South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and a hand full of state lawmakers have pledged to donate their own money to keep the lights on at Mount Rushmore. The monument has gone dark due to the ongoing Government shutdown which will hit two weeks Wednesday. In a statement, Governor Rhoden called Mount Rushmore a symbol of freedom that he refuses to let go dim. He also thanked the National Park Service and Mount Rushmore Society for partnering with him and the other individuals to keep the lights on.
Others donating to keep the lights on include:
Days 8-10: Marilyn Oakes, in memory of her late husband Arthur Oakes;
Day 11: Representative Mike Derby;
Day 12: Majority Leader Scott Odenbach;
Day 13: Senator Helene Duhamel;
Day 14: Representative Steve Duffy;
Day 15: Senator Randy Deibert;
Day 16: Representative Mary Fitzgerald;
Day 17: Representative Tim Goodwin;
Day 18: Representative Trish Ladner; and
Day 19: Representative Curt Massie.
