PIERRE, South Dakota, March 7 -- Gov. Larry Rhoden, R-South Dakota, issued the following statement on protecting property rights:

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I am no stranger to discussions about eminent domain and property rights. I've fought for private property rights in this Capitol for over 20 years. When I was a legislator, I was the prime sponsor of legislation that reformed eminent domain to protect property rights. I don't just care about landowners - I am a landowner.