President George W. Bush's trip to South Dakota had a clear and definite purpose - to raise money for Republican Congressman John Thune. Thune is challenging incumbent Democrat Tim Johnson for the U.S. Senate. President Bush held a a private roundtable discussion with farmers. He also addressed a public rally for 7,000 people during his seven hour visit to Sioux Falls. Many saw the visit for what it was, a Republican president campaigning for a Republican senate hopeful. Still others saw the president's visit as a missed opportunity to talk about issues.

	Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle was on hand as President Bush visited his home state of South Dakota Wednesday. Bush spent part of his day talking about U.S. farm policy, but he was also there to raise money for Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Thune, who is running against Democrat Tim Johnson. (MPR Photo/Cara Hetland)

More than 7,000 people waited hours to see President Bush at a packed arena. Hundreds more saw the president at an ethanol plant. And 300 people paid at least $2,000 to mix and mingle with Bush at a private reception. They could get a picture taken for twice that amount. The fundraiser brought in at least $500,000 for the Thune campaign.

John Thune, a three-term congressman, was persuaded to run for the Senate by President Bush. Thune wanted to run for governor. The Bush administration wants Republicans to regain control of the Senate. Currently the Democrats are in the majority by a one-seat margin. Bush would like to make up the difference in Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle's home state.

President Bush told the reception crowd he was in South Dakota for one reason.

"I am here because I want John Thune to become the next United States Senator. I want to thank you for helping him. My attitude is, any time you find a person of high character and strong values you've got to help him, and I want to thank you for doing that," Bush said.

It may have been a red-letter day for Republicans in South Dakota. But Democrats Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson were on hand to make sure their views were heard. The politics were polite. The president urged bipartisan support of a farm bill and a trade policy. Daschle says he the farm bill should pass the Senate by the end of the week.

"We're glad that he's here to focus on agriculture, glad that he's here to talk about ethanol. But politically, I think South Dakotans are going to make up their own minds...on who the best candidate is. We know who the best candidate is - he's standing right next to me," Dashle said, referring to Sen. Tim Johnson.

Sen. Johnson took one of the only few real jabs of the day. He charged his opponent, John Thune, is more concerned with raising money than the issues important to South Dakota.

"We're glad that he's here to focus on agriculture, glad that he's here to talk about ethanol. But politically, I think South Dakotans are going to make up their own minds...on who the best candidate is. " - Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.

"I had an opportunity to flip some pancakes at the Lions pancake feed before I came over here today. It's good to know you can still get a meal for less than $4,000," Johnson said.

President Bush did not mention South Dakota's Democratic senators, Tom Daschle or Tim Johnson, in his remarks at the arena. In fact, he gave almost the same speech at the evening event he had earlier in the day. Bush talked about the war on terrorism, the economy, and legislation he wants passed.

The reaction from the crowd was mixed. Ron Kleinenberg is from Colton. He and his son Ross arrived in Sioux Falls at 2:30 p.m. for their first ever glimpse of a president. Ron Kleinenberg was less than impressed.

"Heard one, you've heard them all. They're all the same. I've heard parts of this speech before, some of his comments," Kleinenberg said.

Teenager Danielle Jensen from Lake Preston didn't know what to expect. She knew she had been standing for more than six hours, but came away impressed.

"I'm not at all into the politics thing. But I really enjoyed what he said about the terrorists, and how he's going to help South Dakota, and what a great perspective future we have," Jensen said.

It was a Republican rally, and those diehards who couldn't afford the private reception were thrilled to hear the president speak.

"He's the people's president, said Kathy Thorson of Sioux Falls. "You just feel like he's your friend. And friends don't lie to friends. He's giving it to you straight across the board. I think it's great."

Regardless of politics - many people get excited over the fact the president is in town. This is President Bush's second visit to South Dakota in two years. He was here last March to push his tax plan. He reminded the crowd he and John Thune agree on the issues and can work together well.

Bush supports ethanol