Bill Janklow, American lawyer and politician, 27th Governor of South Dakota (b. 1939)

William John Janklow (September 13, 1939 – January 12, 2012) was a towering figure in American politics, renowned for his extensive career as a lawyer and a prominent member of the Republican Party. He left an indelible mark on South Dakota, particularly through his unprecedented tenure as the state's chief executive.

A Record-Setting Gubernatorial Tenure

William Janklow holds the distinguished record as the longest-serving Governor of South Dakota, accumulating sixteen years in office. This remarkable achievement was spread across four non-consecutive terms, solidifying his legacy as a deeply influential leader in the state's history.

• He first served as the 27th Governor of South Dakota from 1979 to 1987.
• After a hiatus, he returned for his second period as the 30th Governor, serving from 1995 to 2003.

His combined 5,851 days in the Governor's office also place him as having the third-longest gubernatorial tenure in post-Constitutional U.S. history, a testament to his enduring political presence and the significant public trust he commanded over decades.

Early Public Service and Attorney Generalship

Janklow’s extensive career in public service began well before his time as governor. From 1975 to 1979, he served as the 25th Attorney General of South Dakota. In this role, he quickly established a reputation for a direct, assertive, and often populist approach to legal matters and law enforcement. This early period provided a foundation for the decisive and sometimes confrontational leadership style that would become a hallmark of his later political career.

Key Policies and Impact During Gubernatorial Eras

During his combined sixteen years as Governor, William Janklow was known for his proactive and often controversial leadership, significantly shaping South Dakota's economic and social landscape. His administrations were characterized by a strong focus on economic development and diversification, seeking to move the state beyond its traditional agricultural base.

• Economic Development: Janklow famously championed initiatives to attract new industries to South Dakota, most notably bringing major financial service companies and credit card operations to the state, which significantly boosted employment and diversified the economy.
• Infrastructure and Rural Advocacy: He oversaw substantial investments in state infrastructure and was a vocal advocate for the needs of rural communities, aiming to modernize facilities and improve the quality of life across the state.
• Controversial Stance: His leadership style was often described as unyielding, particularly in his dealings with Native American tribal governments and federal agencies, leading to both support and criticism for his firm positions on jurisdictional and resource issues.

Congressional Service and Concluding Chapter

After his second stint as governor, Janklow successfully sought national office, being elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2002, representing South Dakota's at-large congressional district. His tenure in Washington, however, proved to be brief, lasting just over a year.

His distinguished political career came to an abrupt and tragic end in 2004 when he resigned from Congress. This resignation followed his conviction for vehicular manslaughter, stemming from his culpability in a fatal automobile crash that occurred in August 2003. This unfortunate incident, which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist, cast a profound shadow over the legacy of one of South Dakota's most prominent and longest-serving political figures.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Janklow

How long did William Janklow serve as Governor of South Dakota?

William Janklow served for a total of sixteen years as the Governor of South Dakota, making him the longest-tenured governor in the state's history. This service was split into two non-consecutive periods: 1979-1987 and 1995-2003.

What was William Janklow's political background before becoming Governor?

Before his first term as Governor, William Janklow served as the 25th Attorney General of South Dakota from 1975 to 1979, where he gained recognition for his assertive legal and enforcement strategies.

What led to William Janklow's resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives?

William Janklow resigned from Congress in 2004 after being convicted of vehicular manslaughter. This conviction was a direct result of his involvement in a fatal automobile crash that occurred in August 2003, which led to the death of another individual.