South Dakota has only one member in the U.S. House of Representatives. This year, the race is between a long-time governor and a political newcomer. Gov. Bill Janklow is known as a bully who likes a good fight. Stephanie Herseth is half Janklow's age and says she wants to work within the political process. Polls show this race is too close to call. What's more, the odd matchup has been one of the cleanest in the region, without a single negative attack ad.

After Stephanie Herseth won the Democratic primary, friends told her she didn't have a chance. Herseth's opponent is a seasoned politician, but she says running against Bill Janklow has never frightened her.

"I always felt that this was probably a good matchup," says Herseth. "I do think that I am clearly focused on the future of South Dakota. Not to suggest that Governor Janklow isn't. But yet, I do think that South Dakota is ready to start a new chapter in our political history. That this election isn't about a report card on what Governor Janklow has or hasn't done as governor."

Herseth is a full-time candidate. She is out shaking hands and telling people who she is. Her biggest challenge is getting voters to take her seriously.

The 31-year-old Democrat grew up in a politically active family. Herseths have served as governor, lawmaker and secretary of state. Stephanie Herseth went to Georgetown University. She practiced law and taught in Washington D.C. Herseth insists, she knows how Washington works.

Gov. Bill Janklow says he's got what his opponent doesn't. A friend in the White House.

Bill Janklow is 63 years old, and he has often been referred to as a bully. As governor, he's sued the federal government over the management of the Missouri River and the black hills forest. He shut the state's borders to Canadian trucks to protest agricultural products being shipped into the United States.

But many wonder if Bill Janklow really wants to go to Washington. He only started actively campaigning in late September and his schedule is often confirmed at the last minute. Janklow wouldn't make time for an interview for this story. In televised debates, Janklow says South Dakota only has one voice in the House of Representatives and it should be his.

"I've spent a lifetime fighting and representing people. I love working for you," Janklow says. "If you give me the chance to go to Washington to work for you. I promise you, I'll never forget where I come from. I'll never forget who I work for. I'll never forget what the people's needs are. I'll never stop fighting until they ring the bell and say the fight's over."

Janklow served 16 years as South Dakota's governor. He began his career as a legal aid lawyer on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. He also served as the state's attorney general. In 1986, Bill Janklow took his only run for federal office. He lost a primary bid for the U.S. Senate.

The comradery in this race is one for the text books. Bill Richardson is the Dean of the University of South Dakota Political Science Department. He says Janklow can't bully Stephanie Herseth like he could a male opponent.

"You've got to step gingerly in how you conduct the campaign," Richardson says. "Because demographics favor women in the state and this is a candidate who clearly has a future in South Dakota politics no mater which way this contest plays out."

Richardson says both candidates agree on many issues. They agree on the need for drought assistance and managing the flow of the Missouri River. They disagree on abortion and lowering the cost of prescription drugs.

Historically South Dakotans send young politicians to the House of Representatives. Larry Pressler, Tom Daschle, Tim Johnson and John Thune all started their political careers running for this seat. Stephanie Herseth wants that tradition to continue. Bill Janklow says South Dakota is better off giving him the nod.