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Former US Senate Candidate Annette Bosworth Avoids Jail

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Former South Dakota U.S. Senate candidate Annette Bosworth has avoided jail time for election law violations during her unsuccessful primary campaign in 2014.

She was sentenced Wednesday to 3 years of probation. She had faced a maximum punishment of 24 years in prison and $48,000 in fines.

Bosworth, a physician and first-time candidate, was convicted in May of perjury and filing false documents. Bosworth admitted that she improperly attested to witnessing signatures on her nominating petitions, but blamed bad advice from her political consultant.

Bosworth said ahead of her sentencing that she was praying the judge would throw out her conviction. Her attorney also planned to appeal the case following sentencing.

She finished fourth in a five-way primary won by former Gov. Mike Rounds, who later won the seat.