PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson seem to have drawn the most attention so far in the race for the Republican nomination for governor, but a lot can happen before next June's primary, a political science professor says.
Daugaard and Knudson have the most experience in statewide politics and campaigns, but none of the candidates is well known across the state, said Gary Aguiar, a political science professor at South Dakota State University.
"So they're all going to have to work to introduce themselves, and some have been introducing themselves to voters," he said.
The four announced GOP candidates for governor are: Daugaard, who lives on a farm near Garretson and has been a leader of the Children's Home Society of South Dakota; Knudson, a Sioux Falls lawyer; former Brookings Mayor Scott Munsterman, a chiropractor; and Buffalo Gap rancher Ken Knuppe, former president of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association. Former state lawmaker Bill Napoli, a Republican who owns an antique car museum and shop in Rapid City, has said he is considering running.
On the Democratic side, former state lawmaker Ron Volesky of Huron and Senate Minority Leader Scott Heidepriem, a Sioux Falls lawyer, have said they are running.
Aguiar said the winner of the GOP primary will have a likely advantage in the general election because South Dakota has not elected a Democratic governor since 1974.
Gov. Mike Rounds, who is prevented from running for re-election because of term limits, has supported Daugaard in the race for the Republican nomination.
Aguiar said campaign funds might give Daugaard an advantage in the GOP primary contest.
At the end of 2008, Daugaard had $811,583 on hand. Knudson had $168,472; Munsterman, $14,491; and Knuppe, $6,193, according to state records. But Knudson is known to have held some successful fundraising events this year.
Aguiar said state government's mounting budget problems will play a role in the governor's race, and candidates likely will differ on how to cut spending to balance the budget.
Knudson said he believes voters will watch how the Legislature tackles the budget and will judge candidates on their ability to lead the state through difficult financial times.
"I think how we deal with the deficit will be a real factor in the race," Knudson said.
Daugaard said he hopes voters will decide he is qualified to run state government because he has experience as a former state senator, former banker, leader of the Children's Home Society and lieutenant governor.
Aguiar said the abortion issue likely will play a role in the Republican primary because abortion opponents are usually Republican.
Daugaard is a strong abortion opponent and supported measures aimed at getting the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion. Knudson opposed the efforts to prompt a court challenge to Roe v. Wade.
Daugaard and Knudson said the campaign likely will not heat up until after the legislative session ends in March. The candidates then will hit the campaign trail hard leading up to the June primary, they said.
"I think most voters are undecided and uninformed and disinterested because it's so early," Daugaard said. "I think it won't be until a few months before the election when the candidates start advertising themselves more vigorously and campaigning more regularly that the voters will start being more interested."
During the legislative session, three of the candidates will be in the Senate chambers. As lieutenant governor, Daugaard presides over the chamber. Knudson and Heidepriem sit across the aisle from each other as leaders of the two parties.
Knudson said he and Daugaard will get along well, and he and Heidepriem will try to keep the race from causing problems in the Senate. "Both Sen. Heidepriem and myself have a strong commitment to doing is best for the citizens of South Dakota."
