It was the first seriously contested Senate Republican leadership election in decades.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota is competing intensely to become the next Republican leader in the Senate.

James Abourezk, who was the first Arab American U.S. senator, has died.

South Dakota political candidates are revving into full campaign mode this week, with one big exception — Republican Sen. John Thune.

President-elect Joe Biden is eyeing several Democrats who lost congressional reelection races last month for key positions in his administration. President-elect Joe Biden is eyeing several Democrats who lost congressional reelection races last month for key positions in his administration. Their consideration continues a long Washington tradition of defeated politicians seeking shelter in a new White House. A decade later, he headlined a rally for her winning congressional campaign. “More than helping the president, these people can help the White House staff dealing with members of Congress,” said Card.

Today is Friday, Oct. 9, the 283rd day of 2020. Today’s Highlight in History:On Oct. 9, 1936, the first generator at Boulder (later Hoover) Dam began transmitting electricity to Los Angeles. In 2009, President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for what the Norwegian Nobel Committee called “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”Today’s Birthdays:Retired MLB All-Star Joe Pepitone is 80. Nobel Peace laureate Jody Williams is 70. Actor Steve Burns is 47.