[LS]

I heard Rush talk about a new poll showing "Puff" trailing Thune in a hypothetical vote by 4 points. More important, the "Puffster" is way below 50% in re-elect, which is usually a death sentence on an incumbent.

[NYC Republican]

I can't imagine Thune losing the next time. Last year, he had a couple of things going against him- he had Daschle supporting Johnson, Daschle was the majority leader, so the state would lose a few perks, and he didn't have Pres Bush running on the ticket.

All of that will change this go round.

The only wild card/saving grace I see for Daschle is that he could play up a lie about not wanting to run for pres, instead wanting to serve his State for another 6 years- showing loyalty to his constituency.

I don't think it will work.