In the article, "Senate Race Delivers A Surprise Jolt To Conservative South Dakota," it states that South Dakota is home to an unexpectedly close Senate race this year. (Link to article) The article mentions how South Dakota was initially expected to elect the Republican candidate to the senate, but now it has become harder and harder to predict who will win in the upcoming election. Polls show that while Republican Mike Rounds is still in the lead at the moment, his opponent, Democrat Rick Weiland, is only three or four points away from him. The other opponent, Larry Pressler, is running close behind as well.
This election is obviously turning out to be an unexpected battle between the candidates. If the Democrat candidate does end up winning the senate seat, it will be a major game-changer for South Dakota since this state's majority usually votes Republican. I think one of the main reasons why Rounds is losing support from voters is the scandal that now surrounds his name. Without all the controversy surrounding him, Rounds would probably have an easier time winning the race.I think that this election, however, will be a tight race all the way up until election day, and any of these candidates could come out on top.
I find this Senate race very interesting, because South Dakota is making national headlines because of it-- and national recognition for South Dakota is about as rare as you can get! I've been following this race closely, and it becomes more interesting the closer it gets to election day. I will be waiting to find out who wins because ours is one of the handful of states that could tip the balance in the Senate. I also cannot wait to vote in this race and others soon!
ReplyDeleteI think its good that there is now competition in South Dakota, because now candidates actually have to work to get elected. I do think Rounds will still win though, but with the pressure from Weiland and Pressler, he will be more motivated to actually work to stay in office.
ReplyDeleteI am honestly shocked that there is any competition in this race at all. In my experience, South Dakota has proven to be a strongly Republican state. The fact that this race is so close shows how much the visa scandal damaged Rounds' reputation. However, it could also indicate shifting views in the state.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone above -- I'm shocked! I can't believe that South Dakota is finally making national headlines, and it's crazy that we will actually have a close, controversial Senate race. It's very typical for South Dakotans to vote strictly Republican almost regardless of specifics, so I am interested to see how this turns out.
ReplyDelete