Congressional candidate releases 1st campaign commercial - KOTA Territory News

Race to Washington heats up between Noem and Varilek

They've been sparring in public forums all summer.  But Tuesday, democratic congressional candidate Matt Varilek ramps up his campaigning efforts.

Varilek released his first TV advertisement, in his bid to un–seat Republican congresswoman Kristi Noem.

In the ad, a narrator talks of Varilek's 'middle class values', and references his economic development experience with senator Tim Johnson's office.

Noem also has radio spots running, stressing the importance of disaster relief funding and a new farm bill.

Varilek has often criticized both Noem and the republican–controlled house for creating uncertainty for farmers and ranchers by failing to pass a new farm bill.

The South Dakota republican party has accused Varilek of being an "Obama sympathizer".

While Varilek's commercial was largely positive, he did make one veiled reference to his competitor.

"Special interests have their candidate, I'll work hard for you," said Varilek.

Rep. Kristi Noem's campaign manager, Tom Erickson released this statement regarding Varilek's commercial: "This ad is just another attempt by Matt Varilek to whitewash his record of supporting radical policies like President Obama's healthcare law and the cap-and-trade energy tax that would harm South Dakotas farmers and ranchers."