November 29, 2003

60-40 FILES:

CHALLENGING DASCHLE? (Robert Novak, November 29, 2003, Townhall)

National Republican strategists have grown more optimistic that former Rep. John Thune will run against Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in South Dakota next year.

Thune was thought inclined not to run for the Senate again after being narrowly defeated last year by Sen. Tim Johnson. However, he has been convinced that the South Dakota Republican turnout will be much better in 2004, with George W. Bush heading the ticket, than in 2002.

Posted by Orrin Judd at November 29, 2003 9:09 AM
Comments

The psychological blow to the Democrats if Daschle is defeated is glorious to contemplate....

Posted by: PapayaSF at November 29, 2003 3:32 PM

You mean like Nethercutt taking out Speaker Foley in 1994?

Posted by: Raoul Ortega at November 29, 2003 5:24 PM

Nethercutt was the ultimate giant killer and the people of Spokane, Washington really rose to the occassion in 1994. That was absolutely wonderful. Hard to believe it was 9 years ago.

Posted by: pchuck at November 29, 2003 7:22 PM

Raoul: precisely.

Posted by: PapayaSF at November 29, 2003 9:02 PM

Don't forget that in SD the Dems also have the ability to "really rise" to the occasion. Of course, I mean the dearly departed, from whom we will see thousands of votes being cast in Indian reservations far and wide.

Posted by: MG at November 30, 2003 7:58 AM

MG -yes, the 2002 election where Johnson barely beat Thune with some questionable votes is something the GOP must be ready for in '04. That said, some believe Johnson got votes from people who wanted Daschle to stay majority leader. In '04 that isn't an issue and Bush will be at the top of the ticket so Thune should have a good shot.

Posted by: AWW at November 30, 2003 12:57 PM
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