PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard is asking the public to nominate candidates to fill the vacant seat in the State House of Representatives from District 34.

The vacancy, which will be filled by gubernatorial appointment, is due to the death last month of Rep. Dan Dryden. Rep. Dryden’s current term began in January 2015 and ends in early January 2017, prior to the next legislative session. The Governor’s appointee will serve until the end of that term.

In addition, Rep. Dryden was a candidate for reelection to the State House this fall. Under South Dakota law, Dryden’s name will remain on the November ballot. If Dryden is reelected, it will create a vacancy for the term that begins in January 2017, which would also be filled by gubernatorial appointment. Gov. Daugaard would plan to appoint the same person for both vacancies.

“Rep. Dryden was an outstanding legislator and his sad passing has left a void,” said Gov. Daugaard. “I’m asking the public to help identify an appointee to complete Rep. Dryden’s term. I also want the voters to understand that, if Rep. Dryden is reelected, I would intend to appoint the same person to serve in the upcoming legislative term.”

District 34 includes western Rapid City, generally including the areas west of Mt. Rushmore Road, Dinosaur Hill, and “the gap” on West Main Street, and including sites such as Camp Rapid, Canyon Lake, the Sioux San Hospital, West Middle School, and Southwest Middle School. A district map can be found athttp://www.sdlegislature.gov/img/Legislative_Districts/34.pdf.

Those wishing to be considered for the appointment, or to offer nominations, should contact Grace Beck in the Office of the Governor at 605-773-3661. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current address, telephone number and relevant background information.