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House confirms Tony Van Heisen as South Dakota lieutenant governor
Summary
The South Dakota House of Representatives voted to confirm Tony Van Heisen as lieutenant governor, adopting House Resolution 7,001 after multiple members spoke in support of his experience, temperament and public service.
The South Dakota House of Representatives on a voice vote confirmed Tony Van Heisen as lieutenant governor after members across the chamber spoke in favor of his nomination and the Odenbach motion to adopt House Resolution 7,001 passed.
Representative Brian Odenbach moved adoption of the resolution, citing the constitutional requirement that "whenever there is a permanent vacancy in the office of the Lieutenant Governor, the governor shall nominate a Lieutenant Governor who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of each house of the legislature." Odenbach said he supported Van Heisen “because of 3 characteristics that I have observed over time,” and listed wisdom, experience and temperament as reasons to confirm him.
Members from both sides of the aisle offered remarks in support. Representative Mike Derby said Van Heisen had been "the best vice chair and wingman chair of appropriations" he had worked with. Representative May described a history of professional friction that turned to respect and urged members to "give our new lieutenant governor a chance." Representative Mortensen and others highlighted Van Heisen’s knowledge of legislative history and committee leadership, with Mortensen calling him "the preeminent historian of the activities of this building." Representative Healy said Van Heisen "has a deep knowledge of policy and rules and procedure."
The clerk reported the final tally as 67 ayes and 1 excused, and the speaker declared the motion carried. The House then recessed to allow members who wished to attend the swearing-in in the Senate chamber.
The nomination invoked South Dakota Constitution Article 4, Section 6, which was cited on the floor as the authority for gubernatorial nomination and legislative confirmation of a lieutenant governor.
With the adoption of HR 7,001, Tony Van Heisen was confirmed by the House as lieutenant governor of South Dakota.
Members intending to observe the swearing-in were invited to the Senate chamber; the House returned to business after the confirmation vote.
