For Immediate Release
April 12, 2022
South Dakota Democratic Party Statement on Ravnsborg Impeachment
Sioux Falls, SD – Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg was impeached today with a 36 – 31 vote. Every Democrat voted to impeach Ravnsborg.
South Dakota Democratic Party (SDDP) Chair Randy Seiler issued the following statement after today’s vote:
“Today, the Legislature correctly decided to impeach Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. Ravnsborg violated the public’s trust in our government with his actions, and this is an important step in holding him accountable. I hope that this helps to bring a little bit of closure to Joe Boever’s family and loved ones. Now, the Senate must move forward with removing Attorney General Ravnsborg from office”
“Thank you to Rep. Ryan Cwach and Rep. Jamie Smith for their work on the Special Investigative Committee. Even as Republicans on the committee voted against recommending impeachment, Rep. Cwach and Rep. Smith were clear that Attorney General Ravnsborg needed to be impeached. Today’s vote by the full House of Representatives proved them right.
“Gov. Kristi Noem interfered with and politicized the impeachment process, nearly preventing today’s outcome with her actions. At the same time, Republican legislators went back and forth on the right course of action and had secret, closed-door discussions, leaving the public out of the process. Democrats have been unwavering in their commitment to integrity in government and holding Attorney General Ravnsborg accountable.”
Ravnsborg struck and killed Joe Boever in September 2020. This August, Ravnsborg pled no contest to two misdemeanor charges relating to illegal lane change and using a cell phone while driving. He was sentenced to pay a fine and court costs but did not serve any jail time.
After his conviction, he has continued to serve as South Dakota’s Attorney General, undermining the integrity of the office. In the Legislature, there has been bipartisan agreement he should leave office, leading to today’s ultimate impeachment.
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