JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) will speak in Golden this week amid bipartisan condemnation for her new book’s claim that killing an unruly puppy was a sign of her leadership ability.
An organizer for the Jefferson County Republicans fundraiser leaned into the controversy, teasing that Noem “will share her perspective on the animal killings” at the dinner event, adding “Don’t miss out.”
The Republican vice-presidential contender is defending her decision to kill the puppy and boast about the act in her upcoming book, “No Going Back.”
Attendees of the Jefferson County GOP fundraiser who purchase a $2,750 VIP ticket will receive a signed copy of the book.
In excerpts of the book obtained by The Guardian, Noem describes the dog as “untrainable” and “less than worthless.”
RELATED: Politicians and dog experts vilify South Dakota governor after she writes about killing her dog
Noem writes that she took the dog, Cricket, to a gravel pit and shot it in the head after it killed her neighbor’s chickens.
Noem’s book also recounts her killing of a goat, which she labeled “nasty and mean.” Noem writes that she failed the kill the goat with the first shot and had to go retrieve another shell to dispatch the wounded animal.
When contacted by a reporter, the Jefferson County GOP passed along a previously-released statement from Noem saying, in part, “tough decisions like this happen all the time on a farm.”
The Jefferson County GOP declined to issue 9NEWS a media credential to cover the fundraiser and Noem’s remarks, saying it will be a private event.
Karen Lipfert, who appeared Monday on conservative talk radio station KNUS to promote the event pointed to the controversy as a potential boon to ticket sales.
“I’m assured that it’s going to be a very fun event, and particularly so since I guess this little mini scandal has arrived,” Lipfert said on KNUS.
"I'm certain that Kristi will share her perspective on the animal killings at the Jeffco Republicans fundraiser event this Saturday!” Lipfert wrote on Facebook. “Don't miss out."
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