Republicans line up to finance top Democrat

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Deborah McGregor
Published: May 21 2004 5:00 | Last Updated: May 21 2004 5:00

In a campaign seasonwhen President George W. Bush has shattered records for campaign fundraising, John Thune has the dubious distinction of being the rarest of political creatures: a Republican Senate candidate strapped for cash.

Hand-picked by the Bush White House, Mr Thune, a lanky former congressman, is running for the Senate in South Dakota, challenging Democrat Tom Daschle in one of the fiercest contests in this year's elections.

The South Dakota race is much more than just another tight Senate race. If Mr Daschle wins, there is a chance he will regain his position as Senate majority leader. As top Democrat in the Senate, he has become a magnet for political donations from business.

Even though Mr Thune is regarded as a strong pro-business candidate, companies and trade associations have donated more than three times as much money to Mr Daschle.

more: http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1084907726144

[yellowcanine]

1. Only fly in this ointment is that Daschle should not be the majority

leader if the Democrats regain control of the Senate. First of all, it would be in spite of his leadership, not because of it. Second, it was Mr. Daschle's weak-kneed leadership that had a lot to do with the Dems losing control of the Senate in 2002. He should have stepped down then as leader and let someone who was willing to fight take charge.

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. "Weak-kneed" is a good description of Daschle.

He compromises too readily because he doesn't have the wherewithall to create his own opportunities. If you had a majority leader that knew how to keep all of his Democrats in line AND was able to woe over moderate Republicans, it would be a different world we lived in today.

[Freddie Stubbs]

3. Keeping Senators in line?

That is kind of like herding cats. Niether the Democrats nor the Republicans have been able to keep all of thier members from crossing party lines when voting on issues. Fortunatley for every John Breaux there is a Lincoln Chaffe.

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. The Republicans have been superb at keeping their moderates in line

Are you kidding? Heavy handed at times, perhaps, but if you can't lead with charisma, force it with extortion.

[Chopperman]

4. what to do?

I heard some democrats saying it's vital to vote Daschle out of office. But how can it be good for the dems if thune wins?
I'm not a fan of Daschle but at least their is a (D) after his name.
Am I wrong? Please enlighten me.

[Freddie Stubbs]

6. You won't hear any Democrats in Congress wanting to vote Daschle out

He has a tough job of leading a caucus of ideologically diverse people. He also represents a state which is rather conservative. SD will either elect a moderate Democrat or a Republican. It seems that some people on this board like Republicans more that moderate Democrats.

[newyawker99]

7. Hi Chopperman!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: