• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Former Gov. Mike Rounds' campaign for the U.S. Senate has hired a Republican political consultant known for his role in a prior Senate race in South Dakota.
• The Rounds campaign has retained Dick Wadhams, who managed John Thune's successful campaign to defeat Democrat Tom Daschle in the 2004 Senate race.
• Wadhams also was chair of the Colorado Republican Party in 2007-2010 and has managed other U.S. Senate races around the country.
• Rounds is the only announced Republican candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson, who is not seeking re-election next year.
• The only announced Democratic candidate in the Senate race, Rick Weiland, has said his campaign is hiring Mike Lux, who worked in Bill Clinton's administration and has worked on five presidential campaigns.
•

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The commander of the Rapid City district of the South Dakota Highway Patrol has retired.
• Maj. Randy Hartley has been assistant superintendent for field operations, supervising the patrol's district headquarters in Aberdeen, Sioux Falls and Rapid City. He also supervised the Motor Carrier Division and was responsible for SWAT, the canine program, Capitol Protective Services, executive protection, accident reconstruction and aircraft operations.
• Hartley started his 25-year career in Presho and served as a trooper in Brookings before being promoted to sergeant in 1999 and transferring to Rapid City. He received a promotion to major in 2008 and became assistant superintendent of the Highway Patrol.
• Hartley also served as acting superintendent from June 2010 until January 2011.
• Col. Craig Price says Hartley was committed to protecting the citizens of South Dakota.
•

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Gov. Dennis Daugaard is encouraging motorists to be

(Continued on page 23)