Republicans are now on track to avoid a costly, high-profile primary in the South Dakota Senate race next year. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., announced Tuesday she will seek re-election rather than take on former Gov. Mike Rounds in the primary for the open seat. Her move clears a major hurdle in the GOP's path to picking up the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson. "I am grateful to everyone who has encouraged me and pledged support for a potential campaign for the U.S. Senate," Noem said in a statement. "However, after spending the weekend discussing our future with Bryon and our children, we decided that right now we are in the best position to serve South Dakota as a member of the U.S. House." (See also in Roll Call: Search For Anti-Rounds Candidate Continues In South Dakota) (more…)
