The South Dakota Democratic Party is praising Kamala Harris’ decision to name Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
State party chair Shane Merrill said Walz is a strong pick for vice president. Merrill noted his effort to provide free school meals for Minnesota students, as well as his willingness to work across party lines.
"With a slim Democratic majority in the Minnesota legislature, he's worked on bipartisan policies for the betterment of his state," Merrill said. "He has been a staunch advocate for reproductive rights and defended voting rights. He’s a former teacher who understands the struggles our educators and schools face today. He also grew up in a small town and knows what our rural areas need to thrive."
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is also reacting to the pick. The Republican governor called Walz an “extremist” – saying South Dakota has had a stronger economy than our neighbors to the east for years.
"Harris-Walz will be the most radical left-wing ticket in American history," Noem said in a social media post.
Walz is no leader. He’s a radical. I served with him in Congress. He pretended to be moderate, then showed his true extremist colors as soon as he became Governor.
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) August 6, 2024
South Dakota has been kicking Minnesota’s butt economically for years. Last year, nearly 7,000 Minnesotans moved to…