2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota
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County results Johnson: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% Dykstra: 50–60% 60–70% | |||||||||||||||||
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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 2021, this election, along with the simultaneous House race, is the last time a Democrat won a statewide election in South Dakota.
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," , 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[]
Source | Ranking | As of |
---|---|---|
The Cook Political Report[5] | Likely D | October 23, 2008 |
CQ Politics[6] | Safe D | October 31, 2008 |
Rothenberg Political Report[7] | Safe D | November 2, 2008 |
Real Clear Politics[8] | Safe D | November 4, 2008 |
Polling[]
Poll Source | Dates administered | Tim Johnson (D) |
Joel Dykstra (R) |
---|---|---|---|
Rasmussen Reports | March 4, 2008 | 63% | 28% |
Rasmussen Reports | July 15, 2008 | 60% | 38% |
Results[]
Johnson easily won re-election to a third term, losing in only 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% | |
Total votes | 380,673 | 100.00% | N/A | ||
Democratic hold |
See also[]
- 2008 United States Senate elections
References[]
- ^ Horrigan, Marie (March 18, 2008). "Sen. Johnson Rated Safe as Recruiting Woes Hurt GOP". CQ Politics. Archived from the original on November 8, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ Race Ratings Chart: Senate Archived October 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine CQ Politics
- ^ "2008 Senate ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
- ^ "2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
- ^ "Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives".
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
- United States Senate elections in South Dakota
- 2008 United States Senate elections
- 2008 South Dakota elections