Noem commits to Palace debate

Talk about it

Republican State Rep. Kristi Noem committed Tuesday to participating in a debate later this summer at the Corn Palace in Mitchell.

Noem’s opponent in the U.S. House race, incumbent Democrat Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, has yet to decide whether she will participate.

The Daily Republic is organizing the event, with assistance from the city of Mitchell. It’s scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, during the Corn Palace Festival.

The two gubernatorial candidates, Republican Dennis Daugaard and Democrat Scott Heidepriem, have committed to participating in a debate at 11 a.m. that day. The House debate would follow.

Noem said during a stop at The Daily Republic’s office that she is willing to take part.

“I think we’re planning on coming if you’re going to have one,” she said.

Noem’s campaign manager, Josh Shields, later checked his candidate’s schedule and gave the final approval.

Last week, Herseth Sandlin said she looks forward to debating her opponent but would let her campaign staff handle the details of when and where. Her campaign spokeswoman, Betsy Hart, said Tuesday the debate is being strongly considered.

“Stephanie has participated in multiple debates in every campaign, and this year will be no different,” Hart said in a statement sent to The Daily Republic.

“While we don’t have the schedule set yet for late August, Stephanie is looking forward to talking to voters about her record as South Dakota’s independent voice in Congress working for farmers, ranchers, veterans and Indian Country and opposing things like the Wall Street and auto bailouts as well as the cap-and-trade and health-care bills, because they weren’t in the best interests of South Dakota,” Hart said in the statement.

Noem she is looking forward to appearing on the same platform as the congresswoman.

“Sounds great,” she said of the Corn Palace debate. “We’re more than willing to do that.”

Tags: daily updates, election 2010, kristi noem, stephanie herseth sandlin, dennis daugaard, scott heidepriem, news, local, politics, breakingnews