Ron Volesky says the candidate to make it through the democratic primary will probably be the next governor of South Dakota. But he also is one of two democratic candidates.

As he campaigns to become the next governor, the lawyer and former legislator says a budget shortfall is the state's biggest challenge.

"Sure we have a structural budget deficit because we've got a lousy tax system in South Dakota," Volesky said.

Volesky has tax reform at the top of his issues list. He wants to tax corporate profits and would support eliminating sales tax on food.

Healthcare is another big issue he wants to address. He says the state should provide some health insurance for people who can't get it other places. Rounding out the list of his top three issues is open government.

"That their government is honest, that their government is telling the truth and that their government hides nothing from them," Voleski said.

Voleski says his experience makes him a good candidate for governor. He served 16 years in the state legislature.

He also ran for governor, attorney general and a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He wasn't planning to run for public office again but says what he sees as a need for change prompted him to do so.

"I believe I have a lot to offer as the next governor of the state of South Dakota,” Volesky said. “And when you see things that need to be changed, I always say rather than curse the darkness, light a candle."

That is what Volesky says he plans to do as he campaigns across the state he hopes to govern after 2010.

Another issue that didn't make Volesky's top three but one he says is important to him is putting a stop to illegal immigration in South Dakota.