SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley confirms he's considering a bid for governor.
Jackley says by continuing to do the work as attorney general he'll let the people decide his political future. He says its early yet but he realizes he has to meet people and listen to ideas which makes him a stronger AG and, frankly, a stronger candidate when the time comes.
Jackley is term-limited as attorney general.
Meanwhile...Jackley agrees to work with Democrats and Republicans to strengthen the state's conflict of interest laws.
After charges came in the EB-5 and GEAR UP Program, Jackley urged the legislature to discuss direct conflicts of interest.
Jackley says when somebody is serving on a board, and they're supposed to be doing oversight, they're in direct conflict by having a contract and making money.
Jackley says the attorney general should be given notice anytime there is evidence of fraud.
He says he found out about GEAR UP on September 17 after six people were found dead in Platte. He says his office should have known before then. Scott Westerhuis killed his wife and four children last fall after he learned the state was terminating a contract with Mid-Central Educational Cooperative for its oversight of GEAR UP.
Jackley says he would prefer if serious conflicts of interest were considered felonies.
(Thanks Billy Lurken, KMIT Mitchell)