Case in point

To me this exemplifies what is wrong with the US.

Ellsworth Air Force Base is the second largest employer in SD... after the state government.

(I guess I really don't need to continue.)

Mr. Thune campaigned on the issue that he as a Republican close to the Republican president would be able to keep the base from being closed.

Mr. Daschle campaigned on the same issue, that he as minority leader would be able to keep the base from closure.

Many people agree that it is not needed. It was on the BRAC list.

Mr. Thune pulled every stunt he could to save it and eventually succeeded.

There it is. A "principled" Republican pulled out all the stops to retain a boondoggle.

I was very happy to see Mr. Daschle go, but I don't think much has really changed.