By: Piper Hutchinson – May 2, 2024 3:30 pm
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who’s in the midst of a controversy over admitting to killing her dog, was in Baton Rouge to meet with Gov. Jeff Landry’s cabinet Thursday at the Capitol, multiple attendees at the meeting confirmed to the Illuminator.
Noem is reportedly still in consideration to be former President Donald Trump’s running mate in this fall’s election despite her recent revelation that she killed her dog Cricket with a shotgun. She spoke to Landry’s cabinet about lessons she has learned during her time as governor, according to sources inside the meeting.
Cricket’s untimely end, which Noem details in her new book, did not come up in the meeting, attendees said.
Landry was not in attendance at the meeting, which was just the second cabinet meeting held this term. Kate Kelly, a spokesperson for Landry, did not respond to requests for comment for this story.
Noem is a close personal friend of Landry’s. She has been among the participants in his annual alligator hunt fundraiser, an event that has also drawn Donald Trump Jr. and other national conservative figures.
Landry and Noem share other political connections as well.
Landry spent thousands to receive political advice from Corey Lewandowski for his governor’s campaign. Lewandowski and Noem are close and reportedly had an affair, although a spokesperson for Noem has denied the allegations.
Landry’s secretary for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Madison Sheahan, also worked “directly and indirectly” for Noem and was executive director of the Republican Party in South Dakota.
Noem is slated to make an appearance this week at a Palm Beach event with Trump Sr. and other potential vice presidential picks, Politico reports.
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