A Senate Select Committee is recommending approval of Gov. Larry Rhoden’s nominee for lieutenant governor, Tony Venhuizen.
The committee held a hearing a few hours after Gov. Rhoden nominated the Sioux Falls Republican Wednesday.
During opening remarks, Rhoden said Venhuizen has 100 percent of his trust.
Venhuizen, who will serve as lieutenant governor on a full-time basis, was endorsed by the Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff.
As a Representative, Venhuizen served on the committee that sets the state budget. Both co-chairs of the appropriations committee also endorsed the nomination — one called it "bittersweet."
Venhuizen resigned his seat Wednesday morning.
In the past, Venhuizen has served as chief-of-staff in both the Daugaard and Noem administrations.
In addition to a role in the executive branch, the lieutenant governor also presides over the state Senate and breaks any tie votes.
The recommendation on Venhuizen’s nomination now heads to the full Senate. Both the Senate and House are expected to vote on resolutions confirming his nomination Thursday.
