Issues
South Dakota’s Values and Principles are the same ones Kristi will take to Congress.
"America was built by people who longed for freedom, believed in individual responsibility and knew that government should serve the people - not the other way around. It is still true today, that the best government is the government that governs least." - Kristi Noem
Physician Access for Medicare Beneficiaries
In a rural state like South Dakota, it is essential our seniors have access to good doctors. I will work to fix the Medicare payment system to ensure access for all South Dakota beneficiaries. Medicare payment rates affecting the care for our seniors should not be a political issue.
Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud and abuse deprives our seniors of crucial health care resources. Part of lowering the cost of our health care system and keeping our promise to South Dakota seniors is putting a stop to Medicare fraud. We need to work harder to root out fraud in the current Medicare system and place a strong emphasis on fraud prevention.
Retirement Security
South Dakota seniors have put in a lifetime of hard work. They have paid into the system and we have the responsibility to make sure their retirement safety net is there as promised. I will work to protect Social Security for those in retirement and nearing retirement. I oppose privatizing Social Security.
Taxes and Spending
Too many politicians in Washington, DC believe that expanding government is the solution to every problem. The result we are faced with today is that the federal government has become large, intrusive and inefficient. This excessive growth is a direct threat to our liberty and to our values of individual responsibility and free enterprise. If elected to Congress, I will fight to protect our freedom and turn back the reach of government that is expanding deeper into our lives.
Healthcare
Putting the federal government between patients and their doctor is not the answer. If elected to Congress, I will support efforts to fully repeal the health care bill. If full repeal is not possible right away, then we must pursue other options to diminish its effect.
Second Amendment
The Constitution guarantees the individual’s right to keep and bear arms. I am strong supporter of the Second Amendment. Hunting is a large part of our family heritage and I enjoy hunting with friends and family. My family also runs a hunting operation, so I know firsthand the economic importance hunting has in our state.
Protecting Life
I am, and always have been, pro life. From the miracle of conception to a dignified death, life is precious and should be protected. The federal government has no business forcing taxpayers to pay for abortions.
If elected to Congress, I will maintain a 100% pro-life voting record.
National Security
Defending our nation is the most basic and important role the federal government will ever have. In recent years we have asked much of our military men and women. They have performed courageously and selflessly with each request. We must ensure that our armed forces have clear, definable missions and then follow that up with the resources, equipment and support they need to make sure the job gets done.
Immigration
Except for Native Americans, we’re all descendants of immigrants. I am proud of my German and Norwegian forbearers. Our nation welcomes law abiding, hard working people to share in our freedom and opportunity. But porous borders and unchecked illegal immigration are threats to citizens and legal immigrants alike.
Creating Jobs
Individual initiative and free enterprise will bring our economy back. Higher taxes and more regulations will slow down the recovery. The needless pork projects and the bailouts that the politicians tell us create jobs really just divert money from private sector job creators into government programs – with all the waste that comes with them.
Improving Education
Education is best managed at the state and local level with the cooperation of parents, teachers and local elected officials. I will support efforts to protect local control and minimize intrusion from the federal government.
Native American Issues
The nine Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota Tribes in South Dakota face numerous challenges, but as I visit with Native American leaders I also sense their hope and optimism for the future. I am committed to helping South Dakota’s tribes tackle the challenges that confront us.
Honoring Our Veterans
South Dakota has a history of military service that is among the highest in the nation. I am thankful for the many veterans our state has produced, including the numerous Native American vets, and for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation free and secure.
