Matt Whitaker officially announces U.S. Senate bid

ANKENY, Iowa - Republican Matt Whitaker said he's worried about the future of the country, a growing federal government and its deficit.

“I'm not sure I can look my kids in the eye and honestly say in our country there will be better days,” Whitaker, a lawyer and father of three, told a crowd of two dozen supporters Monday at a small manufacturing plant in Ankeny.

They turned out in Whitaker's hometown near Des Moines to hear him officially announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

Whitaker, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa for five years under former President George W. Bush and played tight end for the University of Iowa football team from 1989 to 1992, peppered his announcement speech with references to both experiences.

Especially the football years. He spoke about catching a pass over the middle, about being offered a scholarship from legendary Hawkeyes coach Hayden Fry and going to the Rose Bowl. He even told a football story about his eldest son, Lincoln, failing to make a first down on a fourth-down-and-short-yardage situation and the fatherly pep talk that followed.

He used the pep talk to segue into what he believes are problems for the country.

“We have promised our next generation that they will have the American dream, but the only thing we seem to be handing them now is $50,000 in debt for every man, woman and child. That is why I am running,” Whitaker said. “There is not a doubt in my mind that Bruce Braley and Barack Obama will not make America strong. They will not have better days under their leadership.”

Rep. Braley, a Democrat from Waterloo, represents Iowa's 1st Congressional District. He officially began his campaign to replace  retiring Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, months ago. He's also the only Democrat in the race so far.

The Republican field includes Whitaker and 45-year-old David Young, who recently stepped down from his post as chief of staff for Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, in order to run for the Senate seat. State Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Red Oak, is also considering a run.

Stopping to take questions from the news media after the announcement, Whitaker said he was not in favor of the immigration reform package now moving through Congress “as I understand it.” He said it smacks of amnesty for undocumented residents.

Whitaker also said that he intends to take a black marker with him to Washington to find places where government can cut spending. Two areas that he said should be cut are payments to the United Nations and foreign aid.

“Like Egypt,” he said. “Why are we sending money to people who hate us?”