ABERDEEN, S.D.(WNAX)- Brian Bengs, the democratic challenger to incumbent South Dakota republican Senator John Thune says he knows they need substantial dollars to mount a statewide campaign.

The last campaign finance report shows Thune with over fifteen million dollars in his fund. Bengs says he doesn’t think they can match that.

Thune has two republican primary challengers, Bruce Whalen and Mark Mowry. Bengs says he hopes to get some bounce out of that.

Bengs, a former instructor at Northern State University, is making his first run for office. Thune is attempting to win a fourth term in the US Senate.

Bengs will be feature speaker Tuesday at 7PM at NSU talking about Ukraine.  It will take place at Centennial Rooms C & D at the NSU Avera Student Center.