Larry Rhoden owes his new job as governor to Kristi Noem, but her political career might have stalled shortly after it began if not for his help, according to a story they’ve both shared publicly. As a new state legislator in 2007,

Rhoden, previously the lieutenant governor of South Dakota under former Gov. Kristi Noem, officially succeeded to governor of South Dakota during a private swearing-in ceremony Monday. The new governor was joined by members of his family, Democrat and Republican leaders from both state chambers, and several prominent state leaders and employees.

There was a time when newly-sworn-in South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden was in awe to have had an interaction with the governor of South Dakota.