It was my impression two years ago that Thune was really more interested in emasculating Daschle, and that he had his sights on him all along. Therefore, losing to Johnson didn't make that much difference.
He WILL contest any election irregularities this year.
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No, he wanted to run in the June special election for the House seat of SD. The White House and the RNC convinced him to run against Daschle. They say if Thune didn't win, President Bush would offered him an office in the second term.