One number can’t define South Dakota’s economy

By: Brad Johnson

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: July 10, 2026

Words: 700

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

Leadership begins with intellectual honesty—the basic skill of describing reality before claiming the authority to fix it.

Anyone asking to lead South Dakota should first demonstrate the ability to read a chart without turning it into performance art.

Which is why a recent claim by gubernatorial candidate Toby Doeden deserves a closer look.

This week, Doeden wrote on Facebook that “South Dakota ranks dead last in economic growth for the entire nation.”

That …

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