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You all keep talking about Daschle coming up for reelection. I don't have the figures handy, but I believe that he was elected in 1998 by a larger margin in SD than Bush got in 2000. If not larger, then nearly as large. SD people like Daschle, but conservatives can't be reconciled to that fact because we all LOATHE Daschle. Well, those stubborn Dakotans see something we don't.

Daschle is up in 2004. You may be right about Daschle winning by a larger margin than by what Bush carried the state. That doesn't mean anything though. Perhaps the GOP has never run a good candidate against him. Also, Daschle didn't have the national stature he has now.

Many of us call this the Foley phenomenon. Tom Foley was our Congressman for years - like 25 or 30 - but once he became Speaker of the House, he became a 'national' figure and no longer represented his constituents. He was carrying the water for Clinton which infuriated people further. We finally found a good candidate, George Nethercutt, and with a concerted grass roots effort (and it wasn't easy by any means) we managed to defeat the Speaker of the House. Everyone said it couldn't be done but we did it.

It can happen in South Dakota too. Once Democrats become 'national' figures they have to tow the party line, which means adhering to the NE liberals that control the party. This doesn't always bode well with folks back home. And all that nonsense about farm subsidies is silly. Everyone knows that no matter who they send to DC is going to support the farm subsidies, regardless of party affiliation.

I'd say it's time for the SD GOP to start finding a good candidate to go against Daschle in 2004.

SD farmers see the gravy train ... you think SD is so hell bent on making sure the whole Federal Bench suits the likes of ACLU, NOW, and NARAL??? Keep telling those SD farmers that even Repubs vote for farmers, but the Democrats like Daschle insist on only 100% Certified NUTTY ACLU-approved Liberal Judges ... and that STINKS!