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day, Steele appeared at a news conference in Sioux Falls with Rep. Lora Hubbel, R-Sioux Falls, who is upset that Daugaard has endorsed her primary opponent. Hubbel is challenging Sen. Deb Peters of Sioux Falls for the Senate seat in District 9.
• Steele said Daugaard has endorsed some GOP Senate candidates who have weaker records than their opponents on social issues, such as gun rights and abortion.
• "It's not his place to be picking and choosing people he wants to see in the Legislature," Steele said.
• Daugaard defended

himself during an interview with KCCR in Pierre, saying he has endorsed candidates in five Senate races because he has known most of them for decades and considers them good lawmakers. He said he does not focus on just one issue.
• The governor noted he has endorsed Sen. Tom Nelson, R-Lead, in District 31, but that he has heard good things about Nelson's primary challenger, Lawrence County Commissioner Bob Ewing of Spearfish.
• Daugaard said he has known Nelson for 20 years.
• "He and I disagree on some issues. If I feel strongly about something, he will give me a listen and oftentimes will help me with a vote, but not always," Daugaard said. "That's the kind of legislator I think we want."
• Daugaard's communications director, Tony Venhuizen, said in four races, the governor is backing lawmakers who helped him balance the state budget during the past two years.
• After the June 5 primary, the Republican Party will close ranks and work together during the general election campaign, Venhuizen said.

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