As former-President Donald Trump is the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, South Dakota’s senators are asking voters to do something different.
‘Take a look at Tim," US Senator Mike Rounds said.
South Carolina Senator, and Republican presidential candidate, Tim Scott, that is.
Former President Trump, who is also running for the nomination, is facing indictments for falsifying business documents, mishandling classified documents and for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Rounds' reaction to the indictments is to look toward a different candidate as the Republican nominee. He suggests voters go with Scott, who he and US Senator John Thune endorsed earlier this year.
“Here’s an individual where there’s no question about his capabilities and there’s really no question about his integrity. For me, that’s the right direction to go," Rounds said. "He can accomplish a lot of things. He’s a conservative.
"He’s got a way of sharing a message that I think is very similar to the way Ronald Reagan has in the past. I just ask people to give him an opportunity," Rounds added. "If that’s the case, then we don’t have to worry about anything with regard to anyone’s background or criminal indictments in the future.”
But Trump is miles ahead in the polls.
According to an August 15 Morning Consult poll, Trump leads his nearest competitor—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis—by 41 points. The poll shows fifty seven percent of Republican primary voters back Trump, whereas three percent back Tim Scott.
Thune said there’s a lot of time before people start voting in Iowa and New Hampshire. The Senate minority whip hopes Scott breaks through in the coming months.
“I think it's time to turn the page. I think the American people are tired of litigating an election that happened almost three years ago," Thune said. "I think the odds of us doing well in 2024 are enhanced significantly if we have a candidate at the top of the ticket that’s looking at the future.”
Meanwhile, Trump is schedule to appear in Rapid City at a state Republican Party rally and fundraiser on Sept. 8.
