SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Democratic challenger Paula Hawks is critical of Congresswoman Kristi Noem's departure from the House Ag Committee to Ways and Means.
South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal says ways and means is important to agriculture too.
VanderWal says tax reform has to start in ways and means. He says that committee also overseas international trade which extremely important to South Dakota agricultur.
VanderWal says Noem continues to have influence with ag committee members.
He says there a lot of other things in the agriculture committe beside ag issues and those members continue to consult with Noem as issues come up.
VanderWal says most of the criticism is political.
VanderWal says Noem approaced the Farm Bureau about switching from ag to ways and means and he says the organization gave her its blessing.
(Thanks Jerry Oster WNAX Yankton)