Tom Daschle waves to supporters after delivering his concession speech on Wednesday, November 3. (Photo: Doug Dreyer/AP Wide World)

Tuesday, November 3—One of the nation's most powerful Democrats is out of a job today. South Dakota Senator Tom Daschle, the Senate Minority Leader, has been defeated in his re-election bid by Republican John Thune. It's the first time in 52 years that a Senate Minority Leader has been voted out of office.

The Senate Minority Leader is elected by his or her party to serve as the chief spokesperson in the U.S. Senate. Daschle has held the job for the past 10 years, and represented South Dakota in the Senate for 18 years. Many Democrats felt that he was a gentle but tough leader; his Republican critics accused him of too often trying to block President Bush's agenda.

"People believe in him," said Senator Jon Corzine, a Democrat from New Jersey. "He's a good leader. He's a guy that holds us to a strong moral compass."

But South Dakota, a very Republican state, decided that it was time for a change.

Senator Thune

John Thune is a former Congressman and a strong supporter of President Bush. He ran for Senate two years ago, but lost to Democrat Tim Johnson. In this campaign, Thune said that his opponent had lost touch with his state.

It was a tight race, but by the morning after Election Night, Thune had won 51 percent of the vote. Thune spoke to his supporters in the Ramkota Hotel at 3:20 a.m.

"It's time. Thank you all very, very much," said a smiling Thune to a cheering crowd. "Today, the voters of South Dakota spoke, and I am enormously grateful that they have given me the opportunity to serve as their next United States Senator."

Daschle called his opponent to congratulate him, and told his supporters about the call later in the morning. "I wish him well," said the outgoing Democratic Senator.