The Next Sarah Palin? Meet South Dakota’s Kristi Noem
- Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:51am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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She is a gun-toting, elk-hunting, dark-haired conservative. Some might say she even has a hint of a you-betcha twang to her voice. Sound familiar?
“She” is U.S. House candidate Kristi Noem (pronounced “gnome”) from South Dakota, “a rancher, a mother of three, and a staunch conservative who is running on a platform of slashing federal spending and repealing the new federal health care law,” as ABC puts it in a recent profile. But while many will draw comparisons to her and Sarah Palin, she’s out to prove she is her own person, and hopes a win in November will solidify her own legacy.
“We‘re going forward making sure we’re focused on the people here at home,” Noem tells ABC. “I want them to know who I am and what I believe we should be doing and should be accomplishing rather than focusing on somebody else from out of state.”
That message seems to be reaching her intended audience. Noem has raised more than $1.1 million in the 3rd quarter, nearly twice the amount of her incumbent opponent, Democratic Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin. Noem has $777,000 cash on hand, compared to Herseth-Sandlin’s $500,000. No other Republican House challenger, as of right now, has raised more this quarter ABC says.
Noem is no stranger to politics. She was elected to the South Dakota state House of Representatives in the fall of 2006 and currently serves as the Assistant Majority Leader. She’s also no stranger to the down-home life of her constituents. Her family lives on a ranch where they raise Angus cattle and show Quarter Horses. She’s worked the family farm for 17 years, owned and operated a hunting operation, and helped manage the family restaurant, her website says. She even boasts being treasurer of the state soybean association.
While all South Dakotans can’t be characterized as ranchers and farmers, Noem‘s ability to connect with state’s generally working-class residents can’t be overstated. Her approach seems to be as a wife and mother who just happens to be a politician. Her campaign ads reflect that:
Regarding her opponent, Noem characterizes Herseth-Sandlin’s as a Democratic establishment candidate. “She is voting with Nancy Pelosi 9 out of 10 times,” Noem tells ABC. Vote for Herseth-Sandlin, she says, and you vote for Pelosi.
The latest polling numbers have Noem up by three points, close enough for Real Clear Politics to call it a toss up. But three points ahead is a drastically different from when she was down 15 points in April.
Noem’s increase in popularity has had its hiccups. She has been criticized lately not as much for her policies as for her driving record. When KELO-TV reported that she has had 20 speeding tickets and other traffic violations in the past two decades, and two warrants were issued for her arrest for failures to appear in court, she went from being nine points up to being two points down.
Noem tells ABC she is “not proud” of her driving record. Herseth-Sandlin has seized the issue, using it to question Noem’s judgment.
“I think that it indicates that she doesn’t deem it necessary to abide by the limits that everyone else tries to abide by,” Herseth-Sandlin tells ABC. “If you can’t responsibly take care of your own business, I think it calls into question the level of responsibility you take in other matters.”
That will ultimately be up to the district’s voters to decide. For now, the lead-footed, law-breaking Noem is losing to the down-home, budget-slashing, mom-rancher Noem. And if the numbers hold, it will be the latter Noem that beats Herseth-Sandlin come November.
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Comments (99)
wingedwolf
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:16amBlaze people, check out the new videos on http://www.blackquillandink.com !!!
Report Post »neverending
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:58amI did and it is fantastic.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:14pmThank you Wolf
Report Post »DRAIN_THE_CESSPOOL
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 3:04pmNice site. I didn’t realize Obama said that he campaigned 57 states.
Report Post »squonk1pb
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:33pmExcellent!
Report Post »COMMONCENTS
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:10amTraffic tickets! LOL I’m horrified… not!
Report Post »TheMarine
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:05amLove.her.much.
Report Post »TexasHillsPatriot
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:05amI didn‘t hear the MSM complaining about Ted Kennedy’s driving record. He seemed to have no problem getting elected after he allowed a young woman to drown because of his driving while under the influence.
Report Post »ick
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:04amWow, she is AWESOME. Does she have a single sister?
Report Post »powhatan
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:58amI just love all of these conservative women stepping up! We have the cojones!
Report Post »wleeblake
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:46amShes right when you vote to let a super lib like nasty pelosi set the agenda this is what you get,why didnt they vote for a blue dog dim for speaker?
