Republican gubernatorial candidate Kristi Noem is outspending her political opponents - while also accusing her primary challenger of violating campaign finance disclosure laws.
Noem outspent Democrat Jamie Smith six to one, according to campaign finance reports filed on Monday.
The Republican incumbent has spent $4,457,733. Smith has spent $734,909.
Smith entered the general election with 110,268. By contrast, Noem entered the general election with $7.8 million in her campaign war chest.
Smith said he’s working hard to connect with people and raise money. He said his campaign has done a good job in a short time.
“When you’re telling the truth. When you’re out there meeting the people where they’re at, and availing yourself to the public, doesn’t take as much money to do that," Smith said. " We’re connecting with people where they’re at in their communities.”
Smith has an ending balance of $254,983.
Meantime, the Noem campaign is raising questions about Smith’s campaign financial disclosures. State law requires a name an address for those donating more than $100. Smith’s filings are missing addresses.
Ian Fury is a spokesperson for Noem’s campaign.
“So, we’re calling for an immediate investigation into Jamie Smith’s campaign finance violations,” Fury said. “Governor Noem proved that you can file campaign finance reports correctly and according to law. Jamie Smith needs to follow the most basic requirements of campaign finance law.”
In a debate on SDPB, Smith described the filing as a clerical error that has been corrected. He says his campaign has been transparent.
"There is nothing going on that is malfeasance or wrongdoing on the part of our campaign," Smith said.
With two weeks left before the election, Noem has an ending balance of $6.2 million in her state campaign fund. Noem also outraised Smith three to one.
Libertarian Candidate Tracy Quint raised $900 and spent most of the campaign’s money. She has $46 dollars left.
Election day is November 8.
