Narrow loss will do, says Diedrich in S.D.

[dusty64]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Republican congressional hopeful Larry Diedrich is effectively conceding defeat in today’s South Dakota special House election before the polling booths even open.

The former state senator dramatically ratcheted down expectations during an interview with The Hill at his campaign headquarters, saying he would be happy to lose to Democrat Stephanie Herseth by only five percentage points.

He has trailed her by seven or more points in recent polls, and, if he loses, it would be the GOP’s second special-election defeat this year. In February, Alice Forgy Kerr (R) lost to Ben Chandler (D) in Kentucky’s 6th District; it was the first time since 1991 that a Democrat won a Republican-held seat in a special election.

The battle for the House seat will continue tomorrow because the winner of the
special election must face the voters for a second time, in November. Both Diedrich and Herseth will be running in the fall election, so today’s contest amounts to a precursor of their upcoming race for a full, two-year term.
http://www.thehill.com/news/060104/diedrich.aspx

[WI_DEM]

1. I wonder if this is a tactic to try and hold down turnout

by conceding defeat hoping that Herseth's supporters will not turn out if they think they have it won. I don't think it will work. The good news is if Democrats win here it will be the second seat picked up from the GOP this year.

[dusty64]

2. Makes sense, plus

they appear to be driving down expectations and spinning what they see as another impending loss. Let them keep burying their heads in the sand and denying the inevitable.

Posted on Tue, Jun. 01, 2004





Secretary of state says turnout could break record

Associated Press


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakotans headed to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots on local and statewide issues and candidates.

Secretary of State Chris Nelson said turnout is predicted to be 52 percent of registered voters. The record for a primary is 45 percent, so the state could set a new high mark.

"The big thing driving the turnout is the special congressional election," Nelson said Tuesday

http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/8809350.htm

[yellowcanine]

3. Sounds as if Diedrich has learned from the Bush Orwellian spinmeisters

where "War is Peace", "Enemies are friends", long term allies are "Old Europe", defeat is victory.

[dusty64]

4. Lets hope he loses in

a landslide tonight.

[leyton]

5. He is lowering expectations with an eye on November.

If he comes close today, he's got momentum for the November rematch. It's just like how the primary candidates played down expectations this past spring.