Eds: APNewsNow. Will be led.

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Cheryl Chapman says even though the party has no Senate candidate with less than a year until the 2010 election, Democrats plan a strong challenge against heavily funded Republican Sen. John Thune.

But University of South Dakota political science professor Bill Richardson says potential Democratic candidates likely are hesitant to run against Thune because he is popular and has a huge advantage in campaign fundraising. His campaign reported it had $5.5 million cash on hand as of Sept. 30.

Thune is seeking a second term in the Senate seat he won in a narrow race against then-Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004. He says he is surprised no Democrat has entered the Senate race so far, but he expects someone will challenge him.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-15-09 1150CST | save this article / add to your favorites list