(Hayti, SD) — A Hamlin County debate is exposing differing opinions on data centers in rural South Dakota. Seven Republican candidates in Legislative District 4 shared their thoughts in a debate on Sunday. Some candidates like incumbent Stephanie Sauder say the data centers are important for continued economic development in the area. Others, like former legislator Tim Begalka, said he opposed the building of a data center in nearby Toronto, South Dakota saying it would consume as much electricity as the entire city of Sioux Falls. Sauder and Begalka are dueling it out in the Republican primary for Senate while the other five candidates are running for seats in the state House.
