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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard (DOO'-gard) and Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson seem to have drawn the most attention so far in the race for the Republican nomination for South Dakota governor, but a political science professor says a lot can happen before the June's primary.

Gary Aguiar (AG'-yar) of South Dakota State University says Daugaard and Knudson have the most experience in statewide politics and campaigns, but none of the four GOP candidates is well known across the state.

Besides Knudson and Daugaard, the other Republican contenders are former Brookings Mayor Scott Munsterman and Buffalo Gap rancher Ken Knuppe (kuh-NOOP'-ee).

Aguiar says the GOP primary winner likely will have an advantage in the general election because South Dakota has not elected a Democratic governor since 1974.

For the Democrats, former state lawmaker Ron Volesky of Huron and Senate Minority Leader Scott Heidepriem have said they are running.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-01-09 1210CST | save this article / add to your favorites list