PIERRE, S.D. (AP) The last time South Dakotans saw anything resembling a presidential campaign was in June, when Hillary CLinton won the state's Democratic primary but lost the party's nomination to Barack Obama.

After that, the focus shifted away from South Dakota and its three Electoral College votes.

Clinton worked hard to win the state primary as she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, racked up more appearances than Obama. But Obama drew large crowds at his events, packing the Sioux Falls Arena, for example.

Obama faces long odds in a state that hasn't given its electoral votes to a Democrat in 44 years.

Neither candidate visited South Dakota during the general election campaign.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-04-08 0400CST | save this article / add to your favorites list