If Governor Noem goes to Washington… who will be the new Lt.?

There’s massive speculation this morning what Governor Kristi Noem is going to do with President Trump once again becoming President-elect Trump, since she has been a close associate of his.

Will Kristi go to Washington with the new administration?  And if so, with the likable Lt Governor Larry Rhoden slated to move into that position if she departs, it brings up a question of “who would he pick to serve in his position as his own Lt. Governor and preside over the State Senate?”

Anyone care to offer a suggestion?

*Update* 

Here’s the provision that would be used – and that new Lt. Gov would be voted on by BOTH houses of the Legislature.

 § 6.   Succession of executive power. When the office of Governor shall become vacant through death, resignation, failure to qualify, conviction after impeachment or permanent disability of the Governor, the lieutenant governor shall succeed to the office and powers of the Governor. When the Governor is unable to serve by reason of continuous absence from the state, or other temporary disability, the executive power shall devolve upon the lieutenant governor for the residue of the term or until the disability is removed.

     Whenever there is a permanent vacancy in the office of the lieutenant governor, the Governor shall nominate a lieutenant governor who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of each house of the Legislature. Whenever there is a concurrent vacancy in the office of Governor and lieutenant governor, the order of succession for the office of Governor shall be as provided by law.
     The Supreme Court shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to determine when a continuous absence from the state or disability has occurred in the office of the Governor or a permanent vacancy exists in the office of lieutenant governor.
A little more interesting, don’t you think?

28 thoughts on “If Governor Noem goes to Washington… who will be the new Lt.?”

  1. Rhoden would be great for South Dakota. No question. He has a solid family, ranching background, long history of service, and he’s a really good operator in Pierre. He’s everything we want in a politician and don’t deserve. The other options would be good, too. Dusty and Rounds are hard workers with proven track records. Rhoden is one of us.

  2. Schoenbeck should be considered. His experience in the Senate will make for a seamless transition with so many new legislators coming in this session.

  3. Well, if Rhoden is picking, he will/should choose someone to run with him for a 2026 bid. So he’ll be looking for someone who can bring votes and money. Similar to what Walt Miller did when he chose Steve Kirby. I don’t know who the right person is, but a guy like Mark Mickelson could make sense if he had any interest.

    The list of wannabes will be really long, but the list of people who would be loyal and do a good job is probably quite short.

    1. There’s no way Mick wants to be second fiddle.

      Agreed though that it would likely be an east river, known quantity.

      Russ Olson? Steve Westra? Deb Soholt? Christine Erickson? just spitballin

  4. What vantage point will he choose from?
    The needs of the current Senate body/Legislature? Someone who can forward his future election aspirations? Or the giant conuncrum that is the state of the South Dakota Republican Party?
    This decision carries a lot more weight than just the senate gavel.

    He should go with a young(er) female – mover, shaker, help to usher in the next generation of statewide leadership.
    A few great ladies come to mind – great choices from both east and west river — bonus points if he can find someone with ties to both!
    A few great women come to mind…
    Good Luck, LR!

  5. Lee Schoenbeck. With the high amount of turnover in the legislature this year, an experienced hand on the dais (albeit in a more limited role) would help guide along the agenda. Given the he potential short turnaround time if Noem were to resign (likely during session), not an ideal time for a rookie.

    As for 2026, assuming he gets by Dusty/Jackley/TBD, then Rhoden can go looking for an East River running mate for the first full term.

  6. You are forgetting, it does not matter who Rhoden chooses to be Lt Governor for two years. The two are non-related. The Governor is chosen by a popular vote in the primary, and the Lt Governor is chosen by elected party delegates at a state convention. There is no ticket. the two offices are distinct from each other. You want a Lt Governor who is independent from the Governor, so he can do his adminstrative duties as per the law, investigate all state offices, departments, agencies as per citizen complaints.

    1. And there’s the far right, here to show their true colors and agenda.

      The sooner we do away with the convention process electing our constitutional officers, the better!
      Let all the Republicans of South Dakota chose their candidates, through primary election!
      We The People, just voted to keep our primary, now let us use it to its best and full execution!

    1. Rhoden has 16 years of experience in the legislature, 6 in the executive. Few can match his experience and insight. None equal the quality of his character.

      1. Someone will need to remind Rep-elect Ismay whether it be on the house floor, committee or serving as in house leadership or our next Lt. Governor that he cannot be smoking his stogies in the state government buildings.

  7. Yes, john wiik, the plastic straw policeman who saved us all from those dangerous paper straws. He would be the perfect choice for south dakota pinheads.

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