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now chief of staff at Rounds' Fischer-Rounds and Associates real estate and insurance firm. Skjonsberg also is an official member of the Rounds for Senate campaign team.
• South Dakota Democrats are riled by the appointment, and we feel rightly so.

Democratic Party Chairman Ben Nesselhuf said Skjonsberg's appointment appears to be an effort to help the Rounds campaign, because those who benefit from state development loans could feel pressure to contribute to Rounds' Senate run.
• We understand the chess match that accompanies all politics, even here in South Dakota. We also realize that political parties cry foul all the time, about all kinds of things real and imagined.
• But in this case, we side with Nesselhuf.
• We can only assume everything is on the level, since Daugaard, Rounds and Skjonberg all have solid records in public service. But why would the governor choose to open this can of worms?

• Because of his relationship with what will be a red-hot Senate campaign, every decision Skjonsberg makes could be interpreted as political gamesmanship. No public board -- and especially not a public board with such fiduciary power -- should be so encumbered by the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• Skjonsberg has the resume. And while we make no accusations that he will abuse his new power, we also know that the state Board of Economic Development is no place for an active political operative.
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