It appears to avoid controversy surrounding the Bachmann fiasco that is developing, the GOP has created a position to bring Noem into.
Noem, who defeated incumbent Democrat Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, is poised for a leadership position in Congress. Some say it's a remarkable honor for an incoming freshman Congresswoman.
Noem was in the KELOLAND Newsroom, speaking to Fox News via satellite when they asked her about this new leadership position.
While many believe she's the insider's choice, Noem says the freshman class still needs to vote on it. But she is interested because she says South Dakota stands to benefit from it.
"When you're in that circle that's helping set the agenda and make those decisions, it's good and a positive thing to have someone who is there who's got their ear," Noem said.
It's been widely reported the GOP, which will gain control of the House this January, created the new leadership position with Noem in mind.
"I was very surprised by that when I saw that too. I think the first I heard about it somebody called me and said they saw it on Fox News," Noem said.
The incoming freshman class will be about a third of the GOP representation in the House. Noem has been talked about in Washington circles ever since she announced and has been described as a rising star in politics.
"I don't know if it gives me a leg up or not. I think people will have to look at the different candidates interested in the position to see who they think will be most effective," Noem said.
Political analysts say Noem is young, charismatic and brimming with Tea Party credibility. That's something she's not distancing herself from like she did during her campaign.
"No, I think they have some good ideas and the Tea Party has found a lot of what I ran on and agree with it. They agree with cutting spending and they agree with small limited government. That's all those things I talked about and wanted to go to D.C. and work on," Noem said.
Noem leaves for Washington this Sunday for freshman orientation. The freshman class will then vote on the leadership position one week from Wednesday.
The official title of the leadership position is Representative of the Incoming Freshmen. So it's not as big of a deal as it sounds. I still believe this is pathos for the TEA Parties to buy into anyway. As well, I guess our smack-talking auctioneer who can't even define free trade has already been pushed aside. Go figure.
