New campaign finance records show a national political action committee behind recent mailers in South Dakota’s Republican gubernatorial runoff received all of its recent funding from a Pennsylvania billionaire.
According to Federal Election Commission filings, the School Freedom Fund super PAC has raised 15 million dollars since last year from billionaire investor Jeffrey Yass, a prominent Republican donor and school choice advocate.
The group has mailed postcards to South Dakota voters criticizing Governor Larry Rhoden ahead of Tuesday’s Republican runoff election against Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden. The mailers characterize Rhoden as a tax-increase supporter, citing several sales tax measures he signed into law earlier this year.
The postcards do not focus on education issues despite the organization’s name. Federal law allows super PACs to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money as long as they do not coordinate directly with candidates.
Tuesday’s winner will advance to the November general election to face Democratic nominee Dan Ahlers.
