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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The four-way race to fill the open seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, South Dakota's last congressional Democrat, has dominated this election cycle. But Tuesday's ballots will also ask voters to choose a U.S. House member, governor, legislative members and other state leaders, as well as decide on three measures.
HAVE A (SENATE) SEAT
Despite a late influx of national party money, former Republican Gov. Mike Rounds still held a lead in recent polls. He's being challenged by Democrat Rick Weiland and independents Larry Pressler and Gordon Howie. Weiland and Pressler, who spent 18 years in Congress, tightened the race in the month before the election.
Republicans are looking to pick up the South Dakota seat in their quest for a net gain of six to take control of the chamber.
NOEM'S HOUSE
Republican U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem is seen as the prohibitive favorite for another term, while Democratic challenger Corinna Robinson has struggled to build name recognition. Noem, who was first elected in 2010, has campaigned on issues of agriculture and human trafficking. Robinson, a retired Army veteran, has promised to work on increasing teacher salaries and promoting equal pay for equal work.
DOUBLE DAUGAARD?
Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard is the favorite to win a second four-year term. He has run on a platform of fiscal responsibility and economic growth, but has drawn strong criticism from school boards and educators for cutting school aid in 2011 when the sluggish economy limited state tax collections.
Democratic challenger state Rep. Susan Wismer is the state's first woman to be nominated for governor by a major party. During her campaign, she's been critical of Daugaard's handling of the state budget. She supports expanding Medicaid and increasing the minimum wage. Independent candidate Mike Myers, a former law school professor, is also in the race.
The lieutenant governor candidates are: Matt Michels with Daugaard, Susy Blake with Wismer and Lora Hubbel with Myers.
YOUR OPINION PLEASE
There are three measures on the ballot statewide:
— The so-called patient choice measure (Initiated Measure 17) has split the medical community. If approved, doctors who agree to the conditions set forth by insurers, including payments for services provided to patients, could join an insurer's preferred providers list. The state's medical association and specialty hospitals are in favor of it, saying it will give residents the freedom to choose their doctor. Health insurers and large hospital networks argue it will neither provide more choice nor reduce costs.
— A minimum wage measure (Initiated Measure 18) would raise it from the federal standard of $7.25 to $8.50 an hour. The measure also would increase the $2.13 hourly tip wage to half the minimum wage and tie future increases to the cost of living. Supporters say it would help boost South Dakota's lagging personal income, while opponents say it could force businesses to increase prices, lay off workers or reduce benefits.
— Deadwood casinos would see the number of games they can offer double under Constitutional Amendment Q, adding roulette, keno and craps. The additional games also could be offered at the state's tribal casinos. Supporters say casinos in the historic gambling town are hurting because of increased competition. Opponents say the measure would increase social ills caused by gambling addictions, such as crime.
OTHER STATEWIDE RACES
Four people are vying to become secretary of state, a seat being vacated by Republican Jason Gant. They are: Republican Shantel Krebs, Democrat Angelia Schultz, Libertarian Emmett Reistroffer, and Lori Stacey with the Constitution Party.
Commissioner of School and Public Lands is an open seat, with Republican Ryan Brunner, the current deputy commissioner, facing Libertarian John English.
Current officeholders are up against challengers for the following seats:
— Attorney general: Libertarian Chad Haber vs. incumbent Republican Marty Jackley.
— Auditor: Libertarian Kurt Evans vs. incumbent Republican Steve Barnett.
— Treasurer: Democrat Denny Pierson and Libertarian Ken Santema vs. incumbent Republican Rich Sattgast.
— Public Utilities Commissioner: Democrat David Allen and Constitutional Party candidate Wayne Schmidt vs. incumbent Republican Gary Hanson.
LEGISLATIVE EASE
All 35 senators and 70 representatives are running, but there's no chance Republicans will give up control of either chamber because of the large number of uncontested races.
POLL TIMES
Polls and voting centers across South Dakota open at 7 a.m. local time and close at 7 p.m. local time.
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