All precincts reporting - Johnson ahead by just over 500 votes

http://www.state.sd.us/sos/results/statwide.shtml ^ | 11/5/02 | SD SoS

[frmrda]

U S SENATE (L) EVANS KURT 3071

(D) JOHNSON TIM 167477

(R) THUNE JOHN 166949

[WatchOutForSnakes]

With Trent Lott as majority leader Johnson wins. I'm elated with the election results but that won't grow Lott a spine.

[PokeyJoe]

If the polling place is located in the eastern half, but the precinct extends into the western half of the state - it will be successfully argued that the polling place was kept open because potential voters in the western half would have been denied an opportunity to vote.

[nicmarlo]

That would be highly unlikely.....I bet neither are allowed to practice law in that state. And it may not be filed under Federal Court, rather, state court (at least initially). But, you can bet there will be high profile-type lawyers employed, if a suit develops.

[nicmarlo]

You cannot change the rules of election while the election is in progress....this is against the law.

[PLK]

It was reported on Fox a little while ago, before all precincts in, that 2 of the 3 yet to report were in Indian Reservation territory. This is the same area where the Dem operative was arrested and is being charged with forging signatures on absentee ballot request documents which she took out to the reservation. Voter fraud - h*ll yes!!! Will it make a difference? Probably not, this stinks to high heaven. I would also like to ask the S.D. Indians what the devil the Dems EVER did for them!!!!

[Paraclete]

Actually, in some counties that straddle the time zone, even though they're MST, they operate on CST. The Attorney General issued an order that the polls stay open the extra hour. I believe he's a republican.

[PhilipFreneau]

SD is a small, poor state that plays both sides in order to bring in the money (they voted for Bush but they also love Daschle). Well, that strategy is now compromised because they thought the Democrats would maintain the Senate.

No worries S.D., you all lose...

Not necessarily. If Thume loses the recount, he will probably get a position in the Bush Administration. I seem to recall that Bush supported Janklow for the House and Rounds for the governorship; and both won handily.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

I can just envision the recount, on television:

One little, two little, three little Indians.

I believe Thune will prevail, with no reservations.

[Leto]

Thune will not have to ask for a recount, if the matgin is less than 1/4 of 1% there is an automatic recount. So legal action can still be taken. Fraud already allegd with the indictment of rat operative Monday.

Do we know if these totals include absentee ballots?

[b4its2late]

Something smells............

[cantfindagoodscreenname]

According to SD law (And assuming a 500 vote Johnson "win") Thune must choose between a recount or a law suit.

I can hear the Dems screaming now about how greedy the Republicans are by bringing a law suit. They had a huge sweep nationally and now they want even MORE seats?

[Diddle E. Squat]

That may be SD law, but he should still ask for a recount, and then either sue or let the party sue. The only reason to sue is if their is fraud, and if fraud has taken place the fraudulent votes will not stand. If that law gets in the way Federal voting rights issues trump it(at least in principle.)

[nfldgirl]

This so TICKS me off! How in the world can Thune be up ALL NIGHT LONG and then lose the election! Does this total count include the absentees? This is disgusting! THUNE should have won this! Arrrggghhh!

[Steve_Seattle]

"What happened?"

Probably the Indian vote, which was reportedly much heavier than normal.

[Faeroe]

I am sure they are not admitted in SD, but they can be admitted pro hac vice - for the case alone - if a SD lawyer petitions for them.

[Mr. Mojo]

I'm elated with the election results but that won't grow Lott a spine.

Time for a new Majority Leader. Anyone have any ideas? How about Enzi (WY), Inhofe (OK), Bunning (KY), or Hutchison (TX)?

[bioprof]

"Actually, in some counties that straddle the time zone, even though they're MST, they operate on CST. The Attorney General issued an order that the polls stay open the extra hour. I believe he's a republican."

This is verrrrrrrry confusing!!!!!!

[hispanarepublicana]

One little, two little, three little Indians.

IT'S OFFICIAL!!! This is the THE definative theme song for the recount drama/fraud investigation yet to unfold. Might deserve its own vanity thread...

[Diddle E. Squat]

Well if Johnson ultimately prevails, then congratulations South Dakota. You gambled and lost, and now you must pay. Like NJ you let the Democrats cheat their way to a win, selling your soul for material gain. You benefited from pork, and now that will stop. Let's hope the Senate slashes each and every SD pork project.

SD, you made your choice to side with the devil, now its time for your just rewards. You chose a harlot over a faithful wife. Bad choices have consequences.

[spycatcher]

That may be SD law, but he should still ask for a recount, and then either sue or let the party sue. The only reason to sue is if their is fraud, and if fraud has taken place the fraudulent votes will not stand. If that law gets in the way Federal voting rights issues trump it(at least in principle.)

Yep. Sounds unconstitutional to me that you have to sign away an investigation into fraud