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The poll of 400 likely voters was conducted Friday through Sunday by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. of Washington, D.C. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 points.
The survey also paired possible opponents in the 2004 election. Results include:
• Daschle leads former Rep. John Thune 50 percent to 44 percent. That compares with a 48-46 margin three months ago, but both results are within the margin of error. Thune, who was defeated by Sen. Tim Johnson last year, is thought to be the leading Republican candidate in the Senate race but has not said he will run.
• In the House race, Democrat Stephanie Herseth leads incumbent Rep. Bill Janklow, a Republican, by a 57 to 29 percent margin. Herseth was defeated by Janklow in last year's election but has said she will seek the seat again. Janklow's approval ratings have plummeted since a fatal traffic accident which led him to be charged with felony manslaughter.
• There has been speculation that Thune would try to return to the House rather than run against Daschle. In a hypothetical match-up, Thune leads Herseth 47 to 40 percent.
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http://www.argusleader.com/news/Fridayarticle1.shtmlThese are positive signs for 2004.