In South Dakota, Candidates Work to Navigate Center-Right

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin holds a lot of sway with some Republican voters. But that hasn’t stopped South Dakota state Rep. Kristi Noem from distancing herself from the polarizing political figure in her challenge to four-term incumbent Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D).

Nicknamed South Dakota’s Sarah Palin , Noem said she has not been in communication with the former Alaska governor about the race.

“I haven’t talked to her at all,” Noem said in a recent interview. Palin hasn’t publicly endorsed Noem yet, but that isn’t something the first-time Congressional candidate is focused on.

“I haven’t thought too much about it,” Noem said. “Maybe it’s because I’m a new face. There is a real desire to find a label for me.”

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