Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Knuppe speaking with KSFY's Drew Sandholm on Friday, July 3, 2009.
Story Created:
Jul 5, 2009 at 2:27 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 5, 2009 at 5:03 PM CST
He's the cowboy hat wearing, horseback riding, rancher running for governor of South Dakota.
Ken Knuppe is one of four Republicans in the race, but the only candidate from West River. He runs the Knuppe Ranch, which is east of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota. There, he and his wife Monica raised their four children: Clay, Richard, Kendra, and Kerry.
In an interview with KSFY's Drew Sandholm, Knuppe says he's satisfied with how his kids were educated here in the Rushmore State. He said, "As far as I'm concerned, our kids got a great education here in South Dakota. I'm educated here in South Dakota; born and raised in South Dakota; went to college in South Dakota; my wife did too."
His wife is a teacher herself. So naturally, Ken has been consulting her, others in education, and parents on how education can be improved here in South Dakota.
Many months before the election, Ken is fighting a tough battle even within his own party. He's running against four other Republicans, including former Brookings mayor Scott Munsterman, Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson, and Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
No Democrats are currently in the race, but Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Sen. Scott Heidepriem are considering a run.
So to stay ahead of the curve, Ken seems to be campaigning hard. He's even adding a personal touch to state politics by offering his home phone number to the voting public.
"Our phone number is 833-6665 and if they have only questions about us or want to visit with us about some issues, to give us a call," said Knuppe.
Make sure to watch KSFY Action News Live At 5:30 every Sunday for the best in campaign coverage and newsmaker interviews.
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