Kevin Woster
Does it matter that Kristi Noem declined
a debate with Matt Varilek offered by the South Dakota Farmers Union at
the State Fair.
Probably not. Much.
Sure, it's the State Fair. And, yes, it is
about agriculture issues, including the Farm Bill. That's important stuff every
year, with impact highlighted by the current drought.
But it's also the Farmers Union, which is the
Democratic yin to the Republican-driven Farm Bureau yang.
So Noem rightly figures she wouldn't be
plowing particularly friendly farm fields at this particular debate.
I understand why she and campaign manager Tom
Erickson decided to skip this one, particularly since they have three set and
more likely.
But I also think it was a mistake. Showing
the ability to stroll into unfriendly turf and answer difficult - and in some
cases, perhaps, intentionally loaded - questions speaks well for any candidate.
I'm pretty sure Noem could have handled it.
It's unfortunate she decided not to try.
It rightly gives the Varilek team something
to complain about. But it's unlikely to be a big deal in the overall campaign
picture.
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