Bill Janklow

Bill Janklow portrait

Bill Janklow

U.S.A.

Party Republican
Latest Campaign State Governor
Date of Birth September 13, 1939
Date of Death Jan. 12, 2012 (Age: 72)
Overall Community Sentiment: Neutral

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Overview
Community
Analysis
Personal Background

Bill Janklow completed his undergraduate education and law degree at the University of South Dakota. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, participating in international crisis response and earning a commendation from Taiwan. Janklow began his legal career with the South Dakota Attorney General's Office, later working as a lawyer on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. He held significant roles in state government, including two stints as governor, where he implemented notable economic and criminal justice reforms. Janklow also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and returned to private legal practice post-politics.

Political Ideas

Bill Janklow's political identity is marked by a blend of fiscal conservatism and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. His support for removing South Dakota's limit on interest rates reflects a pro-business stance, yet he simultaneously cut property taxes by 30%, balancing fiscal responsibility with tax relief. Janklow's reinstatement of capital punishment and abolition of the Department of Environmental Protection reveal a tough-on-crime and pro-development approach. His military background and subsequent lobbying against the DM&E Railroad expansion underscore a deep-rooted commitment to local interests, often at the expense of broader regional or national considerations.

Campaigns
1998: South Dakota State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1998

166,621 votes (64.04%)

Win
1994: South Dakota State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1994

172,515 votes (55.36%)

Win

South Dakota Governor 1994, Republican Primary Results

57,221 votes (53.99%)

Win
1982: South Dakota State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1982

197,429 votes (70.87%)

Win
1978: South Dakota State Governor
ELECTED

Election History

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1978

147,116 votes (56.63%)

Win

South Dakota Governor 1978, Republican Primary Results

46,423 votes (50.89%)

Win