South Dakota GOP Censure Vote Targets Thune Over SAVE Act

The South Dakota Republican Party's Resolutions Committee voted on Friday, June 26, to approve a censure resolution against Senate Majority Leader John Thune, escalating an intraparty conflict fueled by grassroots frustration over stalled election integrity legislation. The resolution, which now moves to the full state party, condemns Thune's failure to advance the SAVE America Act, a marquee voter ID bill championed by former President Donald Trump.

The committee's vote followed a contentious dispute the previous evening involving conservative activist Scott Presler, who was denied entry to a barbecue dinner at the South Dakota GOP State Convention in Rapid City. The event, sponsored by Thune and featuring him as a keynote speaker, took place on Thursday, June 25. Presler, a prominent advocate for the SAVE America Act, accused Thune's staff of personally blocking him from attending.

Thune's office forcefully denied the accusation. Ryan Wrasse, a communications officer for the senator, called the claim a "categorical lie," stating that Thune's staff does not handle ticketing for party events. Wrasse noted the dinner was closed to the press and advertised as such. Presler had...