In the morning session, Scott Bartlett led the meeting with the Chairman’s Report and a motivation speech.

Amy Willis then read a challenge entittled, “Why we do it?”, about why we sacrifice in the fight against liberalism.

Larry Johnsen, our candidate for Lt. Governor, introduced himself and spoke of his reasons for joining the CP and for running as Lt. Governor.

Finally, governor candidate, Steven J. Willis gave an encouraging message on going forward and stepping forth with faith in the God of our Founding Fathers.

We then elected officers for the following year:

State Chairman: Steven Willis
Vice-Chairman: Brandon Michaels
Secretary: Joy Howe
Treasurer: Bill Scott
.
This concluded our morning meeting and we broke for lunch.

In the afternoon meeting, several more people came. Scott Bartlett
opened the meeting and then Steven J. Willis gave a speech on The
Importance of The Vote. "The Fiddlers Three" gave a beautiful recital of several patriotic songs.

Then our guest speaker, Bill Nessbit gave a video presentation of “The Myth of Separation of Church and State”, by David Barton. This was an excellent presentation that all citizens should view.
He then spoke more in detail about problems in our country that have transpired because we have allowed our leaders to separate Christianity from our government.

After a brief Q & A time, we dismissed in prayer.

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“No FREE government now exists in the world unless
where Christianity is acknowledged, and is the religion of the country . . . Its foundations are broad and strong, and deep . . .
it is the purest system of morality, . . . and only stable support
of all human laws. . . Christianity is part of the common law.”
~Common Wealth 1826~

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OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Steve Willis, State Chairman & Candidate for Governor

As the new chairman of the Constitution Party of South Dakota, I want to say thank you for the opportunity of serving again. I want to first honor those who have put their time and energy and money into the Constitution Party, and been stalwarts and stewarts of the work we all have today. Bill Scott has been the founder and constant energy of the desire for freedom of all South Dakotan’s. Scott Bartlett has for three years now been a constant encourager of many to continue in the fight and also been a excellent leader to bring us where we are today.

I also want to thank the new officers Brandon Michel for Vice-Chairman and Joy Howe for Secretary. We appreciate them for stepping up to the plate, and I believe they will both be a great blessing as we go into the next year. It is going to be a very busy year for all of us, so we will appreciate your most earnest prayers.

I believe GOD works in the lives of men and women and gives us not only the opportunity but the responsibility to fill our space with service to mankind. Last year, our 2004 Presidential candidate, Michael Peroutka, said in the Rapid City meeting that it is our responsibility to plow our row and let GOD do the blessing. We now have 5 people running for office in the State, and others wanting to run as affiliates with the CP. Now is not the time to sit back and think we have done our work, because as fast as we do some good, the opponents are giving our freedoms away.

Our Founding Fathers gave much for us. Today, over 200 years later, how are we going to stand? I believe we will stand today just as they did, not without a fight, but with love for country and honor in our hearts. They had much to overcome, but they had the same GOD we have today. Lets claim his promises as II Chronicles 7:14 says. “ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

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IS THIS FREEDOM?
Derry Brownfield (October 15, 2004)

After considering Bush or Kerry, I find neither of them to show any
evidence that they understand the proper role of government. They (like all elected officials), have put one hand on the Bible and swore to uphold and defend the US Constitution. Have you seen anything remotely Biblical or Constitutional that our President or Congress have done lately? And when I say lately, I mean over the past 100 years!

It appears that (collectively) they have read neither the Bible nor the
Constitution. This is partly why we have a democracy today, which is the same as socialism and communism, minus some paperwork and formalities. Have you ever read the Communist Manifesto? Look it up, you’ll see that we have fulfilled all ten planks of the C.M. in this country. But we’re still free, right. That depends on your definition of freedom, I guess:

I am free to pay taxes that I do not owe, or go to jail. I am free to
beg for permission to build a room onto my house or be forced to tear it down and ask properly. I am free to apply, obtain and possess a driver’s license that the US Supreme Court has already stated that I don’t need, or go to jail for nine years. I am free to buckle my seatbelt or be drug out of my car and fined. I am free to worship at the government approved church of my choice, or go underground. I am free to ask permission to bear arms or be shot and killed for being a wacko. I am free to buy a fishing license, or go to jail. I am free to own property as long as I keep it on the tax rolls, or lose it.

Like I said, I guess it depends on your definition of freedom. Some of these words and ideas may sound harsh, and you may want to take up argument with me, that’s fine. The role of government was designed by the Creator to show us His perfect Law of Liberty. Freedom in Christ makes us free indeed. The role of government is to reflect God’s glory by obeying His Laws, and allowing the people to do likewise. The role of government is to punish the evildoer, not elect them to the highest office in the land. The US Constitution Party’s stated goal is to restore the republican form of government guaranteed by the Constitution and to obey His Laws. As I see it, this is a step in the right direction.

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"The man who trades freedom for security does not
deserve nor will he ever receive either."
~Benjamin Franklin~

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CAMPAIGN

As with all great endeavors, there is sacrifice in time, money, and energy. In order to run this governor’s campaign well, we need financial support. The little of many can add up to a lot. Here is a plan: If everyone on our newsletter donated $5 a month from May– Oct (6 months), this would be a total of $60 per person. The combined amount would be $1,500 per month or $9,000!!! We could do much with that amount of financial support. This is some of what we would like to do for the governor’s campaign:
1. Billboards - at least one in Sioux Falls and one in Rapid City
2. Brochures - quality brochures to handout
3. Radio spots
4. Ads and inserts in newspapers
5. Yard signs
6. Mailings

We need your help. Several have already contributed; now it is your turn. If you prefer, you may donate a one-time lump sum. There is a need greater than we may realize and together we can make a difference.
Let us get the message of the Constitution Party out and take a stand for American Values and Constitutional Government in our state.
Checks may be made out to:
Willis for Governor
Treasurer: Vanessa Swenson
122 S. Covell
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

* We are also looking for individuals to help raise funds. If you are
interested please contact Amy Willis, 605 334-4241, amyrwil@msn.com

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NEWS

* We are getting a website up for Steven J. Willis’s campaign. The date is set for June 15. The web address will be: www.willisforgovernor.org

* Next Sioux Falls regional meeting is June 5th, 7:00 p.m., at 2901 S Orchard Ave in Sioux Falls.

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SPREAD THE WORD!

We want to reach as many people as possible and let them know of the Constitution Party and its stand for Rightiousness and a return to
Constitutionally limitted Government. One effective way to do this is to increase our mailing list. Please send us names of your friends, family, or contacts that may be interested. First, obtain their permission for us to send them information, then we will put them on our mailing list so that they too can become informed. Please also include their e-mail address, if they have one, so that we may cut expenses. Send to: amyrwil@msn.com or
SD Constitution Party
P.O. Box 703,
Sioux Falls, SD, 57101