SDDP Statement on Jackley’s Formal Gubernatorial Announcement
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota Democratic Party Executive Director Sam Parkinson issued the following statement today in response to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley’s announcement that he is running for Governor in 2018:
“Just like Kristi Noem, his opponent in the Republican primary for Governor, Marty Jackley has long made it clear he prioritizes his career advancement over fulfilling the duties he was entrusted with by the people of South Dakota. As Attorney General, his weak and delayed responses to Republican government scandals like EB-5 and GEAR UP – such as waiting until after the 2014 election to file charges in the EB-5 case, followed by letting Joop Bollen off the hook with a lenient plea deal that only required Bollen plead guilty to one of five charges against him – made it clear he was more concerned with political expedience than seeing justice done. Further, in an effort to play to the most extreme elements of the Republican base, he frequently expended precious taxpayer resources on frivolous lawsuits against the federal government, instead of focusing on South Dakota issues. Jackley also showed his contempt for the will of the voters by starting his campaign for governor right after the last election so he could circumvent the campaign finance regulations passed by the people of South Dakota in 2016.
“South Dakota needs change in Pierre, not the same old extreme and out-of-touch policies offered by Marty Jackley and Kristi Noem and the rest of the Republican Party. Unlike the Republican political establishment in Pierre, South Dakota Democrats believe state government should work for everyone, not just the powerful and well-connected, and it should reflect South Dakota values such as fairness, integrity, and rewarding hard work.”
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