PIERRE – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the election results:
“Congratulations to Sen. Thune, Rep. Noem and all of the other candidates who have won their elections tonight. It is a pleasure to work with Sen. Thune and Rep. Noem and I look forward to our continued efforts to improve the quality of life for hard-working South Dakotans.”
“I would also like to congratulate President-elect Trump. President-elect Trump’s victory isn’t a surprise if you’re connected and listening to real Americans, although I’ve always said he will have an uphill fight. I have traveled all over South Dakota and the sense of frustration with the federal government is at an all time high. I share that frustration. Mr. Trump has successfully tapped into that emotion by relating to voters’ frustration with their government. Since arriving in the U.S. Senate 22 months ago, I have been frustrated by the lack of focus on the big issues: debt, tax reform, mandatory payments, out of control healthcare costs, and regulatory overreach. I believe this election sends a message and it is time to get to work on the issues that matter.”
“While we may not agree on every issue, we should all agree that we want American families to prosper and to provide the next generation every opportunity to achieve the American dream. We have serious issues challenging our country. It will take leadership and cooperation to address these challenges.”
“In 2026, just ten years from now, on the 250th birthday of America, 99 percent of the federal government’s revenue will go toward two categories: interest on the federal debt and mandatory payments. Now that the election is behind us, I stand ready to work with President-elect Trump and my colleagues in Congress to address these problems head-on.”
I like Mike. He will be valuable in helping Thune bridge that gap with Trump after he denounced our president elect. Rounds is a wise man.
Bridge a gap? I’m sure Trump was happy Thune campaigned for him in Iowa and consistently said he’d vote for him. Not to mention the 2 mil Thune gave Senate candidates who outperformed Trump and helped lift his chances in their states.
Senator Rounds is a good person, though I don’t know where that “real Americans” comment comes from. Trump got fewer votes than John McCain did, and McCain lost. Trump also lost the popular vote so who are those “real Americans”?
I believe: Not media, not pundits, not DC bubble. Rather, “real people”.