Saying his campaign would have hurt Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), newspaper publisher Tim Giago said he now plans to help the Senate minority leader get re-elected.

"I will be campaigning for him, go anywhere he wants me to go," Giago told The Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

Giago dropped out as an independent after meeting with Daschle last Saturday. Giago said Daschle promised to hold a series of meetings with tribal leaders and elders to discuss various issuing, including the status of the Black Hills, which was illegally taken from the Sioux Nation.

Observers said Giago would have drawn votes away from Daschle, who faces former Congressman John Thune (R) this November. Thune claims support for Daschle among Indian voters is fading.

Get the Story:
Giago throws support to Daschle (AP 4/21)
Giago scraps Senate race, backs Daschle (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 4/21)