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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2002

The battle between incumbent Senator Tim Johnson (D) and Republican John Thune (R) is too close to call, media outlets are reporting.

The outcome of this high-profile race will confirm whether the Republicans have taken control of the Senate. Thune was maintaining a narrow lead, according to the latest results.

The campaign was marred by allegations of voter fraud among American Indians on and near reservations. Charges are being brought against a former state Democratic party worker.

The effect of the scandal on the Indian vote won't be seen until after the final results come in. But turnout was reported heavy on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Sioux reservations, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reported.

With about 8.3 percent of the population, Native Americans are considered a crucial voting bloc in the race.

Get the Story:
Senate race too close to call (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 11/6)
Turnout robust on reservations (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 11/6)
Thune leads Johnson, but race too close to call (The Rapid City Journal 11/6)

Related Stories:
S.D. woman 'traced' signatures on forms (11/1)
No illegal ballots found in S.D. (10/31)
S.D. election night proposal questioned (10/30)
S.D. woman fights voter fraud charges (10/29)
S.D. voter fraud tied to one person (10/25)
Charges fly in S.D. Indian voter dispute (10/24)
Opinion: Don't let illiterate Indians vote (10/23)
All eyes on South Dakota for votes (10/22)
Charges of Indian voter fraud denied (10/18)
Editorial: Investigate voter fraud (10/18)
S.D. voter fraud probe continues (10/17)
'More and more' cases of voter fraud (10/16)
Thune: S.D. vote challenge not my idea (10/16)
Problems cited with Indian voter drive (10/15)
Native voters said key in S.D. races (09/02)
Sioux tribal members file voting rights suit (08/06)