Labor Day Poll Has Noem Leading Varilek

by KDLT News
September 21, 2012 1:23 PM


Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) leads her Democratic challenger Matt Varilek by more than eight percentage points in a statewide poll conducted about three weeks ago.

The Nielson Brothers Polling survey, taken between Aug. 29 and Sept. 6, has Noem leading 50.8 percent to Varilek's 42 percent. In July, NBP had Noem leading by almost two percentage points.

Other Republican candidates are extending their leads, also, according to NBP. Republican Public Utilities Commissioner candidate Kristie Fiegen leads Democrat Matt McGovern 47 percent to 36.5 percent in the Labor Day survey. NBP says 16.5 percent were undecided at the time of the poll.

In the presidential race, NBP has GOP candidate Mitt Romney leading President Barack Obama 53.9 percent to 38.7 percent in South Dakota.

NBP officials say the question about the presidential race drew 512 responses and carries a 4.3 percent margin of error. The question on the U.S. House race drew 509 responses, with a 4.34 percent margin of error. The question on the PUC race drew 503 responses for a 4.37 percent margin of error.