As reporters focus on upcoming speeches from Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush, many delegates in New York City are buzzing about a Senate race that could mean the end of Tom Daschle's political career. Daschle is facing John Thune, a well-spoken former member of the House, and polls show the race is very close. A new poll released yesterday by the National Republican Senatorial Committee shows Thune leading Daschle.
Which might explain why Daschle, running in conservative South Dakota, is running a television ad that shows him hugging President Bush while a newspaper headline blares, "Daschle: Time to Unite Behind Troops, Bush."
Republicans are furious. Thune called the ad "completely hypocritical," and other GOPers are calling for the ad to be taken off the air. Republican National Committee counsel Charles Spies sent a complaining missive to the Daschle campaign: "As you are no doubt aware, President Bush has not indicated any support for your campaign and, in fact, has endorsed your opponent, John Thune. The implication from your advertisement that President Bush supports you is false and misleading." Dashcle's campaign has thus far refused.
|