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OACOMA, S.D. (AP) South Dakota Democrats have nominated a state party staffer to run for the Public Utilities Commission.

Delegates to the Democratic State Convention on Saturday chose Matt McLarty for the spot on the November ballot.

The 37-year-old McLarty grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and moved to South Dakota to work on Sen. Tim Johnson's re-election campaign in 2002.

He worked for the South Dakota Farmers Union before joining the Democratic Party staff a couple of years ago and now is its legislative director.

McLarty will face Republican Gary Hanson, who is seeking re-election to a six-year term on the PUC.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-28-08 1533CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list