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CNN Live At Daybreak
South Dakota Senate Race
Aired November 07, 2002 - 06:08 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: A recount may be needed to decide the winner of South Dakota's race for the U.S. Senate.
Our Ed Lavandera is in Sioux Falls with a look at how that tight race is playing out.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Only 528 votes separate the two candidates that have been fighting for the U.S. Senate seat from South Dakota.
Democrat Tim Johnson has that 528-vote lead over Republican John Thune, but at this point, that tally is still an unofficial count. But Tim Johnson is already declaring victory.
SEN. TIM JOHNSON (D), SOUTH DAKOTA: And I think we can be proud as South Dakotans that every vote was counted, every vote was counted correctly, and that our electoral system in South Dakota is one that we can stand with, with pride, in our state.
LAVANDERA: Now, this race isn't over just yet. Under South Dakota law, if the vote margin separating both candidates is less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the total votes cast, then the candidate on the short end will have the opportunity to ask for a recount.
Now, John Thune hasn't decided whether or not he will seek a recount. And what will happen here over the next couple of days is that the secretary of state's office will be canvassing all of the votes cast to come up with the official total. That total will be announced on Tuesday. It will be then that Thune will have to decide if he wants to ask for a recount.
JOHN THUNE (R), S.D. SENATE CANDIDATE: That's not an option (UNINTELLIGIBLE) an avenue I want to pursue unless we're absolutely necessary. But again, until the numbers are confirmed, the canvassing is completed, and that process is finished, you know, I just don't think at this point you can rule anything out. I think you have to allow this process to work and, you know, make sure everything was done accordingly, and according to, you know, to the law and obviously that the math adds up.
LAVANDERA: Now, Tim Johnson holds onto his slight lead. It will be one of the few bright spots for Democrats, who saw their power on Capitol Hill wither away on Election Day.
Ed Lavandera, CNN, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
Aired November 7, 2002 - 06:08 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: A recount may be needed to decide the winner of South Dakota's race for the U.S. Senate.
Our Ed Lavandera is in Sioux Falls with a look at how that tight race is playing out.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Only 528 votes separate the two candidates that have been fighting for the U.S. Senate seat from South Dakota.
Democrat Tim Johnson has that 528-vote lead over Republican John Thune, but at this point, that tally is still an unofficial count. But Tim Johnson is already declaring victory.
SEN. TIM JOHNSON (D), SOUTH DAKOTA: And I think we can be proud as South Dakotans that every vote was counted, every vote was counted correctly, and that our electoral system in South Dakota is one that we can stand with, with pride, in our state.
LAVANDERA: Now, this race isn't over just yet. Under South Dakota law, if the vote margin separating both candidates is less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the total votes cast, then the candidate on the short end will have the opportunity to ask for a recount.
Now, John Thune hasn't decided whether or not he will seek a recount. And what will happen here over the next couple of days is that the secretary of state's office will be canvassing all of the votes cast to come up with the official total. That total will be announced on Tuesday. It will be then that Thune will have to decide if he wants to ask for a recount.
JOHN THUNE (R), S.D. SENATE CANDIDATE: That's not an option (UNINTELLIGIBLE) an avenue I want to pursue unless we're absolutely necessary. But again, until the numbers are confirmed, the canvassing is completed, and that process is finished, you know, I just don't think at this point you can rule anything out. I think you have to allow this process to work and, you know, make sure everything was done accordingly, and according to, you know, to the law and obviously that the math adds up.
LAVANDERA: Now, Tim Johnson holds onto his slight lead. It will be one of the few bright spots for Democrats, who saw their power on Capitol Hill wither away on Election Day.
Ed Lavandera, CNN, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
