• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The primary petitions that have been filed in South Dakota show the hot spots for the upcoming election.
• With Tuesday's deadline past, legislative District 29 in west-central South Dakota drew the most petitions as state Sen. Larry Rhoden of Union Center looks to move up to the U.S. Senate.
• Three Republicans have filed to take his place, including Rep. Gary Cammack. At least five Republicans will run for the district's two House seats.
• District 18 around Yankton will also be active. Term-limited Republican Sen. Jean Hunhoff and her Democratic brother-in-law Rep. Bernie Hunhoff will run for each other's seats with competition in both chambers.
• "That's where the suspense will be on the Republican primary side," said Bob Burns, a retired political science professor from South Dakota State University.
• Two other Republican primary races will be in Sioux Falls' Districts 12 and 15. Incumbents there are not seeking re-election, two because of term limits.
• Rep. Betty Olson, R-Prairie City, sponsor of several pro-gun bills this past session, is also term-limited. She's running for the Senate, and at least three Republicans will try for her seat in a primary.
• Burns said Democrats have left many seats unchallenged in the House and Senate, a familiar pattern. Republicans control the House 53-17 and the Senate 28-7.
• Zach Crago, executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, said more Republican seats will have challengers once the final petitions are certified. Petitions had to be postmarked by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, and Secretary of State Jason Gant said they will likely all be in by Thursday.
• "We're going to increase our seats in Pierre this election cycle," Crago said. "Along the I-29 corridor there are lots of opportunities to pick up seats."
• The South Dakota Republican Party did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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