PIERRE (AP) -- Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota said Thursday she hasn't decided yet whether to seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate next year.
"I believe there's still time to consider political futures, but right now I'm focused on policy," Noem said in a telephone call with South Dakota news organizations.
Noem, in her second term as South Dakota's lone member of the House, said South Dakota's June 2014 primary is still more than a year away.
"I believe I've got time yet here to consider that and make a decision," Noem said.
Former Gov. Mike Rounds is the only announced Republican candidate for the seat now held by Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson, who announced last month he will not seek re-election next year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some conservative Republicans have said they are reluctant to support Rounds' Senate candidacy because they believe he is not conservative enough on budget and tax issues.
Rounds has said he was pragmatic but had a good record on taxes and spending during his two terms as governor. He has said he expects to have a primary opponent.
