Mike Rounds

Marion Michael Rounds, commonly known as Mike Rounds, is an American businessman and politician who served as the 31st governor of South Dakota from 2003 to 2011. A member of the Republican Party, Rounds has been active in South Dakota politics for several decades, having previously represented the 24th district in the South Dakota Senate from 1990 until 2001. After his tenure as governor, he was elected to the United States Senate in 2014, where he continues to serve as a junior senator. Rounds' political career is marked by his focus on economic development, education, and public safety.

Early life and career

Mike Rounds was born on October 24, 1954, in Huron, South Dakota, as the eldest of eleven children in the Rounds family. He is the son of Joyce and Don Rounds, and his heritage includes German, Belgian, Swedish, and English ancestry. Rounds has lived in Pierre, the state capital, since he was three years old. His family has a history of involvement in state government; his father held various positions, including state director of highway safety and executive director of the South Dakota Petroleum Council. Additionally, Rounds' brother, Tim Rounds, served in the South Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 24, which includes Pierre.

Rounds pursued higher education at South Dakota State University in Brookings, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Following his graduation, he became a partner in Fischer Rounds & Associates, an insurance and real estate firm with multiple offices throughout South Dakota. This business experience provided him with a foundation in economic matters and public service, which would later influence his political career.

In 1990, Rounds entered politics by running for a seat in the South Dakota Senate, representing the 24th district. He won the election against incumbent state Senator Jacqueline Kelley, marking the beginning of his legislative career. Rounds was reelected multiple times, demonstrating his growing popularity and effectiveness as a legislator. During his tenure in the Senate, he held various leadership positions, including Senate Minority Whip and Senate Majority Leader, and served on several committees, such as Commerce, Education, and Taxation. His legislative work focused on issues pertinent to his constituents, including education and local government matters.

Governorship

Mike Rounds announced his candidacy for governor of South Dakota in 2002, entering a competitive Republican primary that initially featured prominent candidates, including then-Congressman John Thune. However, Thune opted to run for the U.S. Senate instead, leaving the field open for Rounds. His main competitors in the primary were state Attorney General Mark Barnett and former Lieutenant Governor Steve T. Kirby. Rounds capitalized on the controversies surrounding his opponents, particularly the ethical concerns that plagued Kirby's campaign. By maintaining a positive campaign, Rounds secured the Republican nomination with a significant margin.

In the general election held on November 5, 2002, Rounds faced Democratic candidates Jim Abbott and Mike Wilson. Rounds and his running mate, State Senator Dennis Daugaard, won the election decisively, receiving a substantial percentage of the vote. His administration began with a focus on economic development, education reform, and enhancing public safety.

Rounds was reelected in 2006, defeating Democratic challenger Jack Billion, a retired surgeon and former state legislator. The Rounds-Daugaard ticket continued to emphasize their commitment to the state's economic growth and educational initiatives. Throughout his governorship, Rounds worked to establish a favorable business climate in South Dakota, which included initiatives aimed at attracting investment and fostering job creation.

During his time in office, Rounds served on the Governors' Council at the Bipartisan Policy Center and was the 2008 Chair of the Midwestern Governors Association. His leadership in these organizations allowed him to collaborate with other state leaders on regional issues and promote policies beneficial to the Midwest.

Policy focus and legacy

As governor, Mike Rounds prioritized several key areas, including economic development, education, and healthcare. One of his notable initiatives was the establishment of ten research centers at state-supported universities through his 2010 Initiative. This program aimed to enhance research capabilities within the state and attract federal and private funding. In its initial years, the research centers generated significant economic impacts, contributing to the state's economy and fostering innovation.

Rounds' administration also addressed contentious issues such as abortion. In 2006, the South Dakota legislature passed a law banning most medical abortions, which Rounds signed. However, the law faced legal challenges and was ultimately repealed by voters in a referendum held on the same day as Rounds' reelection. This event highlighted the complexities of social issues in South Dakota and the challenges faced by politicians navigating public sentiment.

Another significant aspect of Rounds' governorship was the implementation of the EB-5 visa program, which aimed to attract foreign investment to South Dakota. The program offered green cards to foreign investors in exchange for investments in various projects, including a beef packing plant. However, the bankruptcy of the plant raised questions about the program's effectiveness and transparency, leading to scrutiny of Rounds' administration.

Overall, Mike Rounds' tenure as governor was characterized by a focus on economic growth, educational advancement, and public safety. His policies and initiatives aimed to position South Dakota as a competitive state for business and innovation. After leaving office in 2011, Rounds continued his political career by successfully running for the United States Senate in 2014, where he has maintained his involvement in national politics and continues to represent South Dakota's interests at the federal level.