Mike Rounds' improbable run to the governor's chair almost ended before it began in November of 2001.

If not for his dad, Don, it might have.

With well-known former Attorney General Mark Barnett of Pierre and Sioux Falls millionaire Steve Kirby already out front with campaign organizations and fundraising, Mike Rounds was back in the pack and struggling with his confidence.

He had already told his business partner, state party officials and friends and family that he had decided not to run. Then he spent a weekend feeling "physically sick" about it.

Rounds was back at work in his Pierre insurance business when his dad strolled in.

"Dad said, 'I think you need to reconsider,'" Mike Rounds said. "I told him it was too late. And he said, 'No, I don't think so. You need to reconsider.'"

Rounds did just that and went on to score a stunning upset over the presumptive favorites in the Republican primary the following June, followed by a relatively easy win over Democratic candidate Jim Abbott in November.

Other factors, including support from his wife, Jean, went into Rounds' campaign turnabout. But there's no question that a father's guidance and a son's willingness to listen were essential in the process.

"I think he just felt it was the right time," Mike Rounds said. "And I think he sensed that I'd always question later on whether I'd made the right decision in walking away, and whether I'd come to regret not trying. The rest of it is kind of history."

It's a history that Don Rounds - who had served as the state's first director of highway safety under Gov. Joe Foss before working for many years as a petroleum institute executive and lobbyist in Pierre - would help shape as a key player in his oldest son's poorly funded, underestimated primary campaign.

"He was very involved in my campaign for governor when there wasn't much more than family and some very close friends," Mike Rounds said. "Dad has been very much involved."

That involvement continues, as the second-term governor and former Republican leader in the state Senate turns to his 80-year-old father often for his opinion on political matters, and governmental decisions.

Asked about his role in his son's decision to run for governor, Don Rounds said it seemed clear to him that the governor's race was the right thing at the right time.

"I don't think you saw what was going to happen. I just think you saw that that was his time, if he was going to go," Don Rounds said.

"Not that he would even necessarily win. There were some good people running. But just that it was his time."

It turned out to be just that, despite the dire predictions of political pros and media prognosticators. Rounds went on to easily win re-election over Democratic Jack Billion in 2006, again with his dad playing an active role in the campaign.

Along with a common-sense political acumen, Don Rounds brings a father's sense of balance and integrity to policy discussions, the governor said.

"I think dad always tries to recognize where their might be common ground on an issue, where folks can find something they agree on," Mike Rounds said.

"And I think Dad has always stood on principles, and the need to honor your principles."

Mike was the oldest of the 11 children born to Don and Joyce Rounds, who died of breast cancer in 1987. When Don later remarried Rosemary Scarborough, three stepsiblings were added.

Don Rounds believes his oldest son continues to represent the family well, both politically and personally.

"I just think Mike has been a real straight-up-and-down person, and I'm proud of him, and the family's very proud of him," Don said. "We appreciate honestly and integrity very much. And we think Mike has it."

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