The big change for me came after Sept. 11. President Bush had just finished speaking to a joint session of Congress. After the speech he rushed to where Tom Daschle was standing and he gave Senator Daschle a huge hug. I was startled, but I was also very proud. In that instant I realized that these two political adversaries were both deeply committed Americans. I realized that while their political disagreements would continue through it all there was more to unite them than to divide them.

I began to take a new, more open-minded look at Tom Daschle. I saw a person of passionate courage. I saw an enthusiastic and powerful advocate for South Dakota. I saw a man whose loyal opposition and occasional principled disagreements with the President actually help to forge consensus. Sometimes these disagreement help the President do a better job.

You and I won't agree with the President on every issue and we won't always agree with Tom Daschle, either. But it would be hard to get the President on the phone. You know you can personally visit with Tom Daschle, the second most powerful man in America just like any South Dakotan can.. And you know he will listen to you, because you are a South Dakotan, and he tries to help every South Dakotan. So if you are a Republican, I ask you to approach this election with an open mind. It's all right to vote fro Tom Daschle. He's one of the good guys, too.

Sincerely

Don Frankenfeld, Rapid City.