Daschle's campaign has blocked a group of local conservatives, called the "Rushmore Policy Council," from using $1 million to attack him by raising public complaints. Erickson has said any efforts aimed at Daschle have never been discussed with Thune, with people associated with his campaigns or with the White House. But Daschle's campaign manager Steve Hildebrand contended the group's intent is clear. ŒŒJohn Thune's friends, Rob Regier and Paul Erickson, worked very hard in 2002 to help elect Thune to the Senate,” Hildebrand said. ŒŒIt is clear now that they can't distance themselves from John Thune as they once again work to hurt Tom Daschle so that John Thune will get into the Senate race.” https://www.yankton.net/news/article_4f2de39f-ee87-50ad-b4cf-12c3735dc304.html