State Rep. Kristi Noem (R) said 10/21 that the DCCC should pull a TV ad that "suggests her bad driving record means she could endanger children." Noem's driving record became an issue months ago after reports surfaced that she has had 28 traffic violations in the past decade.

DCCC spokesperson Gabby Adler "defended" the ad. Adler: "Nothing changes the fact that each time Kristi Noem got behind the wheel with complete disregard for the law, she endangered the lives of everyone else on the road." The ad is currently airing in the Rapid City market, which covers the western part of the state, and Adler said a decision will soon be made on whether to air it in the "more populous" Eastern half.

Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D) spokesperson Betsy Hart said voters care about Noem's driving record. Hart: "She seems to think the rules that everyone else plays by don't apply to her." Noem said the ad goes "over the top" and should be pulled "because it has nothing to do with issues." Noem: "To infer I would be reckless with children is not fair" (Brokaw, AP, 10/21).