Let’s Shed Some Light on Dark Money Dark AI-Data Center Money is weaseling its way into South Dakota. Brian Bengs Sep 2 We all know that there’s dark money in politics. It’s been one of my main issues throughout this whole campaign. It’s a slinking fear that hangs over every other issue South Dakotans face. Where there’s people who can’t afford groceries, or small towns shrinking as the local economy slows down, or healthcare that remains just out of reach to regular folks, there’s Big Money interests lying in wait to capitalize on an opportunity. It erodes the very principles of our American republic, the ideals of liberty and hard work and prosperity. In South Dakota, it’s an issue close to our hearts. I’ve written multiple articles on Kristi Noem’s dark money corruption alone. It’s happening right now, right here in South Dakota. Big Money has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy politicians who are more favorable to data centers. Oh, and that’s just on state-level races. Before, when I’ve talked about the influence of Big Money, it’s always been conditional. Folks are worried that Big Money “might” buy our politicians. Big Money “has the power” to outspend regular people to get what it wants. There is no hedging with “if” or “might” anymore. It’s happening, right in front of our eyes. Big Money interests pushing AI-data centers are playing a massive shell game to hide where their money is going. It goes to PACs, who then shift it to another PAC, and another, until the paper trail is so muddied that no regular person can even tell. AI-Data Center groups backed 17 primary challengers running for offices in the South Dakota State Legislature. 16 of them won. My opponent is backed by Big Money, but I’m supported by regular folks like you. New polling has us tied, and puts me in the lead once folks hear more about my opponent and I. If you chip in to the campaign today, it’ll help make sure we get my name, message and background out to as many South Dakotans as possible. Thank you. If that’s what Big Money is spending just to buy seats in the South Dakota legislature, what kind of money are they putting up for federal seats? Unsurprisingly, a whole lot. My opponent has received max-out, up-to-the-limit donations from nearly the entire executive suites at major tech companies. On paper, it’s on the up-and-up, but in practice it means that these private corporations are able to give tens of thousands of dollars over their contribution limits in order to buy influence. In any other circumstance where money is moving around, we’d call the practice “structuring.” Structuring is a federal crime. For campaign finance, however, it skates by without scrutiny. The thing that worries me most is what we can’t see on the paper trail. If this level of corruption is visible and legal, then what’s going on in the background that isn’t? We may be able to see where the money is going, but we can’t see the strings attached in backroom deals and private sit-downs. A number of South Dakotans I’ve spoken to can’t even conceive that the issues they face will be addressed, or can be addressed. People don’t think their voice, their concerns, or even their votes will be taken into consideration by our politicians. All because Big Money openly controls our politicians. This race is about a lot of things. It’s about delivering an Independent voice for South Dakota, about making daily life more affordable, and about challenging the status quo and political dysfunction that so many folks are unhappy with. Most of all, it’s about making government work for regular people. I’m fighting to get Big Money out of politics. I don’t see it as ideological, I see it as absolutely necessary for the future of our republic. Fortunately, I know I’m not alone in this fight. Thank you for reading. Brian L. Bengs, Lt Col (Ret) Independent Candidate for U.S. Senate The most recent polling has me tied with Mike Rounds in the initial head-to-head. Once folks learn more about me, I jump in the lead, 52% to 44%. To make this a reality in November, we need to get my message out to as many South Dakotans as possible. If you can chip in today, it’ll help make that happen. Thank you.