YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The top two officials in the South Dakota Democratic Party resigned last week following a federal report detailing continued financial issues. Chair Paula Hawks and Executive Director Stacey Burnette had both been in those jobs for only a few months.

Former legislator and Democratic candidate for Governor Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton says the state party is a victim of changing national politics.

Hunhoff says political change can happen beyond the ballot box.

Hunhoff says Democrats still have a vital role in state politics.

Hunhoff ran for Governor in 1998, losing to Republican Bill Janklow.