The Minnehaha County Republican Party held its annual Lincoln Day dinner at the Ramkota Hotel. During this portion of the event, former Rep. Thune and Senator Frist, the Senate majority leader, made speeches in support of Republican candidates. Former Rep. Thune was running against the Senate minority leader, incumbent Senator Tom Daschle. The speakers talked about a number of issues, including education, tort reform, energy legislation, and health care. They also stressed the importance of retaining or even expanding the slim Republican majority in the Senate, and accused Democrats of obstructing progress on important legislation.