Democrats to Make $1 Million Investment in SD Senate Race
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Photo By Douglas Graham/Roll Call/Getty Images(PIERRE, S.D.) — Just when you thought the campaign battlefield was set for the final 27 days of the midterm election season, is there suddenly a new seat in play?
Yes, Democrats believe, and it’s in South Dakota.
A top Democratic official tells ABC News Wednesday the party will spend at least $1 million in TV ads and field operation in South Dakota.
There is a fascinating three-way race unfolding in South Dakota to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Tim Johnson.
It’s suddenly coming onto the radar because a third-party candidate is threatening to upend the race.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will start its advertising campaign as soon as Monday, an official tells ABC News, in hopes of boosting Rick Weiland, a former aide to Sen. Tom Daschle.
The Republican candidate, former governor Mike Rounds, is embroiled in a local controversy over state financing. The independent candidate is former Republican Sen. Larry Pressler. There is a fourth candidate in the race, too.
Democrats, of course, are struggling in several key races – Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana – so they are also trying to expand their opportunities on election night.
They believe South Dakota, like Kansas, could help the Democratic Party save the Senate.
Republicans privately concede they are increasingly worried about the South Dakota race, but do not believe Rounds is in immediate danger of losing.
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