Changes

==Political career==

==Political career==

Thune went to Washington in 1985 when working for Senator [[Jim Abdnor]]. In 1989, at age 28, he became executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party. In 1991 Thune was appointed railroad director by Governor George Mickelson and in 1993 became Executive Director of the South Dakota Municipal League.

Thune went to Washington in 1985 when working for Senator Jim Abdnor. In 1989, at age 28, he became executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party. In 1991 Thune was appointed railroad director by Governor George Mickelson and in 1993 became Executive Director of the South Dakota Municipal League.

===U.S. House of Representatives===

===U.S. House of Representatives===

In 1996, Thune was elected to the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], defeating [[Lieutenant Governor]] [[Carole Hillard]] in the Republican primary, and won the general election 58%-37% over former Daschle aide Rick Weiland. Thune was chosen freshman class representative for the Republican leadership. He was reelected in 1998 by the largest margin of victory for any statewide office in South Dakota history.

In 1996, Thune was elected to the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], defeating [[Lieutenant Governor]] Carole Hillard in the Republican primary, and won the general election 58%-37% over former Daschle aide Rick Weiland. Thune was chosen freshman class representative for the Republican leadership. He was reelected in 1998 by the largest margin of victory for any statewide office in South Dakota history.

===U.S. Senate===

===U.S. Senate===