Freshman Blues

Argus Leader, May 10, 2005:

Sen. Tom Daschle often played his hand with voters, saying he had been effective before as Senate minority leader and would be good again in saving the giant, a $200 million-plus engine in the Rapid City area economy.

Challenger John Thune countered that he could match Daschle's power because he would have the ear of President Bush when it came to big decisions affecting the state.

Voters dismissed Daschle's clout and chose Thune, leaving him to reap the glory or the criticism, depending on the decision.

Earlier this month, Thune amplified his influence with Bush on the issue when he said he was in a position to "weigh in in a significant way for the state."

WaPo, May 13, 2005:

The Pentagon's recommendation to close Ellsworth Air Force Base dealt a political setback to South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the Republican whose close ties to the White House helped him defeat Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.

Will voters remember this in six years? Probably. It's a shame to the people of South Dakota, though, that Thune's promise so far has come in unfulfilled.