Democrat Theresa Greenfield said that we need to address systemic racism not only in our policing, but other areas. The insinuation, then, is that Greenfield does indeed believe law enforcement is systemically racist.
Now, members of Iowa’s law enforcement community are calling out Greenfield for her statement.
“Theresa Greenfield’s flippant comments accusing all of Iowa’s police officers and departments of being racist are wrong — plain and simple,” said Clel Baudler, a retired state trooper. “She should apologize. Those comments don’t reflect the kind of leadership our communities need or want.”
Justin Rhamy, an 18-year veteran on the force, thanked Sen. Joni Ernst for her support of law enforcement.
“It’s disturbing that her opponent, Theresa Greenfield, is so recklessly accusing all of Iowa’s police of being racist and disrespecting the men and women in blue who I serve alongside from across the state who sacrifice so much to serve their communities,” said the Red Oak police chief.
Adair County Sheriff, Jeff Vandewater, said he believes “now more than ever,” we need a leader like Ernst who will stand up for our communities, our law enforcement and the rule of law.
“We must not allow ourselves as a society to become even more divided based on false claims that accuse all of Iowa’s police officers of being part of a racist institution,” Vandwater said. “That is not acceptable and wholly untrue.”
Ernst signed the Police Pledge to stand up for the men and women in law enforcement and to “oppose any bill, resolution, or movement to ‘Defund the Police.’”
