Argus Leader on Rounds Lawsuit

In Friday's Argus Leader there was a story by Dan Haugen on Steve Round's lawsuit against the State of South Dakota. 

Relatives of Gov. Mike Rounds are suing the state over a deadly highway crash in Stanley County two years ago.

In a small state such as South Dakota, where the Rounds family has many ties in state government, observers say they are taking steps to avoid any conflicts of interest.

Gov. Mike Rounds isn't named in the wrongful death lawsuit.

It was filed on behalf of his brother, Steve Rounds; sister-in-law, Dee Ann Rounds; and her father,  Monny Truman.

Political Scientist Bob Burns (SDSU) and I are quoted in the article.  Here is my bit.

Ken Blanchard, a political science professor at Northern State University, also doubted the lawsuit would affect the campaign for governor. Rounds is running for re-election against Democratic challengers.

It's possible the story might serve as good gossip in Democratic circles, but without allegations of favoritism, Blanchard doesn't see it having traction with the public.

On the other hand, Blanchard said, "It's virtually universal in politics: The last thing you want the press paying attention to during a campaign is your brother."

Having seen the whole story, I think it very unlikely this will be a campaign issue.