Rising Republican star Kristi Noem is solidifying her lead in the South Dakota House race and now leads incumbent Democrat Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin by five points, according to a new poll.
While the race is still within the margin of error, Noem is now ahead 49-44, according to the Rasmussen poll. The latest survey continues a string of increasingly positive polls for the Republican.
Noem’s campaign believes that she has been helped by Herseth-Sandlin’s campaign style.
“South Dakotans are not responding well to Congresswoman Herseth-Sandlin’s negative personal attacks,” said Noem campaign manager Josh Shields. “Stephanie’s just basically resorted to slash and burn politics.”
National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Tom Erickson said the group is maintaining its steady course toward grabbing the last few undecided voters. Erickson stated that, apart from one recent ad, Democrats have pulled back resources from South Dakota.
“This is a time when [Democrats] really can’t afford to do that,” said Erickson, “We have Noem-entum.”
The Herseth-Sandlin campaign did not respond to a request for comment.