A class assignment at Davidson College
South Dakota’s Senate Race
Explanation of Results
Most Compelling Argument
The most convincing explanation for why John Thune defeated Senator Tom Daschle is because the political scene had changed vastly since his original election bid. During Daschle’s first two Senate campaigns, he was able to capitalize on the current economic crisis by defending agricultural price supports, which were favored by in-state farmers, to win those elections. Despite being chosen as the Senate Democratic leader in 1994, he continued to focus mainly on his own state because President Clinton symbolized the Democrats’ national voice. However, this all changed when President Bush was elected. Now that a Republican was President, Daschle was forced to become the spokesperson for the Democratic Party. Although South Dakota enjoyed watching their Senator work for their interests, becoming a visible legislative filibusterer to help the Democratic National Party was completely different. Thune reiterated this point to South Dakota, and the state responded by refusing to re-elect Daschle. (Mercer, 2004)
Least Compelling Argument
The least credible argument of why Daschle was defeated is that he lost because of Thune’s use of negative advertising. Although Thune did use negative ads, this alone could not have inflicted much damage to Daschle’s campaign. There is no reason to think that many constituents believed Daschle had “gone Washington,” especially when the Senator was publicly pointing to the vast amount of money and projects he obtained for South Dakota. Although the exact amount negative advertising played in his election can never be determined, it is unlikely that it played a decisive roll in this election. (Melmer, 2004)
Compromising Principles and Positions
John Thune
Thune realized that if he was going to beat this very powerful incumbent, he would have to find just one powerful campaign position. His campaign chose to attack Daschle's low quality of representation. Thune understood that a change in this message would dilute his entire campaign and would have allowed his strongest argument to become lost or forgotten. Therefore, being constant in his position and principles helped his campaign immensely. (Lightman, 2004)
Tom Daschle
Unlike Thune, an explanation of Daschle’s principles and positions requires a look at his entire Senate history. As is seen by his voting record, his positions on issues, like abortion, remained consistent. Unlike many politicians, Daschle’s eventual problem wasn’t because of a change in his principles or positions, but an evolution in the political environment surrounding him. Senate Minority Leader Daschle’s prominence in national news allowed his constituents to slowly recognize the difference between their views and their Senator’s. Daschle unsuccessfully attempted to overshadow this discrepancy by publicizing the many projects and funds earmarked for the state. Nevertheless, although Daschle’s principles remained strong, this variation in beliefs defeated him on Election Day. (Madden, 2004)
Contact: Mapaddock@davidson.edu
Created: 10/15/2004
Updated: 12/6/2004