WASHINGTON, D.C.(KCCR)- The lack of response to a re-bidding request for Pierre and Watertown’s Essential Air Service routes may impact South Dakota Senator John Thune’s vote on the nomination of Carol Petsonk as Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.

Thune says he doesn’t understand U-S DOT’s decision to award the two-year E-A-S contract to Denver Air Connection.

Commerce Committee ranking member Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi says South Dakota’s E-A-S issue could delay Petsonk’s nomination.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says she looks forward to working with Thune to address the issue.