Report Post »lainpa
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:45amHey! Hello? Anyone listening? We have a strong conservative woman running in PA U.S. Congressional District 14 against Mike Doyle! Her name is Melissa Haluszczak! Please check out her website and donate to her campaign. http://www.melissaforcongress.com
Report Post »NoMarxist
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:38amMaybe when she gets to Washington, she can invite Biden and Obama to go hunting with herself & Dick Cheney..
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 5:14pmThere is NOTHING more dangerous than a liberal with a gun……
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 5:15pm…..OK two liberals with guns
Report Post »lostandfound65
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:36amYou gotta love conservative women! She is the real deal. We need more of them. Is it me, or do the women seem more willing to stand up for conservative principles than the men?
Report Post »Benbit
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 6:30pmAnd that’s what we need ,More of the Real Deal
Report Post »squonk1pb
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:24pmYou are correct, L&F. Never cross a Mom or threaten the children.
Report Post »Samantha3
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:33amI love these strong GOP women coming out and showing what they can do! Being a businesswoman, wife and mother is no cake walk folks. She couldn‘t have better credentials and I don’t care if she tends to speed when driving. That’s what driven people do! It‘s so telling that Dems just keep launching personal attacks since they know they can’t stand on their own record of wreckless spending and wasting our money! I also note that the GOP females sure are a lot more attractive than the libs! Could it be their individualism and self-confidence also produce taking care of themselves and being a good role model?
Report Post »angrymob
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:37amMakes me proud to be a conservative.
Report Post »NoMarxist
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:30amSpeeding tickets?? It just shows that she finds it important to arrive on time..
Report Post »Billy Greenacre
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:26amCan you possibly get any more chicken-dilly? Out there nobody pays any attention to the speed limit. South Dakota is little different from Montana. You are always a hundred miles from anything, but a beer joint.
Report Post »Squ33
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:22amHow could she be clocked for going 90 mph on horse? (Just kidding). Anyways good luck to her, and I think that taking responsibility (i.e.- paying fines and penalties) is a good example to set, and shows that she is human just like everyone else.
Report Post »john seven eighteen
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:18amI know it goes on in all politcal parties, but I am constanly amazed that people try to use something as stupid as your driving record to imply that you are unfit to hold public office. I guess if that’s the best her opponent can come up with it should be a breeze for her to win the seat. Go Noem!!!!
Report Post »Outland9
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:15amGood luck to you Kristi –
Voting for bills that are wrong (Heathcare) should have consequences – Herset-Sandlin wants to sit on the fence and play both sides (typical politician), not sure if that is going to play in the heartland where people use common sense rather than High Brow intellectual DC thinking…
Report Post »Blazer4
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:15amAnother woman running for the GOP. Where are the men ?
Report Post »NoMarxist
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:31amAs oposed to the Democrats, where even the women look like men??
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:09amThe white males? back of the bus….
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:02pmIt’s ok Equal, I’ll sit back there with you.
Report Post »angrymob
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:29amWell, there is Chris Christie…he’s a straight talking no bull kind of guy…like him alot! :))))
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:11amWe should look at changing the requirements where only terminally ill people with young children/grand children they love can run for office, and when they die every cent made since they went into office goes in the general fund, their assets acquired before then goes to their airs. That way their only motive will be helping their kids/grand kids, not getting rich and famous themselves.
Report Post »poozak
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:11amMan, Ms. Noem makes me wish that I lived in South Dakota! We need more leadership willing to make cuts. About the driving? A professional wheel-person can drive/fly her to her wok, I am certain. Good luck in November, Ms. Noem!
Report Post »NoName22
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:09amHer monopoly ad is confusing…………Can’t the banker just print more money and solve the problem? That’s what the people in power do now. =)
Report Post »common everyday citizen
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:07amShe has the correct message and I predict she will win, however, I hope that when she gets to Washington that she does as she says.
Actions speak louder than words. All the best Noem!
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:25amI’m a liberal and I am interested in this lady – she seems interesting. But talk is cheap. http://wp.me/pYLB7-ec
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 2:33pmNot when Obummer talks. He seems to cost actual taxpayers Billions and Billions every time he opens his piehole
Report Post »Sailor
joetrain
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:04amHot rod babe, likes to hunt, lead foot….I like her.
Report Post »norcalart
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:02amThis gal looks good, hope she wins !
Report Post »kamin
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:01amGreat ad. Hope we see more of her in politics.
Report Post »angrymob
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:52amI’m so glad to see more women taking a strong lead within conservatives ranks!
