Dykstra says he's not sacrificial lamb in Senate race Eds: APNewsNow.

By CHET BROKAW Associated Press Writer OACOMA, S.D. (AP) Republican Senate candidate Joel Dykstra says he's not just a sacrificial lamb in South Dakota's U.S. Senate race this year.

He says he believes his prospects are good for defeating Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson.

Dykstra says his campaign will focus on creating an American future that emphasizes personal freedom and energy independence rather than relying on a government bureaucracy that tells people what to do.

Dykstra says South Dakota's voice is not being heard in Washington because Johnson's vote is the opposite of Republican Sen. John Thune more than half the time.

Party Chairman Karl Adam gave Dykstra a $5,000 check from the state GOP Friday morning to help with his campaign.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-20-08 0921CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list