MR
RepublicanSouth Dakota SenateParty nominee
Mike Rounds
Political group
Unclassified
Race role
Incumbent Senator
Leadership Score (WATT)Scale 0–100
36.13Media impression score derived from bias-weighted sentiment analysis.
Raw Leadership Score54.23
Friction-18.09
Leadership Score (WATT): a 0–100 score measuring positive leadership momentum, weighted by outlet bias. “Mount Rushmore” names the top of the scale as a brand metaphor — a measurement, not a literal historical calibration. How we score.
Effectiveness (‘e’) — measuredMeasured from federal record
3.61/10Problem-solving capability measured from sponsored legislation, committee roles, and tenure.
Scored on your priorities
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Career background
Legislative record262Bills authored in Congress
Amendments passed: 0
Bipartisan index0.57GovTrack bipartisanship index
High cross-aisle alignment
Campaign Funding
Grassroots (individual)53%
PAC / corporate47%
Missed votes--
Leadership strengths
Environmental Understanding
Articles: 1 · Bias weight: 1x
Weighted score0.900
Emotional Intelligence
Articles: 1 · Bias weight: 1x
Weighted score0.800
Innovative Thinking & Creativity
Articles: 1 · Bias weight: 1x
Weighted score0.800
Political Acumen
Articles: 76 · Bias weight: 1x
Weighted score0.701
Top sources
https://www.newportnewstimes.com/news/bipartisan-effort-launched-to-strengthen-monarch-and-pollinator-highways/article_4e3bd1a1-2f53-5d76-b98f-1f924d786c0e.htmlhttps://www.mykxlg.com/news/local/wilmot-native-to-receive-medal-of-honor/article_010b3ce7-0301-4c79-856c-590af6adae1a.htmlhttps://eu.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/05/29/south-dakota-gop-primary-preview-us-senate/90300673007/Decisiveness
Articles: 32 · Bias weight: 0.981x
Weighted score0.695
Leadership frictions
Manipulativeness
Articles: 5 · Weight: Friction Coefficient
Friction score-0.613
Authoritarianism
Articles: 1 · Weight: Friction Coefficient
Friction score-0.600
Corruption / Dishonesty
Articles: 7 · Weight: Friction Coefficient
Friction score-0.586
Toxic / Abuse of Power
Articles: 4 · Weight: Friction Coefficient
Friction score-0.558
Callousness
Articles: 12 · Weight: Friction Coefficient
Friction score-0.548