South Dakota’s ongoing debate over data centers, Republican Party infighting and a Watertown-area candidate forum took center stage in the latest episode of “Dakota Town Hall,” with hosts Jake Shoenbeck and Murdoc joined by former Sen. Aaron Tobin, District 4 Sen. Stephanie Sauder and Dakota War College’s Pat Powers.

The episode opened with a discussion about the future of data centers in South Dakota and whether state or local governments should consider moratoriums. Tobin argued artificial intelligence could have major benefits, particularly in health care, and said communities should continue discussing issues such as water use, property tax revenue and local control rather than shutting the door entirely.

“In healthcare, I think it’s one of the easiest ways to see that AI is going to be something that is gonna advance and save lives and help people,” Tobin said. She added that regulation should be approached carefully so smaller companies are not pushed out of the industry.

Sauder said she expects data centers to return as a significant issue when lawmakers reconvene in Pierre. She said legislators will likely revisit proposals from the previous session while continuing to debate large hyperscale projects and the role local governments should play. 

The conversation later shifted to a recent Watertown-area candidate forum and independent candidate Neil Tapio’s decision not to attend. Sauder said Tapio withdrew roughly two hours before the event, reportedly because former state Sen. Lee Schoenbeck was serving as moderator. She described the forum as civil and said the questions came from the chamber and audience rather than the moderator.

The panel also discussed internal Republican Party tensions, including a Minnehaha County GOP questionnaire sent to legislative candidates and broader concerns about the state party’s ability to rebuild donor and candidate support.

Powers said the organization faces “a complete loss of confidence” statewide and questioned how it can regain support from donors it has alienated in recent years. Sauder said rebuilding trust may be the most difficult part of restoring the party organization.