Actually, I am very surprised that Daschle chose an attempt to be re-elected this year. Thune's run two years ago was very strong, and his decision not to contest was very smart (sorry, FRiends who disagree about this with me.) Daschle is in a very tough state for someone like him to get elected in. If it were not for the 15% or so advantage that being an incumbent, any incumbent, brings, he would have no hope in SD.
Thune, when he wins, will not ever be able to be displaced by any SD Demodog with that +15%.
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"...chose an attempt to be re-elected this year."
Uh, senators don't choose the years in which elections take place. Elections for senators are every 6 years.