PIERRE, SD (KELO-AM) The South Dakota State House of Representatives on Monday failed to muster the required two-thirds majority vote to overturn Governor Dennis Daugaard's two gun bill vetoes.
In fact, Daugaard went five-for-five at the veto session, the last official day of the 2017 State Legislature.
"All five vetoes were upheld today. I'm pleased about that," said Daugaard at a news conference following the end of the session.
One gun bill would have allowed concealed carry in South Dakota without a permit. The other would have allowed concealed carry with enhanced permit in the State Capitol building.
Daugaard has said neither bill is needed because requiring permits for concealed carry is not a financial burden and easy to do, and the State Highway Patrol does a fine job providing security at the State Capitol.
Controversy over the bills has led to some testy rhetoric. For example, a bill sponsor, Republican Representative Lynne DiSanto of Rapid City, has claimed that Daugaard couldn't get elected dogcatcher in South Dakota now, because of his opposition.
Daugaard acknowleged that some lawmakers may be mad at him but that's part of the democratic process.
"Anytime you disagree with someone, they are certainly going to be disappointed and perhaps their estimation of me will be less, but, same time, legislators deal with those kinds of things every day," said Daugaard.
Daugaard vetoes are historically tough to beat. Since taking office, more 80 percent of them have been sustained.