PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Democratic Party (SDDP) is calling for the firing of Gov. Kristi Noem’s chief of communications for what they say is “an utter failure in doing the basics of a public relations job.”

In their release, the SDDP says Noem’s communications director Ian Fury should not be paid more than $144,000 a year “to destroy the reputation of our state and negate the millions of dollars spent to advertise South Dakota across the country.”

Fury, an executive-level employee of the state, makes $144,610.50 annually, according to public record. The Republican governor herself receives a $139,100.00 salary from the state.

KELOLAND News has reached out to Fury for comment on the call for his firing. Any response will be added to this story.

The statement from the SDDP, issued jointly by party chair Shane Merrill and vice chair Jessica Meyers, says Fury’s firing should result from negative national headlines for South Dakota.

“At a time when Gov. Noem once again lacks a chief of staff, action must be made to hold individuals accountable for what can only be described as an utter failure in doing the basics of a public relations job. Fury should not have allowed the publication of the Governor’s recent book without proper fact-checking and review,” reads the statement.

The release also cites Noem’s “history of contempt and avoidance of our local news outlets,” as well as her “hostility towards our Tribal Nations.”

On Monday, KELOLAND News highlighted how Noem declined to speak with the South Dakota-based CBS affiliate on Monday. Interviews were given with CBS affiliate stations in Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis and Baltimore.

“It’s time South Dakota taxpayers stop paying for Fury’s incompetence,” concludes the statement.

On Tuesday, Democrat Rep. Linda Duba and Republican Rep. Mike Derby spoke to KELOLAND News about a May 6 story by Axios saying Noem was interested in becoming the CEO of the National Rifle Association.