Political officials saying little about accident case

By Bernard McGhee, Associated Press Writer | Friday, August 22, 2003

Previous Page

Share

• del.icio.us
• Digg
• NewsVine
• Fark

Print

Email

SIOUX FALLS - Political officials are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow's weekend accident that killed a motorcyclist.

Janklow, 63, was driving south from Flandreau to his home in Brandon on Saturday afternoon when he failed to stop at a stop sign. A motorcycle driven by Randolph E. Scott of Hardwick, Minn., crashed into Janklow's car.

Scott was thrown from the motorcycle. He died at the scene.

"This is a tragic situation," Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., said in a statement released by his office. "My thoughts are with Mr. Scott's family and friends during this difficult time, as well as Bill Janklow. The proper authorities are conducting a thorough investigation of what happened and why. Right now, it is best to let the investigators do their job."

In a separate statement, Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., also expressed sympathy for Scott's family and said the investigation should be left to the authorities.

"Bill Janklow and I have been friends for many years," Daschle said. "I know that he and his family, too, are devastated."

White House spokesman Jim Morrell said Thursday that the White House had no comment on the case. Janklow has often touted his friendship with President Bush.

With Janklow being South Dakota's only member in the House of Representatives, charges against him could endanger the state's representation in the House.

South Dakota Republican Party chairman Randy Frederick said it is too early to speculate on that. He emphasized the importance of allowing the authorities to take their time in investigating the case.

"Really, at this point in time, you have to ignore the cry to hurry up and get something done because cool heads have to prevail," Frederick said.

Authorities seem to be doing a good job of being meticulous and not rushing to judgment, Frederick said. People should also not let politics overshadow the loss suffered by Scott's family, he said.

Janklow, a dominant force in South Dakota politics the past three decades, is serving his first term in the U.S. House after four terms as governor from 1979-1986 and 1995-2002. He was attorney general in 1975-1978.