Posted on 10/26/2004 5:50:40 PM PDT by conservative in nyc
With one week before the election, the nation's most high-profile senate race is at a statistical dead heat. South Dakota's Senate contest has grown too close to call according to our latest KELOLAND-TV/Argus Leader Scientific Poll.
We asked 800 likely voters within the last week who they want to be their next senator. And for only the second time since we polled this race, the numbers are within the poll's margin of error.
49% of voters in our poll say they'll reelect democratic senator Tom Daschle. 47% say they'll vote for republican challenger John Thune. Only 4% are undecided. And there's a 3.5 % margin of error, making this race statistically even.
Democratic candidate Sen. Tom Daschle says, "We're very pleased. This is another illustration of the fact we've been able to keep our lead all the way through the campaign."
Republican candidate John Thune says, "I think it's indicative of what we're feeling on the ground. There's a lot of energy, a lot of momentum. I think the race is tightening."
You see that if you look at how the numbers moved in the last month. In late September Daschle led by five points. Now, it's down to two.
Political analyst Jennifer Duffy says, "The result of this race is going to be very close. Probably a thousand votes in either direction."
Analysts say Thune may be closing the gap in part because he's gone on the attack.
KELOLAND political analyst Steve Hemmingsen says, "He's gotten harder on Daschle noticeably in his ad campaign getting down to the real nitty gritty making accusations that have been kind of softballed until now."
But as the candidates enter the final week on the campaign trail, experts say there's not much more they can do to convince voters.
Duffy says, "These are two candidates who have campaigned hard, who've done everything they needed to do, run very strong campaigns. At this point it really does come down to turnout."
According to the Argus Leader article that cannot be posted (it's a Gannette Snoozepaper) Thune's leading 60-35 West River, so turnout in Rapid City and the western part of the state will be key.
Dead Indians will put Daschle back in office for another term.
Yep, it's all about turnout.
Come on South Dekota.
I know it is almost impossible to throw out a senior senator but there is a chance with Daschle.
The Argus and KELO are in Daschle's pocket. They don't report anything "negative" about him.
The Rapid City Journal is much the same.
if Thune loses, he will regret listening to Rove last time and not contesting that election. Bush should have gone to SD for Thune - even a rally at the airport might make a big difference.
I'm so hoping he'll win, or at least he can give ole Daschel a run for his money.
Brand new Rasmussen Poll has Thune leading Daschle 48 to 45, and a McLaughlin Poll put it at 49-45 for Thune. Daschle is so scared he just today broke a pledge and allowed the DNC buy 600K worth of ads.
Thats another reason not to buy their poll completely.
So many people are voting straight Rep. ticket. Maybe many of our guys/gals will come in on Bush's coat tails.
God I hope so. I've had nothing but disappointment lately from SD voters. The 2002 loss to Johnson was devastating, I gave a lot of time and money to that campaign, and then there was the June special election, when Herseth took it by just a few votes. We HAVE to win this race. It's gotten to where I am talking about it to people I don't even know, trying for just a few extra votes.
How can the state go for Bush and Daschle? Those guys are complete oposites. Get out the vote and Thune will win this race.
"unless the comment from Brit Hume tonight that the RATs have about conceded Florida"
MOE
GO BIG JOHN! Linda D has been a real mudsucker and EVERYONE knows it.
Look for a major visit in SF's this week from the good guys.
It will be Cheney from what I hear.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.