(Greater Dakota News Service and DRG Media Group)- Government accountability is part of the debate surrounding South Dakota’s attorney general who faces pressure to resign over misdemeanor charges he faces for fatally striking a pedestrian with his car last fall.
State lawmakers had introduced plans for impeachment, but that effort was paused last week following a gag order in the criminal court case against Jason Ravnsborg. Some lawmakers, Governor Kristi Noem and at least three state law enforcement organizations have called on Ravnsborg to resign, but so far he has refused.
University of South Dakota political science professor Michael Card says with conflicting actions, it’s hard for the public to know whether its best interests are being served.
“They’re confused as to why the Legislature didn’t appeal the judge’s order, because it’s clearly constitutional for the Legislature to entertain articles of impeachment.”
Meanwhile, Card says if the Legislature waits until the criminal case is resolved to reconsider impeachment, there might not be as much public pressure.
“As it drags out, I think it’s less likely that the public will call for action that the legislators will respond to.”
Card notes the release of the interrogation videos underscores the conflict between concerns about accountability and the right of Ravnsborg to receive a fair trial.
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