Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently took to the Senate floor to extend their congratulations to Eric Schulte and Judge Camela Theeler, nominees for the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, following their confirmation votes in the Senate. Both senators had previously introduced these nominees during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on their nominations.

Thune voiced his support for Judge Camela Theeler's confirmation, stating, “Mr. President, I rise today in support of the nomination of a distinguished South Dakotan – Judge Camela Theeler – who has been nominated to fill a vacancy at the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota." He detailed her impressive background as a South Dakota native and graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law, serving as a judge for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit since 2018.

He further emphasized her commitment to public service and education by mentioning how she often welcomes students to the courthouse where she conducts mock trials and tours to educate them about the legal system. Thune expressed his belief that Judge Theeler’s experience and record will make her an excellent district judge, adding that he believes she possesses "the character and impartiality to serve a lifetime appointment on the federal bench."

Thune also spoke highly of Eric Schulte's confirmation, saying, “Mr. President, I rise today in support of the nomination of an outstanding South Dakotan, Eric Schulte, who has been nominated to fill a vacancy at the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota." He highlighted Schulte's long-standing connection with South Dakota as a lifetime resident who received his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1999.

In addition to being a partner at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith law firm since 2005, Schulte served as president of the South Dakota State Bar Association from 2015 to 2016. Thune also noted Schulte's contributions to the arts as a member of the Academy of American Poets and a frequent contributor to Pasque Petals, the South Dakota State Poetry Society magazine.

Rounds joined Thune in supporting Judge Theeler's confirmation, citing her impressive career experiences spanning from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to teaching at Dakota Wesleyan University. He lauded her commitment to upholding the law and public service, which earned her the South Dakota Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2009.

He also congratulated Eric Schulte on his Senate confirmation for the U.S. District of South Dakota, describing him as a well-qualified attorney who will serve Americans well as a district judge.