South Dakota: Democratic Party Chair Appeal rejected

The South Dakota Democratic Party Appeals Committee has rejected former South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Jennifer Slaight-Hansen appeal of her recall vote.

Slaight-Hansen was kicked out in a recall election with a unanimous vote (though some members abstained). The committee will vote for a replacement on September 16.

Slaight-Hansen was elected but took over early in April after the former Chairman died. The Party's Executive Director Dan Ahlers resigned due to issues with Slaight-Hansen. Petitions claim that Slaight-Hansen hired staffers and interns without the approval of Party officials (which she acknowledges, but says there was precedent).

South Dakota has 11 Democrats in the 105 seat legislature and hasn't won a statewide race since 2008.

Petitioners need to get signatures from 50% of the party's central committee. That would result in a special election where two-thirds of the party need to vote for removal.