Neal Tapio Withdraws From Watertown District 5 Legislative Debate, Citing Moderator Bias Concerns

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD — District 5 House candidate Neal Tapio announced Tuesday, about two hours before the event, that he will not participate in tonight’s legislative debate hosted by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, saying the selection of the event’s moderator compromises the forum's fairness.

Tapio, a 2021 Watertown Businessman of the Year and former State Senator, said his decision stems from concerns about moderator Lee Schoenbeck's neutrality, a longtime state legislator and political figure.

“While I was looking forward to a productive and informative evening, I will not be participating in tonight’s debate hosted by the Watertown Chamber of Commerce,” Tapio said. “Tonight’s moderator, Lee Schoenbeck, is far from a neutral party.”

Tapio Cites Litigation, Past Disputes

Tapio outlined several reasons he believes Schoenbeck should not moderate the debate, including:

·         Schoenbeck is currently involved in active litigation against Tapio and his company.

·         During Tapio’s 2016 Senate campaign, Schoenbeck publicly questioned whether Tapio lived in Watertown, despite Tapio residing less than a mile from Schoenbeck’s home.

·         Through his political action committee, South Dakota Strong, Schoenbeck has spent tens of thousands of dollars statewide opposing candidates he has labeled “wackadoodles” and “crazies,” including those Tapio describes as “freedom and liberty‑minded.”

“How he thought he could be an impartial moderator is beyond me,” Tapio said. “A moderator must be fair and unbiased. When the person chosen to moderate has a documented history of attacking one candidate’s character and residency, is actively suing that candidate’s business, and has spent heavily against that candidate’s political allies, neutrality is impossible.”

Tapio also criticized the Chamber’s selection process, saying Schoenbeck’s role as moderator...

“is a stain on the reputation of the Watertown Chamber of Commerce and is unfair for the voters of Watertown.”

Running as an Independent

Tapio, who is running as an Independent, said his decision reflects broader concerns about political leadership and party dynamics.

“I am a lifelong Republican who believes strongly in hard work, sacrifice, merit, faith and family,” Tapio said. “The very reason I am running as an Independent is because too many in the Republican (and Democrat) Party leadership are not guided by ethical behavior and a simple belief in right and wrong.”

Continuing Voter Outreach

Tapio said he will continue meeting directly with residents in District 5.

“Voters deserve a fair and open discussion with all candidates on the issues that matter most to them,” he said. “I will continue going door to door, having discussions with Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike about our mutual concern for our country, our state and our community. I look forward to knocking on every door in District 5 to earn their trust and support.”

About Neal Tapio

Tapio was born and raised in Watertown and owns a local business that he says provides income for 30 families. He previously served as State Senator for the Watertown area and was named the Watertown Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Businessman of the Year. He is currently a candidate for the South Dakota House of Representatives, District 5. The opposition in the race consists of Republicans Byron Callies and Matt Roby.