Congresswoman Kristi Noem, R-S.D., announced Tuesday that she plans to run for re-election to the House in 2014, passing up a chance to run for the South Dakota Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D.
"I am grateful to everyone who has encouraged me and pledged support for a potential campaign for the U.S. Senate," Noem said in a statement.
She added, "However, after spending the weekend discussing our future with Bryon and our children, we decided that right now we are in the best position to serve South Dakota as a member of the U.S. House."
Noem indicated that there is a lot more she still wants to accomplish in the House, specifically citing passage of a full five-year Farm Bill.
With Noem's decision, former South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, although conservative groups are hoping that he will get a challenge from his political right.
Noem did not endorse any specific candidate but said she would work hard to help elect a South Dakota Republican to the Senate.
"It is critical that we elect a Republican to the U.S. Senate in 2014 who will hold this Administration accountable, rein in wasteful spending and reduce our debt, and protect our liberties," Noem said.
Democrats are expected to have a hard time holding on to the seat after former Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson both indicated that they will not run.
Rick Weiland, who served as an aide to former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, has jumped into the race but will likely face a daunting challenge in a state Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney won by 18 percentage points in 2012.
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