Daschle Pledges to Keep Fighting For South Dakota
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Senate Minority Leader Daschle, denied a fourth term by South Dakota voters, pledged yesterday to continue working to solve the state’s problems.
In a brief speech to several hundred supporters, many of whom sobbed as they cheered and waved campaign signs, the Democratic senator gave no details about what he would do once his Senate term ends and he is replaced by former Rep. John Thune.
“So beginning in January, I may not serve in the Senate, but that work is not done and I will continue to work for the state of South Dakota and the people of our state as long as I have an opportunity to do that,” Mr. Daschle said, with his wife, Linda, and his children at his side.
Mr. Daschle’s deputy campaign manager, Dan Pfeiffer, said the senator had no plans to challenge the election results. With all precincts reporting, Mr. Thune led Mr. Daschle by fewer than 5,000 votes.
Mr. Daschle said he talked with Mr. Thune early yesterday and wished him well.
Congressional leaders rarely face serious challenges for re-election, but Republicans made Mr. Daschle their top target after grumbling that he has been the main obstacle to President Bush’s congressional initiatives over the past four years.
