PIERRE, SD – A special Senate Investigative Committee will continue its inquiry into the behavior of two state Senators during the last day of the South Dakota legislative session this year.
Senator Phil Jensen of Rapid City filed a complaint that Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer of Dell Rapids and Senate President Pro-Tem Brock Greenfield of Clark were seen drunk in the Capitol Building as the last day of the session wound up on March thirty first.
The Committee reviewed hours of public and security video from near the hearing rooms in the state Capitol.
At the end of the hearing, Senators were asked how they wanted to proceed with witnesses.
Senator Jim Bolin of Canton agreed they didn’t want a lot of repetition.
“I think that the House Majority Leader and House Minority Leader, if they so choose, should be allowed to testify,” said Bolin. “Senator Jensen and perhaps speaker Haugaard, those are ones to testify. I believe anything beyond that would be repetitive. I do think there should be opportunity for both sides of aisle to testify if that’s their desire.”
Senator Troy Heinert of Mission says he wants to hear from those seen on video that could offer more information.
“I certainly understand testimony that isn’t repetitive, said Heinert. “But I think what we’re asking of people is their recollection or if they had any interaction. If they did, they should be allowed to share that information or interaction with us.”
Former Attorney General Marty Jackley represents Langer and Greenfield and says the committee is bending the rules.
“You’ve heard testimony and have looked over 60 camera angles You’ve had the ability to watch the video from public tv. I cannot imagine what further evidence is not cumulative,” argued Jackley. “ I would urge this committee that it is on legal thin ice. And to extend it out in the way that this is being extended out continues to raise questions about fairness, jurisdiction and due process.”
Committee Chair, Senator Art Rausch of Vermillion said Jackley would be able to cross exam any witnesses.
The Committee will hold its next hearing on Friday, April 24.
