Although tonight’s Republican Candidate’s Mixer in Hot Springs has been described by some as a debate between Governor Kristi Noem and challenger Steve Haugaard, county party secretary Starla Russell says it’s not for 2 very good reasons.
The first is that the governor won’t be there. Russell says Noem’s campaign confirmed this morning that she would be unable to attend and would be sending a representative instead.
The other reason is that the format was never a debate. Instead, Noem – and now her representative – and Haugaard, the former Speaker of the South Dakota House, will each make a formal presentation and answer audience questions.
The Fall River Republican Party Candidate Mixer begins at 5:30 at the Hot Springs American Legion.