House Dems On a Roll?

[Freddie Stubbs]

In South Dakota yesterday, Democrat Stephanie Herseth defeated Republican Larry Deidrich in a special election to replace at large GOP Congressman Bill Janklow, who resigned in January following a manslaughter conviction. In typical South Dakota fashion, the election was a nail-biter, with Herseth overcoming a multi-million-dollar barrage of national Republican TV ads in the closing weeks.

The 33-year-old Herseth ran a strong race against Janklow (a former governor and long-time SD political figure) in 2002, and attracted a lot of national attention, especially among New Democrats, as a future political star. Despite the heavy involvement of both national parties in the special election campaign, Herseth stayed focused on South Dakota issues, and ran an impeccably positive race. "We proved you can run a positive, truthful campaign based on issues, not negative attacks," said Herseth in claiming victory late last night.

Her win gives South Dakota its first all-Democratic Congressional delegation since 1937. While Herseth will immediately be sworn in as a member of Congress, where she is expected to compile a solid centrist record, she can hardly relax, since Diedrich will challenge her again for a full term in November. As in 2002, South Dakotans will be virtually stalked by political operatives and television ads, thanks to the state's small population and cheap advertising rates, and the high-profile battle between Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle and GOP former Rep. John Thune.

From a national perspective, Herseth's victory means that House Democrats are two-for-two in special elections this year (the other winner being Kentucky Rep. Ben Chandler), with both wins representing take-aways from the GOP in very red districts. Chandler won by 14 percentage points in a district Bush carried by 14 points in 2000. In Herseth's at large district, Bush won by 22 points in 2000.

more: http://www.ndol.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=131&subid=192&contentid=252679

[UrbScotty]

The Dakotas have six Democrats and zero Republicans in Congress!

:D

[Claire Beth]

11. smart states! n/t

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. I do not see us taking back the House but we could pick up 4-5 seats!

We should win back the senate!

[no name no slogan]

3. We only need 11 more house seats to take it back....

Don't give up hope so soon!!! The Repubs took the house in 1994 with 54 victories. If we get 20% of that number, the house is OURS.

The Dems are positioned quite well this year, with Shrub's popularity heading south day by day. The momentum's also on our side, too. We could easily win 11 seats this November.

[leyton]

4. Ayayayayay! Only 11!

I had assumed it was more like twenty seats to pick up. This is good!

(Ayayayayayay is supposed to be like Ricky Ricardo, but I'm not sure how to spell it.)

[Arugula Latte]

6. Well,

the Repubs. currently have 22 more seats. However, each time we win one, they lose one, so we need to win 11 to take back control.

[Freddie Stubbs]

12. Even if the GOP's majorities in both houses are only diminished,

it will still be harder for them to to get their agenda's passed.

[rucky]

2. You're next, Tom DeLay!

http://www.richardmorrisonfordistrict22.com/

[Claire Beth]

5. I despise Tom Delay... grrrr! n/t

[dae]

7. I believe the Dems have a shot at both houses of Congress. Although

a better one at the Senate, there is still a chance for taking back the House of Representatives.
* coattails have disappeared with the rest of his clothing. GOP candidates are running from him like he started an illegal war or something.

[joanne]

8. I agree

Cannot imagine any Rethug wanting Dumbya anywhere near them or their state campaigning.

If there is ANYONE I want to see lose his House seat this year it has GOT to be Delay!

Go Morrison GO!!!

[dae]

9. You certainly know your cockroaches, and welcome to DU. :-)

:dem::kick::hi:

[trogdor]

10. ya baby!