SDDP Vice Chair: Thune Flip-Flops on Nomination Process Represents “Height of Hypocrisy”

Thune’s actions an example why young South Dakotans view Washington politicians in such low regard

–  For Immediate Release – 

SIOUX FALLS, SD (September 20th, 2020)  – South Dakota Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Nikki Gronli had strong words for Senators John Thune and the entire SD Congressional delegation Saturday morning, following the death of iconic supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“The fact that Senator Thune reversed his opposition to considering Supreme Court nominations close to a presidential election is the height of hypocrisy. Frankly, he owes his constituents an apology, especially the young people of South Dakota who increasingly view Washington politicians as people who say one thing and do another in pursuit of their partisan goals.”

Both Thune and Senator Mike Rounds, who in March of 2016, said that eight months was “too close” to a Presidential election to consider then President Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court. In a complete reversal, Thune now supports the consideration of a yet-to-be announced President Trump nominee to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg with the general election just 45 days away. Senator Rounds has yet to make a statement concerning this.

“Unethical behavior such as this is why politicians are held in such low regard. Both Thune and Rounds should re-read what they said in 2016 and take a long, hard look in the mirror. It shouldn’t be too much to expect our elected leaders to be consistent in these types of matters. It’s shameful and embarrassing. The people and the press should demand better.”

“I hope South Dakotans will join me in contacting both senators to express their displeasure. In 2018, Americans sent a message to Washington when they flipped the House blue. Vice President Biden is polling 6 points higher than the current president both nationally and in key Electoral College battleground states. To quote 2016 John Thune, ‘The American people deserve to have their voices heard on the nomination of the next Supreme Court justice, who could fundamentally alter the direction of the Supreme Court for a generation.’” Gronli concluded.

Gronli urged concerned South Dakotans to call Senator Thune’s office at (605) 334-9596 and Senator Rounds at (844) 875-5268 as soon as possible.

Statement of Senator Thune in March 2016:  “The American people deserve to have their voices heard on the nomination of the next Supreme Court justice, who could fundamentally alter the direction of the Supreme Court for a generation.” — https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2016/3/thune-statement-on-obama-nominee-to-supreme-court

Statement of Senator Rounds in March 2016:  “We also owe it to the American people to make certain their voice is heard in the upcoming elections.  For these reasons, I agree with my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee and in Senate Leadership that we should not hold hearings on a Supreme Court nominee until after our new president takes office.”

Please direct questions to SDDP Executive Director via email pam@sddp.org or phone (605) 695-1996.

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