Your post demonstrates your lack of understanding of the situation.
In an "off-Presidential", or mid-term election, Thune shouldn't have had a chance. Actually, Republicans, nationally, shouldn't have had a chance.
But, if you recall, this thread is about an interview in which a reporter has discovered that in all probability, Thune did win. When you couple the fact that S. Dakotans are likely not too thrilled with seeing their electoral process corrupted with Thune running in a Presidential election year in which Bush will have coat tails and Daschle's low positives, Thune COULD win.
I suggest you go back and review some data.