Future governor candidates could be allowed to select running mates in S.D.

Measure removing lieutenant governor pick from party conventions heads to Gov. Larry Rhoden's desk

PIERRE — It took three years, but South Dakota lawmakers approved a measure Tuesday that would allow candidates who win their primary election for governor to select their lieutenant governor as running mate.

Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff introduced the bill on the Senate floor as a “blast from the past – a bill that’s been around for a while.”

Currently, lieutenant governors are selected at political party conventions, along with party candidates for attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer and commissioner of school and public lands.

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