2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota
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County Results
Johnson: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% | |||||||||||||||||
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Elections in South Dakota |
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The 2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota was held on November 4, 2008. Primary elections were held on June 3, 2008.[1] Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Tim Johnson won re-election to a third term. As of 2018, this is the last U.S. Senate race in South Dakota won by a Democrat.
Republican primary
Candidates
- Joel Dykstra, South Dakota State Representative
- Charles Gonyo
- Sam Kephart
Results
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Joel Dykstra | 34,598 | 65.74% | |
Republican | Sam Kephart | 13,047 | 24.79% | |
Republican | Charles Gonyo | 4,983 | 9.47% | |
Total votes | 52,628 | 100.00% |
General election
Candidates
- Tim Johnson (D), incumbent U.S. Senator
- Joel Dykstra (R), South Dakota State Representative
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.[3]
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.[citation needed]
In August, Johnson visited 20 cities across the state.[4] 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'.[5] The Cook Political Report considered it 'Likely Democrat'.[6] The Rothenberg Political Report considered it a 'Safe Democrat'.[7]
Polling
Poll Source | Dates administered | Johnson | Dykstra |
---|---|---|---|
Rasmussen Reports | March 4, 2008 | 63% | 28% |
Rasmussen Reports | July 15, 2008 | 60% | 38% |
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,
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Tim Johnson (Incumbent) | 237,889 | 62.49% | +12.87% | |
Republican | Joel Dykstra | 142,784 | 37.51% | −11.96% | |
Majority | 95,105 | 24.98% | +24.83% | ||
Turnout | 380,673 | ||||
Democratic hold | Swing |
References
- ^ Horrigan, Marie (March 18, 2008). "Sen. Johnson Rated Safe as Recruiting Woes Hurt GOP". CQ Politics. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ http://www.sdsos.gov/electionsvoteregistration/pastelections_electioninfo08_primarysw.shtm
- ^ Johnson campaigns on cash, Dykstra wants change
- ^ Johnson, Dirk; Herszenhorn, David (October 23, 2008). "In South Dakota Race, Gauging the Impact of a Senator's Health". The New York Times.
- ^ Race Ratings Chart: Senate Archived October 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine CQ Politics
- ^ 2008 Senate Race Ratings Archived November 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine The Cook Political Report, October 9, 2008
- ^ 2008 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report, September 29, 2008
- ^ http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2008/2008Stat.htm#stateSD
External links
- Elections & Voter Registration from the South Dakota Secretary of State
- U.S. Congress candidates for South Dakota at Project Vote Smart
- South Dakota, U.S. Senate from CQ Politics
- South Dakota U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com
- South Dakota Senate race from 2008 Race Tracker
- Dykstra (R) vs Johnson (D-i) graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
- Official campaign websites
- Joel Dykstra, Republican nominee
- Tim Johnson, Democratic incumbent nominee