Drought aid colors S.D. senate race

[JoFerret]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=683&ncid=703&e=8&u=/ap/20041003/ap_on_el_se/drought_politics

WASHINGTON - ... Sen. George Allen of Virginia, who heads the Senate's Republican campaign operation.

"I've been watching the Weather Channel this whole year," Allen said last week. "I love seeing those green spots for South Dakota."

Green spots mean rain, which could diminish South Dakota's thirst for federal drought assistance. But there were not enough of those spots this election year to keep the Senate from approving a bipartisan $3 billion package of drought aid. Much of that money is for farmers in Midwestern states that are so important in voting on Nov. 2 for president and the Senate.

No such aid has won approval in the House, whose leaders and conservatives say the plan is too expensive. The GOP-led Senate and House are exploring whether they can reach a compromise to pass this week before breaking for the elections.

While the two chambers dicker over costs, the subtext is unavoidable: How can Republicans prevent Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., from using the drought fight to buttress his tight re-election campaign.


...

"They get it both ways," frets Sen. John Sununu

<more>

[annabanana]

1. I like fretful Sununus

He should fret all day and night.