Dana Ferguson

dferguson@argusleader.com

Sixteen of 20 Democratic state lawmakers endorsed presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton Thursday, days ahead of the South Dakota primary.

In a statement, Sens. Jim Bradford, Angie Buhl O'Donnell, Jason Frerichs, Scott Parsley, Jim Peterson and Billie Sutton along with Reps. Julie Bartling, Shawn Bordeaux, Peggy Gibson, Paula Hawks, Spencer Hawley, Dennis Feickert, Kevin Killer, Steven McCleerey, Karen Soli and Dean Schrempp announced their endorsement of Clinton.

"Secretary Clinton has shown she has the same values as families in rural America. She understands our issues and has been a tireless advocate for our farmers, our ranchers, our veterans, our Native Americans and all working men and women," Sutton said. "Hillary is the most qualified person running for president. I couldn't be more thrilled to support her campaign."

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The lawmakers are the latest in a string of South Dakota officials to endorse Clinton. Former U.S. Sens. Tim Johnson and Tom Daschle announced their support for the former secretary of state last month.

And former president Bill Clinton stumped for his wife last month in Sioux Falls, drawing hundreds of supporters. Former Texas Senator and abortion rights advocate Wendy Davis also campaigned for Clinton in South Dakota.

But Clinton's Democratic challenger Bernie Sanders has put in face time in the Mount Rushmore state, holding rallies in three cities last month.

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