Statements issued on the death of Bill Janklow

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The Associated Press

“I knew Governor Janklow for more than thirty years. He was one of the most colorful Governors in South Dakota's history. We met during his first term as Governor and my first term in the South Dakota House. He was not afraid of controversy. I sometimes agreed with him, and sometimes disagreed — but I always respected him for his passionate sense of public service. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Mary Dean and their children.”

— U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D.

“Our prayers go out to Mary Dean and to the Janklow family. Over the past few weeks, South Dakotans have taken time to recall Governor Janklow. He will always be remembered as a strong leader and one of our state's most consequential governors.”

— South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard

“Whether or not you agreed with his politics, Governor Janklow offered real vision for our state and worked tirelessly to make South Dakota a better place. Without doubt, he will be counted as one of our state's foremost leaders in modern history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

— Ben Nesselhuf, South Dakota Democratic Party Chairman

“My family's thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Dean and the rest of Governor Janklow's family during this difficult time. Governor Janklow served South Dakota with everything he had. He was a passionate advocate for our state and will be missed.”

— U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D.

“He fought for underdogs all his life. That got lost because he's this blustery guy that always kind of led every battle from the front. He did play hard. That's the nature of the beast in politics. The real guy was this softy, this kind person. I hope people know that.”

— Former State Treasurer David Volk

“Few South Dakotans have had a more profound impact on our state than Bill Janklow. He was a larger than life figure. He fought for his clients in the courtroom and for his state in the public arena and nobody could equal his level of energy. Today is a sad day for South Dakota and my thoughts and prayers are with Mary Dean and the Janklow family.”

— U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.

“Betsy and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Bill Janklow, the former governor and representative of our neighboring state. Bill dedicated his life to public service and he got things done. He recognized early on the importance of connecting classrooms to the Internet and he understood the important role that state officials play in economic development. His contributions to the state of South Dakota are many and lasting.”

— North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple

“I would just sum it up by saying he was Mr. South Dakota. Everything he ever did was for the people of South Dakota.”

“He was my boss for several years, but he was my friend at the same time. We were like brothers. We fought like brothers. We defended each other like brothers.”

“One of the things was, you always knew where you stood. When he was with you, he was with you all the time.”

— State Rep. Gene Abdallah, R-Sioux Falls, who worked for Janklow as superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol in 1995-2000.

“He was a character. Some sensed that we didn't always get along together, but we worked together for South Dakota. He was at the end of the day my friend and a strong leader.”

— Former U.S. Sen. Larry Pressler, R- S.D.

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