Democrat Scott Heidepriem, the state Senate minority leader in South Dakota, has made his 2010 candidacy for governor official, after telling CQ Politics last week that he was committed to the contest.
Scott Heidepriem
Although conservative-leaning South Dakota is generally favorable turf for Republicans, Heidepriem gives the Democrats a top-tier candidate for a governor's seat that their party hasn't won since 1974. He is seeking to succeed term-limited Republican
Michael Rounds, in a contest that appears likely to draw a crowded GOP primary field.
Heidepriem's decision to run brought relief to Democratic officials, who had recruiting worries after popular at-large U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin decided to pursue another term in the House rather than run for governor. Herseth Sandlin, who has easily won her recent races for a House seat that amounts to a statewide office, had been regarded as the party's strongest potential candidate for governor.
Heidepriem on Monday morning filed paperwork to run for governor, reported Sioux Falls-based television station KELO. That afternoon, the Democratic legislator announced to supporters on his newly-created campaign Facebook page that he is officially running.
The South Dakota Republican Party did not waste anytime attacking Heidepriem. The state GOP issued a press release calling Heidepriem the "phoniest man in South Dakota," citing his party switch earlier in his career from Democrat to Republican and his personal wealth.
"He has been angling for statewide office for decades," said Lucas Lentsch, the state Republican Party executive director, in the statement. "Now, after switching to a new party to advance his long-running plan to seize higher office and after Stephanie Herseth Sandlin declined to run, Heidepriem's plan is back on track."
And while Heidepriem is likely to rally the support of the Democratic establishment, South Dakota's voting history suggests he will face an uphill battle in the general election.
Leading contenders for the Republican nomination include state Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudsen and Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard, while other potential candidates are considering the race.
CQ Politics rates the race Republican Favored.
To follow all of the 2009 and 2010 governors' races, check out CQ Politics' election map.
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