(Atlantic, IA) – In part two of our report on the forum Republican forum held Tuesday in Atlantic, U-S Senate candidate Jim Carlin said with regard to a question about the U-S Constitution and basing decisions on the framing of historical document by our nation’s founders, he firmly believes in a government “Of the people, by the people, for the people,” but our leaders have long since departed from that.
Carlin, who mentioned he is a veteran of the U-S Army, an attorney and former member of both the Iowa House and Senate, said his fellow Republican opponent from Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, Representative Ashley Hinson, has voted to spend money on foreign situations that could have been used to benefit Americans.
Representative Hinson was unable to attend the event at the Cass County Community Center, Tuesday evening, because of her commitment to her duties in Washington, D-C. A spokesperson for Hinson, instead, from a statement Hinson prepared for the event, which in-part, touted her support and endorsement of President Trump, Governor Reynolds, as well as Senators Ernst and Grassley.
4th District Congressman Randy Feentra -who is running for Governor in Iowa – was also unable to attend the event in Atlantic due his duties in Washington. His spokesperson delivered opening statements on his behalf. Gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn also not in attendance, Tuesday. Keith Hansen from Audubon County spoke on his behalf. Third District Congressional Representative Zach Nunn could also not attend the event, and had someone speak on his behalf.
All of the candidates, including those for State Auditor, were asked what their plans were to “Grow Iowa,” or more specifically, rural Iowa? Abigail Maas said first be to “show up for work, because the current Auditor (Rob Sand) hasn’t shown-up for work for seven-years, because he’s out running for Governor,” and she would “audit the Auditor’s Office, to find out what the heck is going on?”
Maas said the Auditor’s Office needs to be modernized to do a better job of routing out waste, fraud and abuse. She said she “Will show up for work,” and make sure Iowans are getting what they are paying for when it comes to getting the work done in a timely manner. Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer, the other candidate for State Auditor said she would bring more transparency to the Office, and bring more people back to work in that office.
Brad Sherman, candidate for Governor, said he wants to see a network of small modular reactors to make Iowa a leader in the nation for energy production, and prevent regulations that prevent farmers from selling food to their neighbors.
He said also, the companies that want to take over and “run everything,” should be broken apart and given back to the people. Candidate Eddie Andrews said one of his plans is to provide incentives to young people who want to live and stay in rural Iowa, to “make our rural areas thrive.”
And, Adam Steen said from his travels across the State, he’s learned there are three main opportunities to capitalize on, to grow the rural areas: Skilled Trades/vocational studies; Health Care, and Education reform, as well as Education Savings Accounts.
