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for Democrats politically," Hunhoff said.
• But South Dakota Republican Party Chairman Tim Rave, a state senator from Baltic, said he believes voters will side with Republicans. The education measure seeks to give teachers $15 million a year, and the grants to large construction projects will encourage businesses to create jobs in the state, he said.
• "We'll get the party united, move forward to get our message out and let the voters decide and see where it goes," Rave said.

• Nesselhuf said the presidential race between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney is unlikely to get much attention in South Dakota, which last favored a Democratic presidential candidate in 1964, when Lyndon Johnson defeated Republican Barry Goldwater.
• Nesselhuf said a quiet presidential campaign means the congressional race between Republican Rep. Kristi Noem and Varilek will get more attention.
• Democrats in every race have to contend with the GOP's advantage in registered voters. Republicans have nearly 46 percent of the state's registered voters, Democrats have 36 percent, and independents account for more than 17 percent.
• Hunhoff said voter registration numbers suggest Democrats should hold 36 percent of the seats in the Legislature, but they have only about 25 percent because Republicans have drawn legislative district boundaries that favor their party.
• The House Democratic leader said he hopes his party also can gain seats in the Legislature this year. Democrats have recruited good candidates in districts where voter registration numbers are relatively close, he said.

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