Transcript: Gov. Larry Rhoden says his lieutenant governor 'must be worthy of our tremendous people'
Union Center statesman thanks predecessor, family in first joint address to Legislature
Newly-minted South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivered his first address to the state Legislature Tuesday, vowing to serve the next two years with honor, thanking his friends, family and supporters and sharing details about what he’s looking for in a lieutenant governor.
Read the full transcript of his address:
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Supreme Court Justices, Constitutional officers, members of the House and Senate, and my fellow South Dakotans:
It is truly an honor to stand before you today as your governor.
Before I begin today, I’d like to say, “thank you,” on behalf of our state, to Secretary Kristi Noem. Kristi has served our state for eighteen years – in the State House, in Congress, and as our governor. She worked hard and did great things for our state. And it was my great honor to serve with her. She is helping President Trump make America safe again. We are proud of her and wish her well in that important job. She is still working for us – keeping our nation safe. Please join me in a round of applause to thank Governor Noem.
Today is a new day, and I’m starting out in a new job. It might surprise you to know this: even though I served as lieutenant governor for six years, not everyone knows about the lieutenant governor. I’d like to take some time to share some things you might not know about me.
Most importantly I’d like you to meet my family, many of whom are here today. My son Cody is here with his wife Liz and their two kids, Tally and Josie. My son Tristen is here with his wife Kalen and their daughter Birkin. My sons Jesse and Reggie are here. So is my twin sister Lorie, my brother Dan, and his wife Kathy. And we have many other extended family members here.
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