Trump ‘honored the Constitution,’ Noem says in convention speech

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem praised former President Donald Trump’s commitment to the Constitution at the Republican National Convention, without acknowledging his criminal indictment for subverting it. She also highlighted South Dakota’s economy and policies, but faced criticism from the Democratic Party. Trump was formally nominated for president, and U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance was announced as his running mate. Continue reading Trump ‘honored the Constitution,’ Noem says in convention speech

Who leads South Dakota if Noem runs for vice president? ‘I still get to be governor’ she says.

Standing next to a row of bookcases in the Mitchell High School library, South Dakota’s lieutenant governor was asked about taking the reins of state government.

It’s a sensitive subject for Larry Rhoden, who has embraced his supporting role as Gov. Kristi Noem’s second-in-command since entering office in 2019 following 16 years in the state Legislature.

“I try not to bring it up,” said the Union Center rancher when asked by News Watch about how his duties might change if Noem is chosen as Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee on the Republican ticket. “I don’t want to make it look like I’m thinking about it.”

Despite that political prudence, the subject is hard to avoid.

Continue reading Who leads South Dakota if Noem runs for vice president? ‘I still get to be governor’ she says.