SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Kurt Evans issued a statement Thursday evening saying he was suspending his U.S. Senate campaign and giving his support to Republican John Thune.
Evans had qualified for the Nov. 5 ballot as a Libertarian candidate. He could not be reached for comment.
I heard. Great news!
I thought it was cool. Select a race and check out all the pollsters - one stop shopping. Thune's looking good. Jeb's been in the lead all along and the media keeps saying "Jeb's in trouble." That's the kind of spin that you can shovel.
John Thune for South Dakota
Insider Update
October 18, 2002
www.johnthune.com
Inside this Update:
1) Another Independent Poll Has John Leading
2) Mitchell Daily Republic Endorses John
3) Support John at Monday’s Debate Rally
4) Over 500 Sportsmen Announce Support for John
5) Web Site Feature Targets Undecided Voters
6) What You Can Do to Help John Today
Another Independent Poll Has John Leading
CBS News Poll Shows John Leading 43-40
A poll conducted by CBS News showed John with 43 percent of the vote, 40 percent for Tim Johnson and 11 percent undecided.
The poll was conducted October 9-11, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.
Mitchell Daily Republic Endorses John
For U.S. Senate: Leadership is Key
Mitchell Daily Republic Editorial
October 18, 2002
Two things sadden us about this year`s campaign for the United States Senate.
First, the rancorous tone and the seemingly limitless reserve of invective on both sides has been counterproductive in the extreme.
Second, the campaign - as viewed on TV - is an inaccurate representation of both John Thune and Tim Johnson, who we know to be good South Dakotans, gentlemen, and family men.
Why politics brings out the worst in candidates - especially these two exceptional men - is a mystery.
That aside, voters ultimately will choose between them on Nov. 5. Today, The Daily Republic endorses John Thune for U.S. Senate.
We don`t buy into the proposition that voters should cast their ballots so that Tom Daschle will retain his seat as majority leader in the Senate. To use that rationale is unfair to both Thune and Johnson. Instead, voters should decide based on each man`s ability and his positions on the issues.
It is on this basis that we give Thune the edge. In looking back on South Dakota politics over the past 30 or 40 years, few elected officials equal Thune in leadership ability. To some unknown degree, it is a gift. He possesses that rare quality that enables him to bring others to his cause or way of thinking. A leader is someone who others will follow, and Thune has demonstrated this most valuable of traits in public service.
We also find much to support in Thune`s conservative positions on the issues, from abortion to taxation, to Social Security. He watches out for South Dakota`s interests, and its mainstream family values. He has voted this way in the House, and there`s no reason to think he will change in the Senate.
Last, there is every reason to believe that he will work well with Sen. Daschle. The reason is simple: Both have South Dakota`s interests at heart. They may disagree on philosophy, but they will find ways to work together for the good of their constituency.
We believe John Thune is an exceptionally strong public servant who reflects South Dakota`s thinking on all the key issues. For these reasons, we endorse him for the United States Senate.
Support John at Monday’s Debate Rally
Debate Rally Begins 5:30 p.m. Monday
John will debate Tim Johnson Monday night at the KSFY studios in Sioux Falls. Supporters are invited to meet at the corner of 6th St. and Dakota Ave. to support John as he enters the studio for this important debate.
Immediately following the rally, supporters are invited for a debate watching party at the Old Courthouse Museum beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the debate starting at 7 p.m. The Old Courthouse is located right across from the KSFY studios (200 W. 6th St.). Snacks and drinks will be provided.
For those of you in the Sioux Falls area, this is your last chance to show your support for John at a debate.
Over 500 Sportsmen Announce Support for John
John Highlights Impact of Pheasant Hunting on South Dakota Economy
As South Dakota enters another hunting season, John today discussed the economic impact of pheasant hunting on the South Dakota economy. People from across the nation have made South Dakota America’s prime hunting land. The economic impact of this has been a significant part of the state’s $600 million tourism industry.
“Our small towns like Presho, Winner, and Platte offer some of the greatest pheasant hunting in the country, and the economies in these towns greatly benefit each season,” John said. “In 2001, out-of-state hunters spent over $78 million during pheasant hunting season. That is a significant portion of the tourism industry—dollars that go directly to our small town main streets, boosting their economy.”
During the event, Dave Miller of Watertown, unveiled ‘Sportsmen for Thune,’ a group of more than 500 sportsmen who have pledged to support John Thune in his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
“Over the summer, men and women from across the state pledged to help John Thune in this race. From the state fair to volunteer gatherings, we’ve compiled over 500 names of sportsmen who support John because of his strong voting record on our Second Amendment rights. They believe in him just as I do, and together we’ve formed Sportsmen for Thune,” stated Dave Miller.
“As an avid sportsman, I know the impact that pheasant hunting has on our economy. We must do all we can to protect the rights of sportsmen, and to preserve the wide open spaces that we enjoy as hunters,” John continued.
Earlier this year, John was endorsed by the National Rifle Association for his consistent support for the right to keep and bear arms, including John’s legislation to arm pilots against terrorist attacks and his support for legislation allowing citizens to sue the federal government if their Second Amendment Rights have been violated. John has also fought for instant background checks to ensure that law abiding South Dakotans can buy firearms but criminals cannot.
In addition to his strong support of the Second Amendment, sportsmen also appreciate John’s commitment to conservation. John has been a leader in the House Agriculture Committee for the conservation of South Dakota land, water, and wildlife resources. He sponsored the Conservation Security Act, the Farmable Wetlands Program and has worked to increase CRP lands across South Dakota.
Web Site Feature Targets Undecided Voters
Refer your undecided friends to www.johnthune.com
One of the most important ways to help John is to reach out to your undecided friends and family. You can do this by referring them to www.johnthune.com and its undecided voters page (
http://www.johnthune.com/UndecidedVoters.asp).
This undecided voter page allows South Dakotans to get to know John more personally. It includes John’s biography, accomplishments and a candidate comparison.
Help John by telling five undecided friends each week why you believe John is a strong leader and the best candidate for U.S. Senate, and refer them to the undecided voters page on John’s Web site.