From fringe to foreground, ‘loose cannon’ lawmaker departs as leading legislative voice

Schoenbeck known for quips, sharp elbows and political prowess
  • Sen. Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown, walks back to his Senate office in the state Capitol during the 2024 legislative session. Reporter & Farmer | Joshua Haiar for South Dakota Searchlight
    Sen. Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown, walks back to his Senate office in the state Capitol during the 2024 legislative session. Reporter & Farmer | Joshua Haiar for South Dakota Searchlight

    South Dakota lawmakers had a historic opportunity to boost the state’s lowest-in-the-nation teacher pay in 2016, but the votes weren’t there.

    The legislation failed by one vote on a Thursday at the Capitol in Pierre.

    Lee Schoenbeck was a member of the state House at the time and a supporter of the bill. During a floor debate, he described some opponents’ arguments as “garbage.” He went on social med…