Overview of candidates for S.D. governor
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SIOUX FALLS (AP) — During the 2018 legislative session, they were South Dakota’s attorney general, congresswoman and state Senate Democratic leader. Next year, one of them will likely be governor.
The state’s top gubernatorial candidates pushed for legislation to crack down on drug dealers, improve access to public records and promote free speech on college campuses during the session.
Attorney General Marty Jackley and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem are competing to win the Republican primary in June, while state Sen. Billie Sutton is the only Democrat vying to replace retiring GOP Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
Here’s a look at the candidates’ views on the session and their priorities if elected governor:
MARTY JACKLEY
The outgoing attorney general burnished his law enforcement credentials this session, shepherding through bills to impose harsher penalties on meth distributors and drug dealers whose product kills someone. He worked with legislators to approve a data breach notification bill.
“Certainly, it shows South Dakotans that as attorney general and as a hopeful governor, I will work with the Legislature to find solutions,” Jackley said. “It won’t be gridlock in Washington where we can’t balance a budget or pass a bill.”
Jackley praised a major new precision agriculture facility at South Dakota State University. He also supported a law establishing legislative findings that Sioux Falls Planned Parenthood officials have provided pre-abortion counseling that violates state mandatory disclosure requirements.
Turning to next year, Jackley said he wants to improve school safety and examine education funding to ensure the state is helping both “metropolitan” and rural South Dakota. Lawmakers could also expect a friendlier reception for legislation allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit than they’ve had from Daugaard.
Candidate photos shown in order they appear in the article: Marty Jackley, Kristi Noem and Billy Sutton