Considering the size of South Dakota, closing the base probably would have caused severe pain for the citizens within. I do think the best thing Thune could really do for his state is to help them start to structure so they aren't dependent on this base over the long haul.
While I'm still furious with Thune over his actions concerning Bolton, I DO think from a political sense this is very good news. he's still better than daschle AND, more importantly, when we're petitioning citizens to remove a person that brings home the pork (like Byrd) we are asking they sacrifice. Only fair they get something in return for that sacrifice. For South Dakota, removing Daschle=this base kept open. It's a fair trade, imo, and can be used as leverage in removing Byrd from office by stating this an example they won't be left high and dry if they vote him out.
To you what..I'll OK us keeping the base open if they plan on using the bombers more often. Deal?
Of course, there's a cynical side of me that says Ellsworth was originally slated for closure just so it could later be taken off the list -- at Thune's insistence, of course.