Check these candidates out!

This post is going to piggyback off commoniowan’s post below. Instead of talking about what needs to change in the GOP, we need to start DOING! We need to start identifying candidates that reflect our values, that will be solid leaders, and then we need to work to ensure that these candidates are elected to office.

In recent weeks, I have been fortunate enough to meet two great candidates who understand the issues facing Iowans and who understand that social conservatism and economic conservatism really go hand-in-hand. Both are young, have great ideas, and are working tirelessly to get elected. These candidates are Jarret Heil (Senate District 22) and Ryan Rhodes (House District 45).

Jarret has impressed me with his passion and committment to the people of Iowa and a good understanding of the underlying issues that shape public policy. We had a good conversation about  how big government fails low-income families and that the issues low-income families face are best solved locally, through economic development and really just “loving your neighbor as yourself.” As a person interested in the issues that low-income families face, I can honestly say that Jarret “gets it”. It was very refreshing to talk to a politician about these issues in an open and frank manner. Jarret will also be strong supporter of the rights of the unborn and traditional marriage and understands these issues are the crux of the moral dilemma facing our nation . Additionally, he has used networking sites such as Facebook to his advantage by using these sites to recruit volunteers and supporters and then communicate with them about campaign events etc. It is absolutely fabulous to see his network of young volunteers/supporters.

Ryan has impressed me with his passion and enthusiasm. If you live in his district, chances are you’ll get an in-person visit from him or one of his volunteers. He really cares about the issues that affect Iowans and has a vision for bringing change to Iowa politics. As with Jarret, Ryan understands that social and economic issues are intertwined and has good understanding of the issues that underlay public policy. He understands a wide-array of policy issues, but most importantly Ryan will stand up for the rights of the unborn and traditional marriage. It is refreshing to see his strong stance on these issues especially in a culture that is increasingly hostile to his viewpoint. Ryan is also mobilizing the youth vote by focusing on college students and finding new ways of networking with voters from from a variety of backgrounds.

You can visit their sites below:

http://rhodes2change.iowafcr.org/

http://www.heilforsenate.com

As the election nears, I will continue to blog about these candidates as well as post opposition research about their challenger (trust me it will be good). In the meantime, please look at their websites, sign-up to volunteer, tell your friends about them, and/or send some $$$$$$$$$$$$.

This is off-track, but as I write this I’m watching TV (it’s called multi-tasking). I must say that the number and content of reality TV is, as my friend Tami would say, OOC (out-of-control). And we wonder why the children in our society have issues.