Democrats Hope S.D. Win Is Fall Harbinger

[AmyStrange]

Democrats Hope S.D. Win Is Fall Harbinger
Wed Jun 2, 6:46 PM ET
By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent

FROM: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=548&ncid=548&e=8&u=/ap/20040602/ap_on_el_ge/congress_politics
WASHINGTON - Democrats celebrated Stephanie Herseth's capture of a Republican-held House seat in South Dakota on Wednesday, their second takeaway of the year, and claimed it portends greater gains in the battle for control of Congress.

Republicans argued that local factors settled the race, but some conceded privately that a sour national mood and President Bush (news - web sites)'s slumping support contributed to the defeat of GOP contender Larry Diedrich.

"It's time to put partisan politics aside," said Herseth, who squeaked to a 2,981-vote triumph in an election that drew heavy investment from the two parties seeking momentum for the fall. Turnout was large, with more than 261,000 ballots cast.

Herseth, the 33-year-old daughter and granddaughter of prominent politicians, is expected to take her seat on Thursday to fill out the unexpired term of former GOP Rep. Bill Janklow. That would shave the Republican advantage in the House, and mean Democrats must win 11 more seats this fall if they are to gain control.