Campaign 2004 The race for president The race for Congress The guide to legislative races Resources Select A Candidate Democratic National Convention Audio The stakes are high in the South Dakota Senate race (story audio) Listen to the candidate forum featuring Tom Daschle and John Thune Photos Sen. Tom Daschle Challenger John Thune Resources Sen. Tom Daschle's campaign site John Thune's campaign site Your Voice Join the conversation with other MPR listeners in the News Forum.

	E-mail this page			Print this page

The stakes are high in the South Dakota Senate race
by Cara Hetland, Minnesota Public Radio
August 19, 2004

South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle, the Democrats' leader in the U.S. Senate, is facing a tough Republican challenger in his bid for re-election, former Congressman John Thune. The two debated for the first time Wednesday. (MPR Photo/Cara Hetland)

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle is in a tough fight for re-election. Daschle, a Democrat from South Dakota, is in his closest race since first being elected to the Senate in 1986. His opponent is Republican John Thune, a former congressman who narrowly lost his first race for Senate two years ago. A major focus of the campaign is Daschle's leadership position, and what it means for South Dakota. Daschle and Thune debated each other for the first time Wednesday, on the subject of farm policy.

Mitchell, S.D. — The two candidates debated before a knowledgeable audience, a tent full of people at Dakotafest, an agricultural trade show. It's hard to know for sure how many in the open-air tent were campaign workers, and how many were voters looking to be convinced.

Oftentimes the tone from the audience of several hundred people resembled a Friday night football game. Cheers even came for the winner of the coin toss.

A relaxed Tom Daschle often laughed at comments made by his opponent, John Thune. Daschle is in his toughest race since first being elected to the Senate in 1986. Daschle is focusing his campaign on his leadership position and what that means for South Dakota.

	Challenger John Thune

"We had a farm bill in the year 2002 designed for South Dakota because we had people in the room who understood South Dakota agriculture," Daschle said. "I think it makes a big difference who's in the room. I think it makes a big difference whether or not the leaders from the Senate or the House are from South Dakota or Florida or California. The reason we had a better bill is because we had South Dakotans in the leadership."

But Republican John Thune said Daschle has not been a strong leader.

"When we needed his leadership in the United States Senate to get the ethanol renewable fuel standards put into law, and the production incentives that go along with it -- the night before that vote, he was out signing books," Thune said. "Now folks, we need a strong robust ethanol industry here in South Dakota. We need strong leadership in the United States Senate that won't be beholden to special interests."

Thune served six years in the House of Representatives before stepping down two years ago to run for the Senate against South Dakota's other senator, Democrat Tim Johnson. Thune lost to Johnson by a narrow margin of just over 500 votes.

I wish we could send them both. I don't know who to pick. - Debate attendee

During the debate, Von Decker and Peter Neffy sat on the ground next to each other. Each is backing a different candidate. Decker said this is the first time he has watched a political debate.

"Because I've seen both of these men -- you read about these guys," said Decker. "I personally know John Thune, by the way. I know his family, I went to church with his some of his family, and I know what he stands for. I know this guy. He's a great man."

Knowing the candidates personally is common in South Dakota. Here Daschle and Thune are known as Tom and John.

Peter Neffy recently turned 75, and on his birthday he got a call from Tom Daschle.

"I love Tom Daschle. I'm a rancher and he really represents ranching country," said Neffy.

Neffy and Decker continued the debate as the crowd was clearing the tent -- each taking their candidate's stand on issues.

Neffy is a rancher from western South Dakota, and Decker owns livestock and farms near Huron. One hot-button issue for the two candidates is "country of origin labeling," which would call for a Made in America stamp on farm products.

John Thune says Daschle failed to get it passed, while Daschle blames Republicans and the Bush administration. Neffy and Decker both think the country of origin labeling is necessary, but disagreed over how difficult it would be to implement.

As the crowd cleared, an older woman said what may be the case for many South Dakotans.

"I wish we could send them both. I don't know who to pick," she said.

In South Dakota, voters don't see Tom Daschle and John Thune carrying water for their political parties. They see them as people -- Tom and John.

News Headlines

Related Subjects