The last question of their debate Friday might have delivered the defining moment for the two candidates seeking South Dakota’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Kristi Noem, the Republican incumbent Kristi Noem, asked Democratic challenger Matt Varilek to name three ways re-election of President Barack Obama would be good for South Dakota.  Varilek refused to give even one.

Sioux Falls – Memorial Day is a time for remembrance. We honor those who have died in defense of our freedom, and we fondly recall our friends and family who have left us. This Memorial Day, I hope you will take a moment to remember our two friends, Bill and Jim.

Sioux Falls  - South Dakota Republican Party Chairman Tim Rave released the following statement on Governor Mitt Romney's Vice Presidential choice, Congressman Paul Ryan:

Sioux Falls -  With a South Dakota political blog reporting that a staffer for Senator Tim Johnson may be helping Matt Varilek campaign while being paid by the Senator's official office, the South Dakota Republican Party Chairman Tim Rave called on Sen. Tim Johnson's office to provide evidence proving that his staff isn't misusing taxpayer resources. The SDGOP is specifically asking Johnson's office for copies off all expense and mileage information that has been or will be filed with the Secretary of the Senate for June and July 2012.

Sioux Falls - With Matt Varilek making yet another blustery speech about Medicare, the Republican Party of South Dakota released a statement highlighting the fact that Varilek has no plan to save Medicare from bankruptcy. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services says that the Medicare trust fund will be insolvent by 2024. Varilek has also endorsed ObamaCare, which raided the Medicare trust fund.

Sioux Falls - With a new study reporting that nearly one-in-ten employers are planning to drop health coverage as a result of ObamaCare, the South Dakota Republican Party today released the following statement criticizing Democratic congressional candidate Matt Varilek for supporting the president's government takeover of healthcare.

Sioux Falls -  South Dakota Republican Party Chairman Tim Rave released the following statement today blasting House Democrats for conspiring to block the Farm Bill because of reforms to food stamp programs that, among other things, would prevent lottery winners from receiving federal benefits. Democratic candidate Matt Varilek has said he opposes the common sense food stamp reforms included in the House bill.