sd_sen_daschle
SEN. THOMAS DASCHLE
Age: 50 Born: December 9, 1947; Aberdeen, South Dakota Education: South Dakota State University, B.A., 1969 Military: U.S. Air Force (1969-72) Family: married - Linda; 3 children from a previous marriage Hometown: Aberdeen, South Dakota Religion: Catholic Career: Senate Minority Leader (1995-present); U.S. Senator (1986-present); U.S. House of Representatives (1979-87); Staff, SD Sen. James Abourezk (1973-77); Investment Counselor; U.S. Air Force (1969-72) |
· Democratic incumbent Sen. Thomas Daschle was elected Senate Minority Leader in 1995. He ran for the position after Maine Senator George Mitchell retired from the Senate. Daschle defeated his last-minute opponent, Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd, by one vote when he turned his seat on the Finance Committee over to Illinois Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun.
· South DakotaÂ's senior Senator began his legislative career as an aide to the former SD Democratic Senator, James Abourezk. In 1978, Daschle ran for the House of Representatives when Abourezk announced his retirement from the Senate. He defeated his Republican opponent, POW Leo Thorsness by just 139 votes.
· Daschle became SDÂ's Representative At Large after redistricting in 1982. In that election, he defeated the other state Representative, Republican Cliff Roberts, 52%-48%.
· Already representing the entire state, it seemed natural for Daschle to enter the Senate race in 1986. His opponent, Republican Incumbent Jim Abdnor, had a primary challenger and was forced to spend a considerable amount of money defending his record. Daschle pulled out a victory again by a 52%-48% margin.
· Daschle has been an fervent advocate for his constituentÂ's Agricultural concerns. In 1996, he suffered a potentially career-threatening setbak in the Senate. The approval of the Freedom to Farm Act cut farm subsidies for most crops over seven years.
· Joining with fellow Democrats, as well as House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, Daschle introduced several Welfare Reform initiatives. The "Work First" and "Families First" proposals never passed in either chamber, but helped party unity.
· Since the 1996 election, Daschle has focused on some of his own legislative priorities: a childÂ's healthcare tax credit and a Constitutional Amendment limiting campaign spending.