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Daugaard Signs Proposal To Repeal So-called ‘Daschle Law’

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a measure to change the state’s so-called “Daschle law” that bars a presidential candidate from seeking another office on the same South Dakota ballot.

Daugaard’s office on Thursday announced that he approved a proposal to remove the prohibition.

The original Republican-backed measure in 2002 faced criticism from Democrats for targeting then-U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, who was considered a possible 2004 Democratic presidential candidate.

Daugaard has said the state should seize the opportunity to increase its political influence for candidates from both parties.

Democrats had fought against the change this session, but Senate Democrats largely ended up supporting it to put an end to political games around the plan.

Daugaard has said he voted against the 2002 bill when he was in the Legislature.