A Johnson County Democrat won’t win statewide
I agree with the editorial board’s May 24 comments regarding the primary race for Iowa’s Senate seat to replace Joni Ernst. Both candidates seem capable; there are small differences in their approach to their opponent and the points they emphasize. Zach Wahls obviously has more experience speaking in public, an advantage in interviews and debates.
Where I totally disagree is your conclusion about “electability.” Yes, Wahls’ first district included large rural areas of Iowa, but it is in Johnson County and also includes Coralville, North Liberty, and other outlying areas of Iowa City.
It is critical to note that in each of the last three races for the 1st Congressional District, which included Wahls’ Iowa Senate district, the Democratic candidate had an advantage of approximately 30,000 votes from Johnson County. This margin was overwhelmed by the other countries in the district — the Democrat lost in each of these three elections. The most successful won three out of 20 counties.
It is hard to imagine that Wahls’ success would carry over to the even redder parts of the state. Looking at the numbers, it is not a wash at all — Josh Turek’s success in his very red district is far more significant.
Mary Hoyer, Salem
VoteVets support shows Josh Turek’s independence is compromised
Why is it that Josh Turek can afford to have all the advertising on TV and Zach Walls can’t? Josh Turek says he’s only using “grass roots” money and no PAC money. So why does he have so much more in “grass roots” donations?
VoteVets has spent $6.7 million dollars on advertising thus far. If you want to know who VoteVets is just Google it. Then Google “what is the relationship between Chuck Schumer and VoteVets.” You’ll find out they are joined at the hip.
If you want to elect another politician beholden to the special interests, vote Josh Turek. If you want to elect a senator beholden to Chuck Schumer, so we’ll get nothing but what the donors want, vote Josh Turek.
I’m supporting Zach Wahls because I want leadership beholden to the little man and not Chuck Schumer and the moneyed interests.
Jerry Fees, Bondurant
Randy Feenstra will keep Iowa humming
I urge all Republicans to vote for Randy Feenstra on for governor on June 2.
U.S. Rep. Feenstra is the only person who has the name recognition and campaign resources to win in the November election. He has a proven track record of serving in the Iowa Legislature and currently serves in the United States Congress.
He is a resident of small-town America and understands firsthand what Iowans need in the future to thrive. His job experience ensures no on-the-job training in the governor’s office, and can hit the ground running.
He is a man of faith who is wanting to fight for all Iowans. He is the best person we need now to keep this state going in the right direction.
Drew Murphy, West Des Moines
Brad Sherman keeps his word
After listening to five Republican candidates for Iowa governor, I’m voting for Brad Sherman. Every political candidate makes promises. That’s the easy part. As a former legislator, Sherman has worked hard to achieve good things for Iowa. As a candidate for governor, he has a vision that is sound and practical. And he makes four promises to the Iowa voter: He’ll admit when he makes a mistake, he won’t shift his core principles, he won’t be swayed by donors, and he’ll seek God through prayer and wise counselors.
That may not sound fancy, but those character traits are what is most needed in today’s world and in leadership especially. Those who know Brad Sherman know he is a man of his word.
Michael Mallie, Kalona
Lisa Chiodo is right for the recorder job
Experience matters! During my tenure as Polk County recorder, I have been asked, “Why is your position an elected one?” My answer has always been, “County government is the best form of government. Local government provides quicker and better service than any state agency. I have always believed exceptional customer service should be our number one priority, and I have the staff and hundreds of acknowledgments to prove we met that goal!”
Lisa Chiodo is one of those people. She has taken it upon herself to learn every department in the Polk County Recorder’s Office for the last nine years. She understands that the timely filing of real estate documents in our office is essential to the economy. Lisa understands that being able to produce a
certified copy of a marriage, birth or death is also important, and citizens rely on the ability to obtain all these records in a timely fashion. Lisa also understands the importance of a Statewide Land Records System and the concern citizens have regarding fraud. The integrity and accessibility to our records is vital to purchasing a home, getting a job, planning a wedding, entering school, planning a funeral and other life events that need verification of identities.
A vote for Lisa Chiodo is a vote for experience and integrity! A vote that will insure citizens a seamless transition, quick access to records and the same great service they have come to expect and deserve.
Julie M. Haggerty, Polk County recorder
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Reader endorsements for Turek, Wahls, Feenstra, Sherman | Letters
Reporting by The Register’s readers, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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