Thune prefers Senate but seeks input on future

Argus Leader ^ | Dec. 14, 2003 | David Kranz

[formercalifornian]

The mystery of John Thune's political future soon will be solved.

The former congressman will say in a few days if he will challenge Sen. Tom Daschle, run for the U.S. House seat soon to be vacated by Rep. Bill Janklow or remain in the private sector.

[formercalifornian]

That friendship began in 1995 when Janklow came to Daschle's defense after he was accused of trying to help the owner of B & L Aviation in Rapid City overcome dual inspections by government agencies. Questions arose after one of the charter company's planes was in a crash that killed three doctors.

May explain something.

[byteback]

What's the deal with Stephanie Herseth? It sure seems like nobody wants here to run but I never read why.

[billorites]

There's something to be said for personal loyalty.

Standing by friends in tough times can come at some expense.

[Huck]

Thune voted for CFR.

[The Great RJ]

Alas Thune is the ONLY viable Republican candidate in this state for either Congressman Janklow's now vacant House seat or to challenge Daschle for the Senate.

As Governor for most of 20 years, Janklow, ran the party with an iron fist. Thune avoided the internal party squabbling and emerged as a good candidate for then Congressman Tim Johnson's seat, winning the election over a weak Democratic candidate and was elected to the House. However, the party under Janklow's cult of personality did not seek to develop new leaders--for example Daschle's Republican challenger in 1998 had never held any elective office and was a political unknown with no experience in campaigning and no serious support from the party.

As a result with the political demise of Janklow there is simply no one other than John Thune who has any statewide recognition, leadership experence or campaign skill. Thune faces an uphill battle in challenging Daschle and with no serious contenders for the House seat I am afraid Janklow's final legacy to the state will be a Democrat sweep of our Congressional delegation.

[formercalifornian]

Herseth got most of her money from out-of-state liberal interest groups like Emily's list, pro-abortion groups and such.

[AuH2ORepublican]

*Thune Ping*

Article says he's leaning towards Senate run (and also explains cozy Daschle-Janklow relationship).

[Pubbie]

Please, in the name of God, Run against Daschle!!!

[Pubbie]

Fascinating stuff about Janklow and Daschle's relationship!

[Clintonfatigued]

Good point. He ran against then-Senator Jim Abnor in the Republican primary, publicly on the grounds that Abnor would surely lose to Daschle. Abnor won the primary by 55% to 45%, but lost to Daschle by a narrow 51.6% to 48.4%. Daschle was not seriously opposed in the 1990's.

[Clintonfatigued]

There is another factor in Thune's career. Janklow opposed him in the 1996 Republican primary for Congress. He instead supported Carole Hilliard, his loyal Lieutenant Governor. But Thune beat her by 59% to 41%, then won the general by 60% to 37%.

[Clintonfatigued]

I agree, Pubbie! America needs John Thune. Bill Frist should promise him any committee assignment he wants.

[Kuksool]

Don't forget that Janklow also gave little help to then-Senator Larry Pressler in 1996. Pressler lost to Tim Johnson, 51-49. Janklow ran for the House in 2002 just to block Pressler's political comeback. Sometimes, I wonder if Janklow is subconsciously helping the Democrats.

[Pubbie]

"Sometimes, I wonder if Janklow is subconsciously helping the Democrats."

Good thing that Janklow's career is over - he now can't screw up the GOP like he has been doing since 1986.

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

Hmmm...speaking of Pressler, perhaps he will take a shot at the House seat this time?

[Impy]

If only he'd won the 02 primary...

I'm not scared of that Herseth. I think a decent candiate can and will beat her.

Thune however is only guy who can beat Dashole.