Senator Mike Rounds Says Clint Roberts Was Both Hero, Friend

In a gesture common to the U.S. Senate, Senator Mike Rounds paid tribute to the legacy of Clint Roberts in the Senate chambers on Wednesday (February 15).

Rounds requested permission from the President of the Senate to speak of his friendship with Roberts that endured over 40 years.

“When I first met Clint as an intern in the South Dakota State Senate in 1976, he was serving in a leadership position. He taught me many valuable lessons over the years about politics, policy, family and public service just to name a few.”

Flanked by a picture of President Ronald Reagan trying on Roberts’ cowboy hat, Rounds also noted the legacy left behind by the one-term Congressman.

“He had a tremendously positive impact on the many thousands of people that he met and touched with his kindness, selflessness and generosity. South Dakota is truly a better state and we are a better people because of his hard work and dedication to making things better.”

Rounds also credited Roberts for being at the forefront in the 1980’s with developing the Conservation Reserve Program which supports both the agriculture industry and wildlife preservation.

Roberts died early Monday morning and his funeral is scheduled for Friday in Pierre.