3 Candidates Endorsed By Daugaard Lose Bids

by Associated Press
June 05, 2012 11:12 PM


Gov. Dennis Daugaard's endorsement apparently didn't mean much to South Dakota voters when it came to choosing state senators.
 
Of the five candidates endorsed by the governor, three lost their bids - including incumbent Republican Sen. Tom Nelson.
 
Nelson was defeated by Spearfish businessman and Lawrence County Commissioner Bob Ewing.
 
Other Daugaard picks who lost included House Speaker Val Rausch against Sen. Tim Begalka of Clear Lake, and former lawmaker Mike Buckingham of Rapid City over Rep. Phil Jensen.

But Daugaard did endorse two apparent winners. Sen. Bruce Rampelberg of Rapid City defeated George Ferebee of Hill City. And Sen. Deb Peters narrowly won over Rep. Lora Hubbel of Sioux Falls.