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:16amTo angrymob,
I agree 110%. As long as women of this caliber continue to come forward I feel much better about our chances of survival as a nation. This surge of women in politics is a welcome sight because the men from both parties sure have screwed things up for the last 30-40 years.
PatriotShops.com
Report Post »neverending
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:26amTotally agree.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:00pmNot just women but mothers looking out for thier kids. Nothing is stronger than that.
Report Post »Mike777
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:00amShe looks like a good conservative which this country needs desperately in Washington. I hope South Dakota will send her to Washington.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:29amAgree, Hope Mrs Noem makes it to the party in Washingtom. Hopefully she and other real conserviatives will bring the weed-wackers and start making the cuts where needed. One good part of interest is this, unlike most other legislatures she understands both making the laws and appering in court (traffic court still counts in my book).
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mixed art)
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:30amThe ad is clear and positive while her opponent is busy yapping about some tickets. Yes, people running for office should keep thier noses clean but this is pretty mild compared to what some of these guys do. Besides, I‘ve been to South Dakota and it’s hard not to speed there.
Report Post »gobluebuckeye
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 10:36amwell I never get behind someone until I know what they are all about, but she sounds fantastic. Is it just me or are Conservative women just better looking and sounding then their liberal counter parts?!!
solaveritas
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 11:09amTraffic tickets?? Is that the best they can do? She is unqualified because she is in a hurry? I WANT her to be in a hurry! Our country doesn’t have much time left!!
Besides, we need someone in Washington that is brave. Someone who will keep their foot on the gas when, after taking the keys from Obama, she drives us back to a Constitutional Republic!!!
Report Post »John 1776
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:24pmShe is a good person, I hope Washington doesn’t turn her. The place is so evil, maybe it‘s time to move the nation’s capital! Or.. We live in a high tech age, maybe congress should telecommute from their home offices where they are still immersed and surrounded by the people that elected them.
Report Post »KenInIL
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:33pmSouth Dakotans will realize there is a lot of nowhere between the some-wheres in SD and that is why they have 75 mph speed limits and faster vehicles. (I doubt GM will even try to market the Volt here) Speeding tickets just mean you get bored easily. Noem sounds like a great candidate.
Report Post »2
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 12:50pmWe have some very pretty Ladies on the right. Where have these Cuties been hiding?
YUMMY!
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:05pmShe looks like she is solid as a rock. Hope she wins.
Report Post »VegasGuy
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 1:08pmWhen you are driving faster than others with which you share the road, you are a hazard to everyone. I view 20 speeding tickets in 20 years as a character flaw (lack of respect for other people’s safety).
I had a friend that lived out in the the farmland of North Dakota. She always drove way too fast. Everyone told her she was going to cause an accident. She eventually did and almost killed everyone involved.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 4:24pmVegas is right!! maybe they could find a pedophile teacher or an adulterous machoman.Get a grip Vegas, speeding is not the worst thing we’ve heard about potential leaders
Report Post »VegasGuy
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 6:19pmI think you should change your nick to OVERREACTIONARY-KATE. Pedophiles? Sheesh.
I stand by my statement that she values her travel time more than the safety of others who share the road. Does that mean she is unqualified. Absolutely not. But it is worth considering. Everyone needs to make their own judgment as to its weight.
Report Post »ClockKing
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:38pmHey Vega, how about candidates who want to de-develop the US? Then there will be no more speeding! Respect for law? Yeah, right. Like any Demo follows any law.
Report Post »kris843
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:41pmIf you think speeding and stop sign violations in South Dakota are nothing to worry about–google Bill Janklow. He’s another who thought he was above the law.
Report Post »Contrarian51
Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:48pmVegas has a point and it was NOT that Noem isn’t the better candidate.
Are we now lowering ourselves to the same level as the rabid lefties? Everything is forgivable or unimportant if it’s “our” candidate that did it? Would you put up with these tickets from your wife or daughter? How about from your kids’ teacher? What about a member of the school board? How about if it was the Democrat? Be honest now. It would be a pretty big deal, wouldn’t it?
Not sure how it works in South Dakota but in my state this gal wouldn’t still be driving, at least not legally.
WestOfThePecos
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:35amMaybe the problem of speeding in the country is the speed limit itself. Here in NM, we have a lot of open roads with no vehicles on them. It takes 3 hours to get to any large city. South Dakota is similar.
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