Noem Cancels KOTA Debate.

The spies on Dakota War College are sure quiet about this story: three sources (yes, plural) are telling me that that Kristi Noem is bailing out of her scheduled debate with Stephanie Herseth Sandlin on KOTA television. I've send a message to KOTA seeking confirmation of whether there's a Congressional candidates' debate on their calendar.

Now why, oh why would a candidate who has criticized he opponent for not making herself available to the public often enough turn around and cancel an opportunity to speak directly to the voters and answer tough questions? Has campaign mismanager Josh Shields decided that live debates just don't highlight Noem's best features? Or is Noem just allergic to all those big cats in the Black Hills?

If Now that Noem has canceled, let's hope she at least has the courtesy to inform her opponent's camp before the debate starts, unlike a certain other Republican on the November ballot.
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Update 12:55 CDT: Here's the straight poop from KOTA:

• July 1: KOTA invites U.S. House candidates to debate late August or early September.
• July 21: SHS campaign says no availability before the end of the House session; i.e., not 'til October.
• July 26: KOTA invites U.S. House candidates to debate week of October 11.
• July 27: SHS campaign agrees to October debate.
• September 21: Noem campaign declines October debate.

For the first time since 1968, KOTA will not have the chance to host a Congressional debate.