All five Republican candidates for governor in South Dakota say they will work closely with tribes and Native Americans.

Scott Munsterman promises to consult. "The key is for the state to listen to tribal government and Native American constituencies," Munsterman told The Rapid City Journal.

State Sen. Gordon Howie said the state hasn't done enough to help Indian Country. "After 20 years, we still have within South Dakota the second-poorest county in the entire nation," Howie told the paper. "That speaks to the failure of reconciliation."

State Sen. Dave Knudson said he will hold regular meetings with tribes. "I would make a pledge to visit each of the nine reservations at least once a year to meet on their soil with the tribal chair and the tribal council," Knudson told the paper. "And I would look at the feasibility of having some sort of event during the legislative sessions when we could invite the Legislature to listen to each of the nine tribal chairs, just as a promotion of better communication."

Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard said he will work with tribes on a government-to-government basis. "Just as South Dakota doesn't like the federal government trying to impose one-size-fits-all solutions on the states -- we want to be one state unto itself and treated that way -- each tribe deserves to be treated individually, as well," Daugaard told the paper.

Ken Knuppe is married to a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and his children are enrolled. He said he will reach out to tribes and Native Americans on all types of issues.

"There are still people out there who are prejudiced," Knuppe told the paper. "And part of that is because, for whatever reason, they don't know many Native Americans."

The GOP primary takes place June 8.

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GOP hopefuls pledge outreach, respect in work with Native tribes (The Rapid City Journal 5/24)