SD Democrats criticize job for former adviser to Gov. Rounds

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PIERRE — Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Thursday appointed an associate of former Republican Gov. Mike Rounds’ to a board that awards state economic development loans, a move the state’s top Democratic Party official called a blatant effort to help Rounds’ campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Daugaard, a Republican, appointed Rob Skjonsberg, of Pierre, to the state Board of Economic Development. Skjonsberg worked eight years in the banking industry before becoming Rounds’ chief of staff in the governor’s office in 2003. He later worked at POET, an ethanol producer, and is currently chief of staff at Rounds’ real estate and insurance company in Pierre. Skjonsberg also is a partner in a political consulting firm that is helping Rounds’ campaign for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson, who has said he will announce later whether he will seek re-election.

South Dakota Democratic Party Chairman Ben Nesselhuf said Skjonsberg’s appointment appears to be an effort to help Rounds’ campaign because those who benefit from state economic development loans could feel pressure to contribute to Rounds’ campaign.

Tags: election 2014, mike rounds, news, updates, state, politics