State Sen. Scott Heidepriem said Tuesday that he only has political eyes for the South Dakota governor's chair.

Heidepriem, the Democratic leader in the South Dakota Senate, said he is focusing on running for governor in 2010 if Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin decides not to enter that race.

Heidepriem has been considered a potential candidate for governor or for the U.S. House, if Herseth Sandlin gives up the seat to run for governor. But the Sioux Falls lawyer said he's not interested in a House race. Nor is he interested in running for re-election to the state Senate.

"As far as I'm concerned, my focus is either running for governor or not running for anything," Heidepriem said Tuesday.

Herseth Sandlin hasn't announced her political plans for 2010, when her two-term term in the House expires and Republican Gov. Mike Rounds concludes his second four-year term as the state's chief executive.

Heidepriem said he isn't getting impatient with Herseth Sandlin, who has indicated she will announce a decision by late summer.

"My feeling is that she has earned the right to take whatever time she needs," he said.

The 52-year-old Heidepriem, who has served several stings in the state Legislature and made an unsuccessful run for the Republican U.S. House nomination in 1986, said he is satisfied with his service in the Senate and believe it is time for "new blood," there.

Heidepriem said he hasn't started fundraising but understands the serious financial burden of running for governor.

Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard began the year with more than $800,000 in campaign cash for his governor's campaign. And Republican state Sen. Dave Knudson of Sioux Falls recently raised $250,000 in a one-night fundraiser in Sioux Falls.

Heidepriem said those numbers are impressive but not intimidating, should he decide to run.

"I raised $200,000 for a state Senate race, and spent $204,000," he said. "I wish it weren't necessary, but it is."

Contact Kevin Woster at kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com or 394-8413.