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In my first term as Senator, I was named Chairman of Senate AND Joint Retirement Laws, vice chairman of Senate Commerce and was a member of the Senate Taxation committees.

I was the only freshman lawmaker named chairman of any committee in either chamber and was selected by the Executive Board to serve as chair of the interim study on revising alcohol laws. That committee crafted and submitted seven bills to the 2010 legislature, of which five became law. It was the first time in over 20 years that major revisions have been made to the regulations concerning alcohol sales and distribution in South Dakota.

As prime sponsor for several gaming bills, I worked to see that the gaming industry and the regulatory arm of the Department of Revenue worked together. As a result, I helped provide the best possible legislation to further the partnership that exists between the state and the private sector.

As an advocate for the tourism industry, I helped further the state's number two industry with legislation that preserved the "million dollar challenge" and other vital marketing tools.

I also sponsored or co-sponsored several pieces of legislation that affected the banking, insurance and legal professions. In addition, I promoted laws that helped the social, health and medical well-being of the citizens of South Dakota.

By working with the Governor's Office, members of the House, department and agency heads, and on both sides of the aisle, I have proven to be an effective member of the legislature. I am committed to working hard to sort through the differences that exist between the houses, departments and political parties to gain positive results.