2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota

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 2020, this along with the simultaneous house race is one of the last times that a Democrat won a statewide election in South Dakota.

2008 United States Senate election in South Dakota
November 4, 2008
 
Nominee Tim Johnson Joel Dykstra
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 237,835 142,766
Percentage 62.5% 37.5%
County results
Johnson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Dykstra:      50–60%      60–70%
U.S. senator before election

Tim Johnson
Democratic

 Elected U.S. Senator

Tim Johnson
Democratic

Elections in South Dakota

Republican primary

Candidates

Results
Republican primary results[2]
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

Campaign

Already a well-regarded figure, following health problems, Johnson became more popular. "South Dakota is a very kind state," Steve Jarding, 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.

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

CQ Politics rated the race as 'Safe Democrat'.[5] The Cook Political Report considered it 'Likely Democrat'.[6] The Rothenberg Political Report considered it 'Safe Democrat'.[7]

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,

General election results[8]
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

References
  1. 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.
  2. http://www.sdsos.gov/electionsvoteregistration/pastelections_electioninfo08_primarysw.shtm
  3. Johnson campaigns on cash, Dykstra wants change
  4. Johnson, Dirk; Herszenhorn, David (October 23, 2008). "In South Dakota Race, Gauging the Impact of a Senator's Health". The New York Times.
  5. Race Ratings Chart: Senate Archived October 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine CQ Politics
  6. 2008 Senate Race Ratings The Cook Political Report, October 9, 2008
  7. 2008 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report, September 29, 2008
  8. http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2008/2008Stat.htm#stateSD
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