237,835 142,766 Start date November 4, 2008 | 62.5% 37.5% | |
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Winner Tim Johnson | ||
The 2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota was held on November 4, 2008. Primary elections were held on June 3, 2008. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Tim Johnson won re-election to a third term.
Contents
Candidates
Candidates
Campaign
Already a well-regarded figure, following health problems, Johnson became more popular. “South Dakota is a very kind state,” Steve Jarding, a Harvard political scientist, said. “People were rooting for Tim — Democrats, Republicans, independents — they wanted him to be O.K.” He was also seen a pragmatic moderate. He received endorsements from the Republican Mayor of Sioux Falls, Dave Munson, and the NRA. Dykstra argued that Johnson voted 80% of the time with U.S. Senator Barack Obama and 90% with U.S. Senator Harry Reid. In response, Johnson pointed out his votes on the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court justices John Roberts/Samuel Alito, against flag burning, in favor for the Iraq war, Patriot Act, a ban on partial birth abortion, etc.
One of the other reasons why Johnson is popular is earmarks. Recent examples include $248,000 for the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City, $11 million for Ellsworth Air Base, $400,000 for Rosebud Sioux Reservation, and $37 million for Mni Wiconi Rural Water System. Dykstra opposed earmarks, leading U.S. Senator Tom Coburn to campaign with him.
In August, Johnson visited 20 cities across the state. With nine reservations in the state, American Indians account for 10% of electorate. In 2002, Johnson carried 94% of the Oglala Sioux, the state’s biggest tribe.
Predictions
CQ Politics rated the race as 'Safe Democrat'. The Cook Political Report considered it 'Likely Democrat'. The Rothenberg Political Report considered it a 'Safe Democrat'.
Results
Johnson easily won election to a third term only losing four counties. His friend and fellow Democrat, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin easily won re election to South Dakota's at-large congressional district,