South Dakota GOP Sen. Mike Rounds expressed concern that Gov. Kristi Noem’s admission of shooting a dog on her family farm in her book could harm her chances with voters if she were to be selected as former President Donald Trump’s running mate. Rounds emphasized the personal and private nature of deciding to put down a pet and questioned the wisdom of making such a revelation publicly. The excerpt from Noem’s book revealed that she shot her 14-month-old dog Cricket because it was deemed untrainable and dangerous.
The story of Noem shooting her dog has sparked discussion about its potential impact on her political future. Rounds noted that the topic of dogs as family members resonates with people, suggesting that the revelation could be detrimental to Noem’s image. A poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference showed that she tied for first place as the top choice for Trump’s running mate, indicating her political stature. Rounds expressed unease about the decision to include the story in her book, citing his lack of experience in writing books.
Noem’s fellow South Dakotans in Congress expressed varying levels of concern over the controversy surrounding her admission. Senate Minority Whip John Thune refrained from commenting extensively on the issue, emphasizing that the decision of who Trump selects as his running mate ultimately rests with him. Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson defended Noem, highlighting the realities of life in rural America and the necessity of making tough decisions on farms.
Noem defended her actions in a statement, emphasizing the common occurrence of tough decisions like putting down animals on a farm. She also referenced other instances of having to euthanize animals on her property, noting that these decisions are part of life in rural communities. Meanwhile, Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney took a jab at Trump and his potential VP choices, referencing his own experiences with animals and emphasizing the importance of principles.
In addition to shooting her dog, Noem’s book also details an incident where she shot a goat that was causing trouble by chasing and knocking down her children. The revelation further highlights the tough decisions and responsibilities that come with living on a farm. The political ramifications of these revelations are yet to be fully understood, with different lawmakers offering contrasting opinions on the potential impact on Noem’s political future. Ultimately, the decision of whom Trump chooses as his running mate will depend on various factors, including public perception and personal relationships within the Republican Party.
