Marty Jackley discusses South Dakota’s hard-hitting issues

By Nadine Moore

Marty Jackley unrelentingly discussed some of South Dakota’s most challenging issues during his visit at the general assembly Thursday morning.

Jackley, South Dakota’s Attorney General, touched on a variety of topics, including the correlation between rising drug abuse and crime rates, gun control and capital punishment.

“Certainly the biggest problem, coming from a public safety and an attorney’s aspect…is the rise of meth and heroine abuse in the state of South Dakota,” Jackley said. “There will be an anti-drug campaign coming as early as July of 2016.”

Delegates were given the opportunity to ask Jackley several questions covering both political concerns and court cases he has dealt with. Jackley handled each question with his opinion.

Some delegates had different opinions on his views and answers.

“I thought it was very well put together and he was very professional,” said Supreme Court Judge Ella Graham. “I disliked how he answered some of the questions because he talked about how he wasn’t a politician, but he would take people’s questions and turn them around so he could talk about his political views, which is a very politician thing to do.”

Though some delegates disagreed with Jackley’s stances on issues, others supported him wholeheartedly.

“I actually really like what he said,” said Baltimore delegate Khameyla Traversie. “He supports the (National Rifle Association), which is a big part of my family’s history. My grandpa and I are a part of the NRA. He answered the questions thoroughly and he didn’t avoid questions. Knowing he supports women carrying guns makes me feel a lot better on the issue.”

Traversie also said she and Jackley are from the same town of Sturgis, and seeing his success gives her hope and pride.

Jackley is a rumored candidate for South Dakota governor. He neither confirmed nor denied an official campaign in the future, but said now is not the time for him.

“I’m working hard at being attorney general and making sure that I’m doing a good job in hopes that the people of South Dakota will give me the opportunity to be their governor,” Jackley said.