South Dakota state senator allegedly harassed a legislative aide because she vaccinated her child, causing divisions in the state's Republican Party. Gov.
Kristi Noem has branded the state the country's most conservative, but the party is splitting as an insurgent brand of Republicans challenges the establishment by taking hardline stances on social issues that defy medical or election officials' advice.
A routine discussion turned into a political drama in South Dakota's Senate, after a senator allegedly harassed a legislative aide over her decision to vaccinate her child.
The incident is the latest example of the Republican Party's division in the state, with more hardliners taking on the establishment's positions.
As The Independent reports, South Dakota's Republican stronghold is dominated by Gov.
Kristi Noem, who has previously branded it the country's most conservative state.
The party's younger, insurgent faction advocates for forcefully taking on social issues, regardless of the medical or election officials' advice.
The New York Post states that the incident has exposed the gentille code that usually runs the Senate, where lawmakers have historically worked for generations from wooden desks.
Insiders stated that the impact of the conflicts within the party could be felt across the country.