BURKE, S.D. (KELO AM) Declaring that "We can do better", Democratic State Senator Billie Sutton on Wednesday announced his long shot candidacy for South Dakota Governor.
"We deserve better that what the establishment in Pierre has let happen to our state. And as your next Governor, I'm going to change the culture of corruption," Sutton said to much applause at the announcement event at his ranch near Burke, South Dakota.
Sutton hit the corruption button hard, referring to the Gear Up and EB5 scandals.
"I'm running for Governor for those embarrassed by the lack of ethics and oversight that has marred our state and its reputation."
Sutton, perhaps deep red South Dakota's most prominent and popular elected Democrat, has served in the State Senate since 2011, and is widely respected on both sides of the aisle.
But the former rodeo rider, often wearing his signature cowboy hat, is up against stiff Republican competition, including State Attorney General Marty Jackley and Congresswoman Kristi Noem.
Sutton would be South Dakota's first Democratic Governor since the early 1970s.
