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GARRETSON, S.D. (AP) South Dakota's lieutenant governor has formally entered the race seeking the Republican nomination for governor.

Dennis Daugaard (DOO'-gard) held the first of seven scheduled announcement events Monday at the farm near Garretson where his grandparents settled in 1911.

A standing-room-only crowd huddled on the second-floor hayloft of the barn to hear Daugaard say he has the political and business experience the state needs in tough economic times.

Other planned stops include Pierre and Rapid City on Monday and Aberdeen, Watertown, Mitchell and Yankton on Tuesday.

Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson, former Brookings Mayor Scott Munsterman and Buffalo Gap rancher Ken Knuppe (kuh-NOOP'-ee) also are running for the GOP nod.

Gov. Mike Rounds can't run for re-election because of term limits.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-05-09 1008CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list