WASHINGTON, D.C.--Senator John Thune issued the following statement after the passing of former Lieutenant Governor, Congressman, Senator, and Small Business Administrator Jim Abdnor:

"Everything I know about politics that is good I learned from Jim Abdnor. He was a hardworking and effective fighter for South Dakota, and one of the most decent and genuine people to ever hold elective office. I came to know Jim through our mutual love of sports and have been blessed to have him as a mentor and a role model. Kimberley and I and our daughters, who Jim treated as his own, will always remember Jim's friendship and mentoring and his boundless love for South Dakota. He was a mentor and a friend and I will miss him greatly."

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