volunteered for the Peace Corps and were assigned to Bogota, Colombia. It was during this time that Carol and I gained perspective on America's prosperity, and the importance of working together with community leaders at the local level to impact change.

Source: 2016 S.D. Senate campaign website JayWilliams2016.com Mar 15, 2016

  • The above quotations are from State of South Dakota Politicians: Archives.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Homeland Security:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026