Rob's Politics Blog

The magazine section of the New York Times features a terrific feature about the South Dakota senate race, Hunting Mr. Democrat. The author, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, has clearly spent a lot of time with John Thune, and delved into the nuances of South Dakota politics. I'd recommend reading it in its entirety.

The picture she paints is not altogether encouraging to Thune. South Dakota Republicans remain divided between supporters of Thune and supporters of the now-jailed former governor Bill Janklow. The latter group is suspicious of Thune. Efforts by the national Republican leadership tend to miscarry in South Dakota, which is not receptive to the caustic attacks that have worked well elsewhere. Put another way, the Republicans won't be able to give Daschle the Max Cleland treatment. Also charted by the article is the extent of Thune's dependence on the national GOP -at the real risk that it will cost him the race. Thune's use of out-of-state GOP talent used to more aggressive campaigns ensures that this race will end up in the gutter at some point:

[Some] South Dakota Republicans say Thune will lose if the campaign gets too nasty. [One says] ''I'll tell you something. What I'm telling you is exactly what I'm telling John Thune: Be a gentleman. Take the high road. I basically told them, 'All he has to do is be John Thune, and forget about this national stuff, all this national party.'

But Thune cannot forget. In taking on Daschle, he has entered into an unwritten pact with his party's leaders -- a run against the most powerful Senate Democrat in America in exchange for access to their lucrative networks in places like Austin, Tex. So he needs them right now, as much as they need him -- even if having too many powerful friends could make Thune look like he isn't his own man.

This is the best single introduction to the SD race I've seen - definitely check it out.