PIERRE, S.D. – U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and Gov. Larry Rhoden are effectively tied atop the race for the Republican nomination for governor, while Toby Doeden and Rep. Jon Hansen have surged in popularity over the past six months, according to a scientific poll of registered GOP voters co-sponsored by South Dakota News Watch.

Of those voters surveyed, 28% would support Johnson and 27% would vote for Rhoden. The margin of error was no more than 4.5 percentage points, meaning they are statistically tied. Rhoden has not officially announced his bid for governor, but he is anticipated to seek the Republican nomination. Fundraising letters have also asked for donations to support a "competitive campaign," The Dakota Scout reported .

The statewide survey, co-sponsored by the Chiesman Center f

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