Rep. Noem And Varilek Wrap Up Campaigns

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
November 05, 2012 6:42 PM


Matt Varilek hit the streets of Mitchell Monday shaking hands and introducing himself.
And, due to a recent ad run by the South Dakota GOP, gaining voters for his appreciation of a state fair staple.   

“Literally, the last person I talked too just said, ‘he's voting for me because he likes corn dogs,’” said Matt Varilek.

Representative Kristi Noem tries to wrangle up some more votes on the west side of the Missouri River. Making calls to voters in spearfish and trying to keep her seat as South Dakota's lone congresswoman.

“We feel really good. We have worked hard to make sure people know some of the successes we've been able to achieve the last two years but also what we still need to do what will be good for South Dakota and our families,” said Noem.

But, Varilek says the U.S. House not agreeing on a farm bill before it expired shows a lack of cooperation between parties in D.C.

“One key theme in my campaign is that we need to start having more members of congress who are willing to work together. Right now, the principal seems to be my way or the highway and I bring a different style, “said Varilek.

Both candidates hope to tackle the deficit issue.  

“We're looking to live within our means and tighten our belts but also that we fund our priorities at the federal government level,” said Noem.

“I want to get serious about shrinking the budget deficit. And that means doing it in a balanced way where we cut some spending but also we resist the temptation of huge new tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires,” said Varilek.  

And as the final day of campaigning winds down Kristi Noem hopes her record over the last two years will help her win this election  

“We're going to continue to work until we run out of time and hopefully people will continue to give us support and we'll be humbled to represent South Dakota,” said Noem.       

Two candidates vying for the same seat, try to convince voters across the state, they're the person for the job.