Golden, Colorado – The Jefferson County Republican Party in Colorado faced backlash and safety concerns leading to the cancellation of a fundraiser featuring South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. This decision came after reports emerged that Noem had detailed the shooting of her young dog in her upcoming book.
The cancellation was announced by Nancy Pallozzi, the Chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, on Friday. The fundraising dinner, scheduled for Saturday, was called off due to safety threats directed at the group, the governor, her staff, and the hotel hosting the event.
According to Pallozzi, after discussions with the Governor’s office, it was mutually agreed that safety was the top priority for all parties involved. The Denver West Marriott, where the event was set to take place, also expressed deep concerns over the safety and security of attendees, other guests, and their staff.
Noem had been slated to be a keynote speaker at the fundraiser, having accepted an invitation from the group in January. However, the event faced criticism following the release of an article by The Guardian, detailing the account of Noem shooting her 14-month-old dog, Cricket.
Despite the public outcry surrounding Noem’s book, the Jefferson County Republican Party maintained that they were not taking a stance on the matter. They highlighted Noem’s advocacy for Constitutional rights, freedom, and smaller government, aligning with the Republican Party’s platform.
In an interview, Pallozzi expressed regret over the financial losses incurred due to the cancellation of the fundraiser. However, the group assured full refunds for ticket holders and mentioned having 300 copies of Noem’s book for distribution at the event.
The group is currently in discussions with Noem regarding the possibility of rescheduling the event. As of now, it remains uncertain if the fundraiser featuring the governor will be held at a later date.
During a recent Fox News interview, Noem defended her decision to shoot the dog, citing concerns over its aggressiveness and the harm it caused to a neighbor’s livestock. The governor had previously responded to criticism on social media, emphasizing the tough decisions that farmers often have to make.
Noem, who has been considered a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, has been praised for her stance on key Republican issues. With her political future hanging in the balance, the controversy surrounding her book has stirred debate and divided opinions among supporters and critics.