Politics
Volesky runs for South Dakota attorney general


Ron Volesky, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is running for attorney general of South Dakota.

Volesky is a Democrat. He previously ran for governor, attorney general and U.S. Congress but has yet to succeed.

If elected attorney general, Volesky said he will strengthen tribal sovereignty over non-Indians who commit crimes on the reservation. He also wants to streamline extradition procedures with tribes.

Volesky says the state's racial profiling ban needs to be enforced. Statistics show South Dakota Indians in the justice system are treated differently and more harshly than non-Indians.

Republican Larry Long is seeking re-election. He has repeatedly challenged the sovereignty of tribes and their ability to take land into trust. He has allied himself with anti-Indian groups in other states.

Get the Story:
Volesky pictures self as 'activist' (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 9/15)

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