VERMILLION, S.D. (KTIV) -
If you're hoping to learn where your candidate stands on the issues watch them engaged in debate. The Rushmore State got a better understanding of two candidates fighting for the opportunity to serve has the state's lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Republican Kristi Noem is hoping voters will give her another two year term. Challenger, Democrat Matt Varilek, is stepping into the ring for the first time as a candidate after years of serving Senators Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson in Washington.
At this televised debate, which aired on South Dakota Public Broadcasting, the two clashed on budgets, veterans issues and even the safety net for farmers.
Rep. Kristi Noem said, "Farming is a risky business, you know I've spent my life in agriculture. And crop insurance does that for a commodity producer. But, the unfortunate thing is in light of this drought that we have going on across our state, we have no livestock disaster programs in place. The best thing congress can do is pass a five year farm bill."
"This is a year when we're writing a farm bill. And with the drought going on and the farm bill set to expire, you would have thought that our members of congress would be focused on this issue and getting the job done in order to write that new farm bill, keep a strong safety net in place, and also make some cuts so we tighten our belts in agriculture just like everyone else," said Democratic Candidate Matt Varilek.
Varilek is originally from Yankton, South Dakota. Noem lives on a ranch near Castlewood.
