A South Dakota state legislator says he’s leaving what he calls the corruption and disfunction of state government.
Republican Stace Nelson is announcing his retirement from politics effective December 10th.
It’s hard to say whether Republican State Senator Stace Nelson is seen first or heard…
Nelson is towering figure in the sometimes-narrow halls of the statehouse. He’s often seen carrying a binder full of papers and a half gallon bottle of Pure Leaf sweet tea. His booming voice fills the sleepy senate chamber during a roll call vote.
Nelson says he’s a principled conservative.
Nelson would often get passionate over issues like abortion and guns, as well as the size of the government and the state budget. Here he is in an exchange with Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden over a bill that appropriates one million dollars to a pheasant habitat fund. Nelson opposed the bill.
But now, Nelson says he’s done with politics permanently.
He says corruption in Pierre has gone too far. He points to the EB-5 and Gear Up scandals as examples. He’s also frustrated with the results of a Department of Criminal Investigation complaint he filed against four law enforcement officials, three of which were found to have sexually harassed, discriminate against and retaliate against DCI agent Laura Kaiser.
He says his outspokenness about what he calls state corruption has put a target on his back.
“I’ve earned some high enemies in powerful places,” Nelson says. “I’ve gained a reputation for honesty and public service and—along with that has come with name recognition. There’s folks that were worried I was going to run for higher office. Over the years they’ve done everything possible to try and ruin me professionally and personally. It’s gotten to the point where I can’t expose my family to that anymore.”
Nelson has recommended Pastor Michael Boyne of Parkston to the Governor as his replacement. Nelson has served in the state legislature since 2011.