South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1972

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1972

November 7, 1972

Nominee Richard F. Kneip Carveth Thompson Party Democratic Republican Running mate Bill Dougherty Popular vote 185,012 123,165 Percentage 60.03% 39.97%

Governor before election Richard F. Kneip Democratic Elected Governor Richard F. Kneip Democratic

The 1972 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 1972, to elect a Governor of South Dakota. It was the last election in South Dakota to elect the governor for a two-year term after a 1972 state constitutional amendment established a four-year term.^[1] Democratic nominee Richard F. Kneip was re-elected, defeating Republican nominee Carveth Thompson.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Richard F. Kneip, incumbent Governor of South Dakota

Republican primary

Candidates

• Carveth Thompson
• Simon W. Chance

Results

Republican primary results^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Carveth Thompson	65,538	72.41
	Republican	Simon W. Chance	24,975	27.59
Total votes			90,513	100.00

General election

Results

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1972^[3][4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Richard F. Kneip (inc.)	185,012	60.03
	Republican	Carveth Thompson	123,165	39.97
Total votes			308,177	100.00
Majority			61,847	20.06
	Democratic hold

References

1. Public affairs, Issues 52-108. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
2. "Official Election Returns for South Dakota: Primary Election June 6, 1972" (PDF). South Dakota Secretary of State. 1972. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
3. "Official Election Returns by Counties for the State of South Dakota: General Election November 7, 1972" (PDF). South Dakota Secretary of State. 1972. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
4. "South Dakota Gubernatorial Elections, 1889-2006" (PDF). University of Minnesota. Retrieved June 6, 2014.