My folks taught me at an early age a call to serve: in the classroom, in the Army as a chaplain and officer, and in the Statehouse and on the Woodbury County Board. I’m motivated by wanting to leave things even better than how we found it: to preserve, protect, and to give to our next generation the promises left to us by our parents and grandparents. That hope is what drives me today to answer a call to serve the people of the 4th District of Iowa in Congress.
We must keep focused on the kind of future we want to leave to our children. We face many national issues: a $22 trillion debt, high taxes, the erosion of our freedoms by federal overreach, a long war of 17 years illegal immigration without securing the border, and challenges with the ever-increasing cost of health care. How does the House of Representatives answer? Only with endless investigations, out-of-control spending, and radical ideas. I for one will roll up my sleeves and embody a different kind of governance bringing Iowa values and conservative principles to represent you and your family.
I answered the call when many grew convincingly alarmed that we will lose the 4th District seat and our opportunity to take back the United States House of Representatives. In fact, right here in Woodbury County on election night I received 19,187 votes winning with 55% of the vote while Congressman King lost with 15,708 votes, or 44%. Every county had a similar story so that Congressman King won by a mere 3%. Bottom-line is that we can’t take squander a 4th District, 70,000-Republican registration advantage and cede it to the Democrats if we are going to give the President a Congress that can move an agenda. The election was before we unfortunately lost a voice on committee assignments. Plus the headlines just haven’t stopped and though the media will always take advantage, we have to be discerning and avoid unforced errors. I want to get back to focusing on issues that affect our families and future generations—and winning.
But while I think it’s time to “turn the page,” I won’t go on CNN to bash a fellow conservative to raise money like establishment candidate Randy Feenstra whose folks say that the race is over based on money. My worry is that if we elect just another Republican, we will get the lack of leadership that led Republicans when they had control of Congress to squander the opportunity whether on immigration, life, spending, or healthcare. Far from it: you all have a voice in me who will represent you, a constitutional conservative who won’t just campaign as a conservative and govern as a moderate.
We must protect future generations from a “Green New Deal” costing $7.2 trillion, disastrous Medicare for All, open borders, and a disrespect for the sanctity of life. Congress must stop abdicating its responsibilities as it should be the strongest branch of limited government representing the people. I will champion free-market principles with family and faith rather than greater government and a desire to restore the promises of this great republic.
My commitments are below.
- Balance the budget; stop out-of-control spending.
- Defend the sanctity of life and the unborn
- Preserve our Second Amendment rights.
- Lower taxes so Iowa families keep more income.
- Slash burdensome regulations & federal overreach.
- Reform healthcare using the free market.
- Secure our borders and stop illegal immigration.
- Reignite our agricultural economy.
- Stand for veterans who sacrifice for our county.
One phrase describes our campaign: grass-roots momentum. We’re in Boone Monday night, Audubon this past Monday, and have been in Lyon, Sac, Woodbury, Sioux, Webster, at the District Convention, and will speak at the upcoming Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition. I appreciate the endorsements of Iowa Co-Chair for Trump (Ret.) Col. Brian Miller, State Representative Ross Paustian, Woodbury County Sheriff Dave Drew, Sergeant Bluff Mayor Jon Winkel, Ida County Supervisor Creston Schubert, and many more. This includes former Steve King donors who had given him more than $114,000. These conservatives have now switched sides because they appreciate that I will take the conservative mantle forward and go to fight for what’s right in Congress doing so in a way that will advance our shared cause.
Whether in the statehouse, the county courthouse, or in the military as a chaplain, I’ve always answered the call and stand ready to answer it once more. I look forward to visiting with you in your community as our campaign progresses. To learn more about the campaign, check out the website.
I’d be honored to represent you and your family at the federal level. Thanks, as always, for listening.
