This page is a part of a class assignment at Davidson College
South Dakota Senate Race: Tom Daschle and John Thune
A Look Into The Candidates' Background
In his last two re-election bids, Senator Tom Daschle has obliterated his political opponents. However, this South Dakota Senatorial election is considerably different. Daschle and Challenger John Thune are currently in a statistical dead heat. (National Journal, 2004) One major reason why this election so drastically unusual is due to the comparable backgrounds of these two candidates.
Daschle, a fourth generation South Dakotan, grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota, as the son of a school teacher. In 1969, the Senator received his degree from South Dakota State University. (TomDaschle.com, 2004) Daschle soon moved on to politics by becoming an aide to South Dakota Senator James Abourezk. In 1978, Daschle decided to run as a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. This experience primed Daschle to campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1986. Since winning a Senate seat, Daschle has been re-elected twice by overwhelming margins. (CQ.com, 2004)
Comparatively, John Thune grew up in Murdo, South Dakota, while both parents worked at a local high school. Thune would eventually earn his MBA from the University of South Dakota in 1984. After college, he traveled to Washington to work in South Dakota Senator Jim Abdnor’s office. In 1996, Thune chose to run as South Dakota’s only U.S. Representative. He would eventually be re-elected twice. (JohnThune.com, 2004)
Although the two men have very similar backgrounds, Thune is making accusations concerning whether or not Daschle is still representing his state as well as he once did. According to Thune, Daschle, having been in Congress since 1978, has transformed into a Washington insider who no longer represents South Dakota’s constituents very well. He believes that Daschle “has more concern for politics, has more concern for partisanship. The things that Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton want to get done; they just don’t fit with the agenda with the people of South Dakota.” (Video Clip) (JohnThune.com, 2004)
Daschle, however, has defended himself by pointing to his extensive list of bills he has supported or sponsored that directly helped his state. Over the years, the Senator has been able help out his state in many various ways, including shaping a bill to increase farm subsidies and loan rates for South Dakotan farmers. (TomDaschle.com, 2004)
In conclusion, I believe that the two candidates’ backgrounds, and, in turn, their proximity to these roots, will be the foundation on which the election is decided. If Thune is able to convince voters that the Senator has strayed from the people of South Dakota, he will most likely win the election. However, if Daschle can prove to voters he is still a good South Dakota representative, chances are the electorate will choose him this November.
Contact Information: Mapaddock@davidson.edu
Created: 9/9/2004
Updated:9/10/2004