The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

p> JEFFORDS LUBE br> Democratic Senator Tim Johnson is one of the few Democrats to turn to "Independent" Sen. Jim Jeffords to buoy his campaign against hard-charging Republican Rep. John Thune . The Johnson camp apparently was hesitant to bring Jeffords out to South Dakota, but fellow South Dakotan and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle pressed Johnson to have Jeffords attend several weekend events focusing on education policy. Jeffords' expenses are being covered by the Senate's Democratic campaign committee. /p>

While many Democratic candidates have avoided Jeffords for his bland personality and long ties to Republicans, Daschle, according to some leadership staffers, believes the Vermonter will illustrate to voters just how important it is that they vote Democrat.

"Without Jeffords crossing over, Republicans are in control. Jeffords is that one vote margin. Without him, without a Tim Johnson, we're potentially sunk," says a Democratic staffer. "For every Democratic voter or undecided who's leaning Democratic, he's a reminder that we need every vote, every victory we can get to keep Democrats in control of the Senate.

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topics:
Education, Law, NATO