Noem's Witnesses Also Campaign Contributors

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Rep. Kristi Noem has recently held
or testified at congressional hearings in South Dakota and
Washington packed with witnesses who between themselves, their
employees and their families have given her more than $19,000 in
campaign contributions.
     Noem is the lone U.S. House member from South Dakota and has
$790,224 in her campaign account. The congressional hearings
focused on farm dust regulation and pine beetles, both critical
issues to her constituents.
     Noem's office says the campaign donations of the witnesses who
appeared had nothing to do with the invitation from her to testify.
     Noem spokesman Joshua Shields says drawing a line between
donations and the testimony amounted to "cheap political
distractions." He says Noem is proud of her work.